Jim began his aviation career in 1974 and is still going strong. A Navy helicopter pilot for 20 years, he flew the SH-3D Sea King, SH-2F Seasprite, and UH-1N Iroquois. He did two tours as a flight instructor, in the T-28B/C Trojan and TH-57B/C Sea Ranger. This was followed by a 7 year airline career which ended on 9/12/01 (and ended his employer, Midway Airlines), courtesy of bin Laden.

Hired by Air Logistics on 9/24/01, he has returned to his helicopter roots. A dual qualified ATP with over 17,000 hours, Jim holds type ratings in the S-61, Beech 1900, and Canadair CRJ.