PUC Welcomes Back Nathan Tasker As Aviation Director

From 2001-2006, Nathan Tasker was the flight center director for the aviation department at Pacific Union College. After 18 years of being away, he returns to his old job.

A mission pilot friend of Tasker alerted him of the desperate need for Christ-centered pilots in the field. This factored into his decision to accept this position at PUC. Tasker saw new opportunities within the Adventist church to revisit some aviation policies, which would improve the ability to serve in many countries. Although the domestic aviation industry has challenges, he believes in trying new things to revolutionize technical and spiritual approaches to excellence.

“I can only say that God placed it on my heart to return to PUC to try to make a difference,” said Tasker. “It’s not a logical career progression—but I am sure God is leading us.”

Tasker grew up as a missionary kid in the Solomon Islands and witnessed firsthand how a professional humanitarian airplane service on a schedule could transform an entire country. Before the plane arrived at their island, it took days in boats and canoes to get there. It was difficult to get supplies and medical care. They had no telephone or radio and only occasionally had electricity. Having an airplane changed everything.

“Suddenly, we could break down barriers and cross boundaries—both political and social, as well as physical,” shared Tasker. “We communicated with the outside world. When the national hero (aka the mission pilot) let me hold the controls of his Piper Aztec at the age of six, I was hooked! I, too, wanted to be a hero.”

These experiences made Tasker interested in aviation. In 2000, he graduated with a B.T. in Aviation Flight and Maintenance from Andrews University and received an M.A. in Christian Apologetics in 2016 from Biola University.

He spent ten years teaching and working administrative duties in aviation, had a rewarding 11-year career as an aeromedical pilot, and was an airline pilot and simulator instructor on the Airbus 320/231 series. Tasker found these jobs fulfilling while also having the chance to be a youth pastor.

As he starts leading PUC’s aviation program, he continues the purpose of preparing Christ-centered pilots for lives of service. “My view of the geographical coordinates of the mission has expanded in the last 18 years since our first term at PUC,” said Tasker. “I know the domestic industry well enough to know we have a bigger job than I first realized. I want to see our aviation majors develop resilience, which, in my experience, is only ever possible in the context of a growing relationship with Jesus.”

Tasker believes the program will grow with the help of the PUC community by finding opportunities, coaches, and supporting their department. He also asks to help spread the word about PUC’s aviation program to get involved in community events and for others to take an introductory flight in an aircraft or try their simulator. “We believe intercessory prayer is powerful,” said Tasker. “Please join us in prayer as we make some exciting changes to the program.”

PUC is ecstatic to welcome Tasker back to campus and see him lead the aviation program.