Thomas Mitchel Ard - Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor, Mechanic

Thomas Ard is an FAA-certified pilot, flight instructor, and aircraft mechanic based in Clover, SC. Thomas Mitchel Ard holds a Commercial Pilot certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) 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. Thomas holds a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate with Airplane Single-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. Thomas 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). Thomas Ard 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 October 2026. The FAA airman records for Thomas Ard are tracked and verified by AviatorDB.