About This Role
This position involves operating an Airbus AS350B3 helicopter for the Metropolitan Police Department's Special Operations Division, supporting aerial surveillance, search and rescue, traffic monitoring, and information dissemination to law enforcement units. The role is critical for protecting life and property and apprehending law violators.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the final authority for the safe operation of the aircraft, interpreting weather reports to determine altitude, route deviations, and flight paths to ensure safety
- Assist ground units and provide airborne support for missions including patrol, aerial search and rescue, surveillance, and information gathering
- Operate as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) for high-risk and dynamic aviation missions, providing critical air support for real-time tactical surveillance, fleeing suspect tracking, executive protection, major event overwatch (such as inaugurations and marches), search and rescue operations in both urban and wooded environments, and aerial assistance for perimeter security and crowd control during large-scale public events
- Execute flights in complex Class B, Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), and Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) airspace with enhanced security protocols, FAA coordination, and interagency communication
- Conduct flight missions during day and night-time conditions to search for subjects; identify police locations; and search for suspects and critical missing persons
- Utilize Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera systems to conduct operations in total darkness and/or limited visibility environments
- Transport personnel and equipment as required for specialized missions, including Emergency Response Team (ERT), K-9, Dive Team, Crime Scene Search, or other departmental personnel as needed
- Provide live video downlink to the Joint Operations Command Center (JOCC) or other command centers as well as small size mobile receivers
- Maintain written and computerized flight logs and pilot records in compliance with applicable regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), unit standard operating procedures, and other agencies as necessary
- Read and keep abreast of publications and airworthiness directives from the FAA
- Make necessary adjustments to helicopter operations based on information and directives
- Provide direct support to vehicle pursuits from the aircraft, which allows supervisors to manage the pursuit under departmental guidelines
- Conduct aerial searches of the Washington, DC area to locate suspects that have gone in hiding in a particular area
- Periodically conduct river and traffic observations of major thoroughfares to include, snow emergencies, highway accidents, utility road work, waterways, etc.
- Observe and report roadway conditions that are severely impeding traffic
