Airplane Flight Instructor at USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
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Airplane Flight Instructor
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Serves as the WS primary mission check pilot for all fixed-wing operations. Conducts and coordinates routine Proficiency Flight Reviews (check ride) for all WS agency and contractor pilots.
Directs or participates in conducting flight evaluations and training fixed-wing aircraft and crews to determine compliance with WS standards and any applicable FARs. With assistance from the WS National Aviation Program Coordinator (NAPC) analyzes pilot flight proficiency via semi-annual proficiency flight reviews.
Assures that agency contractors are properly trained in WS aviation activities and that they meet all contract requirements relative to WS aviation safety and operations.
Conducts safety inspections to verify training certification requirements and required minimum equipment list functionality for all agency and contract fixed-wing aircraft and crews.
Assists 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.
Evaluates training needs in aviation management by discussions with Headquarters, Regional, State, NWRC contacts and agency flight crews.
With assistance from NAPC and ASPM, develops recommended changes to current training manuals.
Reviews and determines adequacy of training manuals associated with paralleling FAR 91/135 and initiates modifications or changes when necessary. Assures that manuals and revisions comply with regulatory requirements, prescribes safe practices, and furnishes clear and specific instructions governing safety and proficiency requirements.
Provides input and operational assistance to the APHIS national policy formulation process.
Writes, edits and approves briefings for use in aviations safety and management training seminars.
Provides verbal and/or written technical assistance to legal counsel, testifies at court trials and formal hearings, and gives depositions upon request.
Conducts on-site safety visits for all WS aviation programs, Evaluates fixed-wing aircraft crews and their use of aircraft in relation to prior training received and determines additional training needs based on field observations.
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.
Maintains 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.
Other duties as assigned.
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Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience as defined below, etc.
TIME IN GRADE: Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
BASIC REQUIREMENT: Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.
Certificates and Ratings:
For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement.
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. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Flight Experience:
Candidates must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience. Only that flight experience that is directly related to the work of the position is required for purposes of establishing minimum eligibility.
In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have the following minimum flight requirements:
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
Prior to flying an aircraft for Wildlife Services, incumbent must meet the following within 30 days of entrance on duty:
Have satisfactorily completed and demonstrated to the National Aviation Coordinator that incumbent can meet the WS Proficiency Flight Review requirements for standardization and recurrent training that are required by WS to serve as an Instructor Pilot.
Have 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 minimum of 80% passing grade.
FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
Instruct or evaluate 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.
Fly 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.
Conduct functional flight checks of light airplanes following repair, maintenance, or the installation of approved modifications to aircraft systems.
FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
Instruct or evaluate student pilots in advanced instrument flight technique; to instruct fixed or rotary wing pilots in methods of instruction and evaluate their proficiency to engage in flight instruction; to instruct and evaluate 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.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) protects American agriculture by helping ensure the health of animals and plants..
