Chelsea Smith, Pilot & A&P Mechanic, Partners with ArtCraft Paint

ArtCraft Paint completed the interior and exterior refurbishment for Chelsea (@highmaintenance_chels) Smith’s Cessna 150F in December 2023. Chelsea worked as an A&P mechanic at ArtCraft during the time of her aircraft’s restoration.

Updated October 2024

ArtCraft Paint, a full-service airplane painting shop, completed Chelsea Smith’s Cessna 150F restoration. Chelsea is a commercial pilot and Airframe and Powerplant mechanic with Inspection Authorization. In addition to sponsoring the refurbishment of Chelsea’s Cessna 150F, ArtCraft brought Chelsea on as a consultant and Director of Maintenance.

Chelsea is originally from Kentucky and now considers the skies the place she feels most at home. A digital nomad, Chelsea travels around the United States and works wherever she lands. 

In her role at ArtCraft, which spanned from September to December 2023, Chelsea provided direction to the A&P team and worked on airframe needs, such as inspections, electrical work, and general repairs.

“We met Chelsea in Oshkosh at the 2023 EAA AirVenture fly-in,” said Teresa Arredondo, President & CEO of ArtCraft Paint. “We really connected on our passion for the aviation industry and educating others about all that goes into painting a plane.” 

Chelsea flew her Cessna 150F 1,200nm to the ArtCraft headquarters in Santa Maria, California. She said she was drawn in by our craftsmanship and ability to turn ordinary airplanes into flying works of art. 

After earning an associate degree and becoming a certified mechanic in early 2018, Chelsea completed her flight training to become a private pilot in late 2018. 

“I am really excited to not only have my airplane refurbished by the aviation painting industry gold standard—ArtCraft Paint—but to also be able to see it take shape and be here every step of the way,” Chelsea said. “I can’t wait for my 150F to get the much-needed TLC it deserves.” 

Check out the results!

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