James Elson Smith - Private Pilot, Mechanic

James Smith is an FAA-certified pilot and aircraft mechanic based in Palmdale, CA. James Elson Smith holds a Private Pilot certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) rating. A Private Pilot certificate authorizes the holder to fly aircraft for personal and recreational purposes, carry passengers, and share operating expenses. Private pilots may not fly for compensation or hire. 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). Their most recent FAA medical certificate is a Third Class medical, valid through October 2027. The FAA airman records for James Smith are tracked and verified by AviatorDB.