Richard Ray Swanson - Commercial Pilot, Mechanic, Senior Parachute Rigger

Richard Swanson is an FAA-certified pilot, remote pilot, and aircraft mechanic based in Williston, VT. Richard Ray Swanson holds a Commercial Pilot certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) and Airplane Multi-Engine Land (AMEL) 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. Richard holds a Remote Pilot certificate with Weight and Balance, Chest Parachute Rigger, and Seat Parachute Rigger ratings. A Remote Pilot certificate under 14 CFR Part 107 authorizes the holder to operate small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) weighing less than 55 pounds for commercial purposes, including aerial photography, surveying, inspections, and other professional applications. Richard 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). Richard Swanson 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 Second Class medical, valid through July 2026. The FAA airman records for Richard Swanson are tracked and verified by AviatorDB.