About This Role
Serving as the primary mission check pilot for fixed-wing operations is the core of this job, coordinating routine proficiency flight reviews for agency and contractor pilots. This role suits an experienced flight instructor with a strong background in aviation safety and training programs.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the WS primary mission check pilot for all fixed-wing operations
- Conduct and coordinate routine Proficiency Flight Reviews (check ride) for all WS agency and contractor pilots
- Direct or participate in conducting flight evaluations and training fixed-wing aircraft and crews to determine compliance with WS standards and any applicable FARs
- Analyze pilot flight proficiency via semi-annual proficiency flight reviews with assistance from the WS National Aviation Program Coordinator (NAPC)
- Assure that agency contractors are properly trained in WS aviation activities and that they meet all contract requirements relative to WS aviation safety and operations
- Conduct safety inspections to verify training certification requirements and required minimum equipment list functionality for all agency and contract fixed-wing aircraft and crews
- Assist the Aviation Safety Program Manager (ASPM) and National Aviation Program Coordinator (NAPC) in determining if the WS safety and training programs meet the requirements of the FAA FAR’s, are properly organized and effectively conducted, and result in trained and competent aviation personnel
- Evaluate training needs in aviation management by discussions with Headquarters, Regional, State, NWRC contacts and agency flight crews
- Develop recommended changes to current training manuals with assistance from NAPC and ASPM
- Review and determine adequacy of training manuals associated with paralleling FAR 91/135 and initiate modifications or changes when necessary
- Assure that manuals and revisions comply with regulatory requirements, prescribe safe practices, and furnish clear and specific instructions governing safety and proficiency requirements
- Provide input and operational assistance to the APHIS national policy formulation process
- Write, edit and approve briefings for use in aviations safety and management training seminars
- Provide verbal and/or written technical assistance to legal counsel, testify at court trials and formal hearings, and give depositions upon request
- Conduct on-site safety visits for all WS aviation programs
- Evaluate fixed-wing aircraft crews and their use of aircraft in relation to prior training received and determine additional training needs based on field observations
- Be responsible for development, review and updating of all user training programs, lesson plans, materials, handouts, visual aids, etc., utilized during the conduct of any Proficiency Flight Review
- Maintain close liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to ensure that APHIS-WS meets or exceeds safety standards prescribed by those agencies
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions and specialized experience
- Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement
- Possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating
- For candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience: provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner
- Total Flight Time: 1500 hours conducting low-level aerial control operations
- Pilot-In-Command: 250 hours
- Night Flying: 75 hours
- Flying Time, Last 12 months: 100 hours
- Within 30 days of entrance on duty: satisfactorily completed and demonstrated to the National Aviation Coordinator the ability to meet the WS Proficiency Flight Review requirements for standardization and recurrent training to serve as an Instructor Pilot
- Within 30 days of entrance on duty: successfully completed all WS Instructor Pilot curriculums, Stage Checks and End-of-Course exams (per Appendix F to FAR Part 141 - Flight Instructor Certification Course) with a minimum of 80% passing grade
For the GS-12 Level:
- One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) which demonstrates:
- Instructing or evaluating students or rated pilots in the flight techniques required to fly tactical operations, such as short field takeoffs and landings, flight formations, or aerobatics in light single-engine airplanes under visual flight rules
- Flying light single- or twin-engine airplanes or helicopters at low altitudes and speeds over unfavorable terrain with responsibility for making patrols and operating from confined or isolated areas
- Conducting functional flight checks of light airplanes following repair, maintenance, or the installation of approved modifications to aircraft systems
For the GS-13 Level:
- One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) which demonstrates:
- Instructing or evaluating student pilots in advanced instrument flight technique; instructing fixed or rotary wing pilots in methods of instruction and evaluating their proficiency to engage in flight instruction; instructing and evaluating test pilots, to perform special projects involving a comparable responsibility and skill; or combinations of these assignments
- Experience evaluating pilot performance and implementing changes in training policy, documentation, reports and methods
- Experience working directly with the FAA and NTSB to apply safety standards
- Experience communicating necessary changes with aviation technique and safety modifications to employees, contractors and stakeholders
About the Company
A Federal agency that maintains close liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to ensure safety standards are met or exceeded.
