About This Role
This role involves serving as a Regional Helicopter Inspector Pilot, responsible for evaluating pilots in rotary-wing aircraft for special use missions typical of natural resource operations. The incumbent provides technical oversight of pilots, aircraft, and equipment, and acts as an aircraft pilot in command. Additionally, the position offers technical aviation direction for complex regional aviation programs.
Responsibilities
- Administer pilot evaluations in rotary-wing aircraft to determine suitability for special use missions
- Provide evaluation and technical oversight of pilots, aircraft, and equipment used in agency missions
- Serve as an aircraft pilot in command
- Provide technical aviation direction to complex elements of the region's aviation program
- Liaise with the Army and National Guard, the commercial helicopter industry, and state and federal land management agencies
- Maintain a program of recurring visits and personal contacts with USDA Forest Service and Interagency personnel and aviation operators
- Evaluate safety of operations, training practices, suitability of aircraft, and efficiency of equipment use
- Assess mechanical condition of equipment, aircrew proficiency, adequacy of communications, and development of equipment and standards
- Evaluate flight logs and other administrative standards
- Evaluate qualifications of employees responsible for management and technical supervision of aircraft operations
- Assess management's control of aircraft operations, Government/operator working relationships, and user satisfaction
- Provide expert technical advice to regional and national helicopter programs
- Serve as a principle advisor in developing and implementing policies, programs, and standard practices for helicopter operations and specialized projects
- Serve as pilot-in-command (PIC) of rotorcraft for various missions, including point-to-point transportation of personnel and cargo
- Utilize special use skills such as fire suppression, retardant delivery, external load/longline vertical reference, rappel operations, aerial ignition, search and rescue, air tactical missions, and precision high and low level reconnaissance activities
- Perform wildfire suppression support as directed within training and physical capabilities
Requirements
- Minimum of 1,500 Pilot-in-command helicopter flight hours
- Minimum of 75 hours night flight
- Minimum of 100 hours Helicopter in the preceding 12 months
- Minimum of 100 hours in any Weight class for helicopters
- Minimum of 50 hours in any Make and model for helicopters (may be reduced by 50% with manufacturer's approved pilot ground and flight procedures training)
