James William Watson - Flight Instructor, Mechanic, Ground Instructor, Remote Pilot

James Watson is an FAA-certified flight instructor, remote pilot, aircraft mechanic, and ground instructor based in Fairbanks, AK. James William Watson holds a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate with Airplane Single and Multi-Engine, Rotorcraft Helicopter, and Instrument (type unspecified) ratings. 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. James holds a Remote Pilot certificate with Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) rating. 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. 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 Ground Instructor certificate. This certificate authorizes the holder to provide ground training for pilot certification and endorsements. James Watson 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. The FAA airman records for James Watson are tracked and verified by AviatorDB.