Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
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: (*You must submit supporting documentation for this requirement.)
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.
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. 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:
- Total Flight Time -- Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For inservice 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:
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- 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.
- Pilot-In-Command -- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
- Night Flying -- For inservice placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work.
- Flying Time, Last 12 Months -- Required only for positions that involve flying. The flight hours specified apply to competitive appointments. For inservice placement actions, up to one-half of the flight hours may be waived provided the individual's total background reflects the ability to perform the duties of the position safely. For positions flying both helicopters and airplanes, at least one-fourth of the total hours must be in either category of aircraft.
Additional Requirements:(*You must submit supporting documentation for this requirement.)
For the GS-11 and above equivalent, the following is required for this position:
Flight Hours:
Total Flight Time; 1500 hours
Pilot-in-Command: 250 hours
Night Flying: 75 hours
Flying Time, last 12 months: 100 hours
(Note: documentation of flight hours must be provided at time of application).
Medical Requirements
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; or hold a US Army Class 2 flight physical, 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 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.
SPECIALIZEDEXPERIENCE:
This position requires one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade/pay band in the federal service at the GS-11/DE-02 equivalent in the federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:
- Piloting/copiloting helicopters AND multi engine fixed wing aircraft over 12,500 pounds in gross weight.
- Carrying out equipment evaluation test flights or other flight testing programs.
- Manage the suitability of aircraft components or systems for a flight activity/aviation program.
You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas: