James Thompson Franklin - Commercial Pilot, Mechanic, Flight Engineer

James Franklin is an FAA-certified pilot, aircraft mechanic, and flight engineer based in Gilbert, SC. James Thompson Franklin holds a Commercial Pilot certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL), Airplane Multi-Engine Land (AMEL), and Instrument Airplane ratings. A Commercial Pilot certificate authorizes the holder to fly aircraft for compensation or hire, including charter flights, aerial photography, banner towing, cargo operations, and other commercial aviation activities. Commercial certification requires a minimum of 250 hours of flight time. James holds an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certificate. An A&P certificate is the most comprehensive FAA mechanic certification, authorizing the holder to inspect, maintain, and repair both aircraft structures (fuselage, wings, control surfaces, landing gear) and engines (reciprocating, turbine, and turboprop powerplants). A&P mechanics are qualified to perform the broadest range of aircraft maintenance, including annual inspections when combined with an Inspection Authorization (IA). James holds a Flight Engineer certificate with Turbojet rating. This certificate authorizes the holder to serve as a flight engineer on aircraft that require a flight engineer as part of the flight crew. James Franklin also holds an FAA Inspection Authorization (IA), the highest level of maintenance certification issued by the FAA. An IA authorizes the holder to perform annual inspections on aircraft, approve aircraft for return to service after major repairs or alterations, and supervise progressive inspection programs. Inspection Authorization holders must meet stringent experience requirements and pass annual refresher training to maintain their authorization. Their most recent FAA medical certificate is a Third Class medical, valid through March 2027. The FAA airman records for James Franklin are tracked and verified by AviatorDB.