Chad Michael Lester - Airline Transport Pilot, Flight Instructor, Mechanic, Ground Instructor

Chad Lester is an FAA-certified pilot, flight instructor, aircraft mechanic, and ground instructor based in Lincoln Univ, PA. Chad Michael Lester holds a Airline Transport Pilot certificate with Airplane Multi-Engine Land (AMEL) and Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) ratings. This certificate includes type ratings for the BBD-700, Bombardier Challenger 600 Series (CL-600), Diamond DA50 (DA-50), DA-2000, and GVI, authorizing the holder to serve as pilot in command of these aircraft types. The Airline Transport Pilot certificate is the highest level of pilot certification issued by the FAA, authorizing the holder to act as pilot in command of scheduled airline operations and any aircraft for which they hold a type rating. ATP certification requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of total flight time and passing rigorous written and practical examinations. Chad holds a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate with Airplane Single-Engine and Instrument Airplane 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. Chad 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). Chad holds a Ground Instructor certificate. This certificate authorizes the holder to provide ground training for pilot certification and endorsements. Chad Lester 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 First Class medical, valid through July 2026. The FAA airman records for Chad Lester are tracked and verified by AviatorDB.