Born and raised on Long Island, NY, James has been interested in aviation since early childhood. His first discovery flight was at Long Island MacArthur Airport and he has been infatuated with aviation ever since.
James obtained his FAA Private Pilot Certificate at age 17 in his senior year of high school, and obtained his Airline Transport Pilot certificate at the age of 21. He attended Farmingdale State College in Farmingdale, NY, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Administration.
James is extremely well versed with international ferry experience, having completed his first international ferry at the age of 19. He has ferried Cessna 182's, Piper Cherokees, Cessna 172's, among many other aircraft large distances in complex environments.