AIRCRAFT PILOT

Eligibility Requirements

US Citizenship

Career Category

Aviation

Job Summary

The mission of the US Army Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) is to provide test and test support services for authorized customers, within DoD and outside DoD, including government and non-government organizations, domestic and foreign. Provide comprehensive test and training both real and simulated; provide expert knowledge and technical services including instrumentation application, facility operations, manufacturing and fabrication; exploit emerging technologies; and develop leading edge instrumentation and test methodologies.

Job Responsibilities

Serves as pilot in command while operating single and multi-engine rotary wing aircraft. Also performs one or more duties in a specific functional area of aircraft operations.

1. Serves as pilot-in-command (PC) while operating single and multi-engine rotary wing aircraft perform airlift support for DOD personnel, support of research and development test projects, emergency medical evacuations, aerial fire suppression, paradrops and water rescue operations. May be required to transport classified, chemical or other hazardous cargo. May be required to perform extended flights to and from a wide variety of points, with responsibility for safely transporting passengers and/or classified, chemical, or other hazardous cargo. Pilot will possess competency on all aviation matters that will encompass safety as the number one priority, demonstrate a consistent mature judgment and maintain a high degree of pilot proficiency for conducting flight missions under visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR). Flights may be performed with a combination of day and night operations under both favorable and unfavorable environmental conditions (fog, sleet, ice, rain, snow, low ceilings) over both favorable and unfavorable terrain (mountains, water, desert, swamp, forest) which may require a transfer from IFR condition to marginal VFR condition for landing at remote locations. Locations may include a combination of confined areas with unfavorable terrain and obstacles and high altitude requiring an in-depth performance planning for take-off and landings under heavy load conditions. Flights in support of research and development projects usually are conducted with a combination of unfavorable weather conditions, over unfavorable terrain or water at both low altitude and slow airspeed, at maximum gross weight, which are outside the recommended flight envelops for safe flight and/or involve the use of techniques employed as to avoid detection, and often entail prolonged periods of flying. Such test flights and low-level flights are such that a safe emergency landing would be difficult and would require a very high degree of pilot skill. Flight test profiles may be required in hazardous laser environment.

2. Performs preflight weather analysis, route and altitude selections, alternate airport selection, fuel, cargo and passenger load computations, selection of refueling stops, preflight inspections, flight plan filing, and APG firing ranges route planning/coordination. Incorporates GPS in all mission planning and must be knowledgeable in all aspects of their operations. Maintains and studies current and complete files of aeronautical publications, navigation charts, instrument approach procedures, air traffic control procedures, Federal Aviation Administration and Army flight regulations.

3. Performs one or more of the following major functional duties:

a. Serves as rotary wing Instructor Pilot (IP). Trains and evaluates aviators on basic and advanced flight techniques. This includes the procedures to use in emergencies and malfunctions over rough terrain, e.g., hills and forests both day and night. Training includes instruction and evaluation for operating unique electronics equipment, such as GPS. Conducts initial standardization check rides for new pilots at ATC and annual evaluations for assigned and attached pilots.

b. Serves as rotary wing Instrument Flight Examiner (IE). Conducts instrument flight training which includes, instrument flight planning, precision handling and maneuvering of the aircraft, navigation using the aircraft navigation instruments and systems, air traffic control operations, approach, departure, and holding procedures, and use of the ILS. Conducts initial instrument standardization rides for new pilots and as a minimum conducts annual check rides for assigned and attached pilots.

c. Serves as rotary wing Standardization Instructor Pilot (SIP). Trains and evaluates IP's and provides technical supervision of the Aviation Branch standardization program as specified by the Branch Chief. Ensures flight crew proficiency and qualification records are standardized and kept current.

d. Serves as Air Traffic and Airspace (AT&A) Officer. Monitors activities pertaining to the national airspace system (NAS) as it pertains to PAAF s air traffic areas. Maintains liaison with local Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Army Regional Representative (DARR) personnel. Assignment involves development and review of terminal and enroute flight procedures, and evaluation of proposed changes to the airspace system through in-flight evaluation and analysis of data to include development, maintenance and revision of instrument flight procedures, determination of need for new air navigational aids to solve safety problems and improve operational capabilities. Ensures that all actions affecting the airspace, airfield, navigation facilities, terminal instrument procedures and similar activities are coordinated properly.

e. Serves as rotary wing Maintenance Test Pilot (MP). Performs general or limited maintenance test flights following maintenance modifications or repairs to include routine scheduled maintenance. Flights are made to determine the airworthiness of the aircraft and to ensure all systems/components are functioning within the maneuvers and loads prescribed in applicable aircraft maintenance manuals and regulations.

f. Government Flight Representative (GFR)/Alternate GFR. Responsible for surveillance of all contractor aircraft flight and ground operations that involve Government aircraft. Ensures that contractors operate, maintain, service, repair, and handle military aircraft accordingly. Conduct contractor flight and ground operations surveys. Ensures contractor compliance with applicable regulations.

g. Serves as Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)/Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative (ACOR). Monitors and verifies contractor performance in accordance with the contract terms. Notifies the contractor of deficiencies observed during surveillance for correction. Modifies contract to reflect changes. Acts as the liaison between contractor and government personnel. Reviews and approves contractor invoices for payment.

Job Qualification

Specialized Experience

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Pilot multi-engine rotary wing aircraft over 12,500 pounds in gross weight; AND 2) Manage the suitability of aircraft components or systems for a flight activity/aviation program. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11/NH-02).

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

*In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirements you must possess the below minimum requirements. *You MUST submit supporting documentation for these requirements AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.*

*This position has a medical requirement. At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. *You MUST submit supporting documentation for these requirements AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.*

*A current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Certificate and/or the appropriate military rating. Current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificate with commercial or higher with the following privileges: commercial helicopter and instrument helicopter or equivalent military ratings. NOTE: Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Please note - the pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying a multi-engine airplane to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with the airplane, multi-engine, and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g. an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. *You MUST submit supporting documentation for these requirements AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.*

 *Applicants for this position must meet certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recent flight experience. Minimum requirements are total flight time 1500 hours (Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For inservice placements actions, up to one-fourth of the total flight hours may by waived for candidates who have demonstrated possession of the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work, provided: They hold the certificates and ratings required; They have acquired the pilot-in-command hours and flight hours in other categories essential to performance of the work; They meet the requirements in terms of level and quality of experience; and Their flying history indicates they are qualified for the position.), pilot-in-command 250 hours (Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable), night flying 75 hours (For inservice placement actions 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work), flying time in the last 12 months 100 hours (For inservice placement actions, up to one-half of the flight hours may be waived provided the individual's total background reflects the ability to perform the duties of the position safely. For positions flying both helicopters and airplanes, at least one-fourth of the total hours must be in either category of aircraft.), heavy helicopter 500 hours (Up to 250 hours flying time acquired in heavy multi-engine airplanes may be substituted), 75 hours instrument (at least 10 of the required hours must have been logged in actual instrument weather. The balance may have been acquired in a flight simulator or as other types of instrument flight time, e.g., hood instrument). (Note: documentation of flight hours must be provided at time of application). *You MUST submit supporting documentation for these requirements AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.*

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED. You will be evaluated based on your level of competency in the following areas:

You will be evaluated based on your level of competency in the following areas:

1.  Attention to Detail

2.  Planning and Evaluating

3.  Technical Competence

Conditions of Employment

1. This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.

 2. This position is subject to a pre-employment and annual physical.

 3. This position has been identified as a testing designated position IAW AR-600-85. Incumbent is required to be screened under the Civilian Drug Abuse Testing Program. Periodic urinalysis will be required to test for drug abuse. Incumbent must also sign DA Form 5019-R, "Condition of Employment". Failure to submit specimen or sign form will result in incumbent being subject to adverse action proceedings IAW appropriate regulations.

 4. Must be able to obtain and maintain completion of the US Army UH-60A/L Maintenance Test Pilot Course.

 5. Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.

 6. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.

 7. One year trial/probationary period may be required.

 8. Direct Deposit of Pay is required.