Leo Vern Wadekamper - Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor, Mechanic, Ground Instructor, Senior Parachute Rigger

Leo Wadekamper is an FAA-certified pilot, flight instructor, remote pilot, aircraft mechanic, and ground instructor based in Helena, MT. Leo Vern Wadekamper holds a Commercial Pilot certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL), Airplane Single-Engine Sea (ASES), 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. Leo holds a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate with Airplane Single and Multi-Engine rating. A Certified Flight Instructor certificate authorizes the holder to provide flight training to student and certificated pilots, including ground and flight instruction, solo endorsements, practical test endorsements, and biennial flight reviews. Leo holds a Remote Pilot certificate with Weight and Balance and Chest 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. Leo 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). Leo holds a Ground Instructor certificate. This certificate authorizes the holder to provide ground training for pilot certification and endorsements. Leo Wadekamper 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 June 2026. The FAA airman records for Leo Wadekamper are tracked and verified by AviatorDB.