Airplane Pilot

In order to qualify, you must meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements and the Minimum Flight Hour Requirements described below.

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.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements: 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. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required. 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. Positions that require flying or instructing in flying both airplanes and helicopters require a rating in both categories. Only those ratings necessary to perform the work are required.

Flight Experience: Candidates must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements. The categories in which candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency relate to (1) the general knowledge and skills to pilot the aircraft, and (2) the specific knowledge and skills related to the particular position being filled. Only that flight experience that is directly related to the work of the position is required for purposes of establishing minimum eligibility.

Minimum Flight Hour Requirements The following flight hour requirements apply to all applicants:

1. The following flight hour requirements apply to all applicants: Total Flight Time -- Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For in-service 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.

1. Pilot-In-Command -- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
2. Night Flying -- For in-service placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work.

Requirements: Category Flight Hours (GS-9)

• Total Flight Time 1200
• Pilot-In-Command 250
• Night Flying 50

GS-11 and Above

• Total Flight Time 1500
• Pilot-In-Command 250
• Night Flying 75
• For Instructor Time, 500 Instructor hours is required

Note: General Military Flight Experience and Training: Flight experience and training (not to include solely simulator training gained in the armed services of the United States or elsewhere). Applicants who have flight experience and training, may have up to 50% of the total flight hour requirement waived.-Complex Aircraft Flight Instructor Experience: Applicants who have experience as an instructor in the operation of complex aircraft, may have up to 20% of the Instructor flight hour requirement waived.-Multi-engine Aircraft Time: Applicants who have experience flying multi-engine aircraft, may have up to 20% of the Multi-engine flight hour requirement waived.-Night Vision Device Operations: Applicants who have flown under night vision device operations, may have 20% of their total flight hours waived.

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 FAA regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the second-class medical certificate, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position, and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. Staff specialists and Simulator Instructor not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test pilots, airspace system inspection pilots, and Customs pilots, all candidates must possess a current first class medical certificate at the time of appointment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge of and skill in the application of rated aviator expertise as a pilot.
2. Knowledge of and ability to formulate plans and courses pertaining to flying operations and flying training activities.
3. Knowledge of aircraft systems and operating procedures, aerodynamics, flying fundamentals, aircraft instrumentation, ground and flight emergency procedures, and instrument and visual flight rules.
4. Knowledge of the methods, principles, practices, and programs related to curriculum development, instructional techniques, and training resources.
5. Knowledge of flying operations, command center communications, aero-medical evacuation, and current operations which includes deployment of aircraft.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.