James Brian Elston - Private Pilot, Mechanic

James Elston is an FAA-certified pilot and aircraft mechanic based in Mooresville, NC. James Brian Elston holds a Private Pilot certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) rating. A Private Pilot certificate authorizes the holder to fly aircraft for personal and recreational purposes, carry passengers, and share operating expenses. Private pilots may not fly for compensation or hire. 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 Elston 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 December 2027. The FAA airman records for James Elston are tracked and verified by AviatorDB.