Proud

Can I brag for just a minute about this guy?  (The big one, not the little one :)

I am SO proud of him for passing his written FAA Airframe and Powerplant exam!  

For those of you who know as much about airplanes as I did before marrying into this world (basically I knew just how to relax on one with a beverage as I flew to my destination), it is basically the written portion of the exam to certify you with an American mechanics license.  

While he doesn't need this license to serve in Brazil, he decided to study for the test and take it while we're in the US because:

1. He wanted to make sure his knowledge was up to the American level (which is a higher level than what is expected by the Brazilian government) 

2. God was clearly giving him the opportunity (long story) so why not?  You never know what doors it will open in the future.  

3.  The head mechanic from our mission was encouraging him to do it while here

So, to the books he went.  Most people take a course on the subject and/or study slowly for many months or even years but Jeyson only had about 8 weeks from the time it was decided he would take it.  And, yes he did have a leg up from years of mechanical experience, but so do all mechanics taking the test (since in the US you have to work as a mechanic several years before taking it) and it is still considered hard.  It covered everything from very simple old airplanes to modern jets, so the subject was enormous.  And not only that, but he decided to take all 3 of the areas covered in the test in one day, something most people don't choose.  But, after 4 hours of testing he passed!  I'm so proud of him.  And the most important part is Jeyson feels like he learned a ton through the experience.  The test not only checked to make sure his knowledge is up to the more stringent US standards, but studying for it helped prepare him to get there, so it was definitely worthwhile taking.  

The next step is getting inspected by an FAA inspector as he works around the hangar for 2 days next week.  Please be praying that he passes this part too and he will have the certification for life.