Functional Check Flight Pilot (FCF Pilot) - LUH-72 Lakota / EC145
Position Overview
The Functional Check Flight (FCF) Pilot is a specialized aviation professional dedicated to utilizing rigorous flight test techniques. This critical role involves performing functional check flights on specified aircraft (LUH-72 / EC145) to meticulously measure performance and handling characteristics. The FCF Pilot’s ultimate responsibility is to conclusively determine the airworthiness of the aircraft following scheduled maintenance or significant modification actions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate executes and manages a broad scope of aviation and technical inspection duties, ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance:
- Performs mandatory Functional Check Flights (FCFs) and proficiency demonstrations upon the completion of aircraft maintenance or modification tasks.
- Manages all flight logistics, including the interpretation of complex meteorological data, meticulous calculation of aircraft weight and balance logs, and filing official flight plans using authorized navigational processes.
- Determines the airworthiness of aircraft prior to operational release, ensuring strict adherence to all governing technical publications and standardized procedures.
- Actively engages in troubleshooting aircraft deficiencies both on the ground and during flight operations, documenting findings accurately and providing expert verbal instruction to maintenance teams for prompt correction.
- Initiates, completes, and processes all required military flight and maintenance forms necessary to document FCF outcomes and any resulting discrepancies.
- Serves as a technical advisor and subject matter expert, communicating effectively and collaborating closely with military pilots and maintenance technicians.
- Conducts aircraft recovery flights and performs ferry operations to various designated sites, including depot locations, as required.
- Verifies all maintenance forms and records utilized during repair processes to ensure absolute compliance with work performed prior to initiating ground or flight checks.
- Conducts aircraft run-ups required for alert status checks and to perform tests on recent modifications.
- Ensures comprehensive and accurate chronicling of all documentation related to flight, maintenance, and technical inspection activities.
- Must be prepared for deployment domestically or internationally on short notice to support contract requirements where FCFs are anticipated.
- May support internal audits related to AS9100/AS9110 quality standards, assist in continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to corrective action requests.
- When qualified and designated by Site Supervision, the pilot may assume the duties of Lead Pilot, Site Safety Specialist, and/or additional duties safety officer functions.
Aircraft Technical Inspection (TI) Duties (Additional Duty)
The incumbent must be capable of fulfilling Aircraft Technical Inspection responsibilities, which include:
- Planning and conducting thorough aircraft technical inspections.
- Inspecting critical power plant components, including hot section, cold section, and accessory modules.
- Providing expert technical guidance to repair personnel regarding aircraft and subsystem maintenance techniques and safety procedures.
- Maintaining the required technical library and inspecting systems, subsystems, and components according to applicable technical publications and checklists.
- Evaluating the operational readiness of the aircraft and recommending appropriate corrective maintenance actions.
- Ensuring stringent compliance with all protocols related to aircraft configuration control, the Army Oil Analysis Program, and Test Measuring and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) calibration.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent is required.
- A minimum of 1,000 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) is strictly required.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in flying operations for the assigned aircraft (LUH-72 and/or EC145).
- Possession of a current, valid FAA Commercial Certificate with an Instrument Rating is mandatory.
Medical and Regulatory Compliance
- Must possess a current, valid ARMY or FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.
- The Pilot shall meet all qualification requirements stipulated under U.S. Army Regulation (AR) 95-20 and maintain flight currency in accordance with AR 95-1.
- Required to successfully complete an annual flight evaluation conducted in accordance with AR 95-1 and the appropriate Aircrew Training Manual (ATM), evaluated by an authorized Army/Government Evaluator.
- Must undergo and successfully complete both initial and annual flight physicals, adhering to AR 95-20, AR 40-501, AR 95-1, and the appropriate ATM.
- Pilots must not perform flight duties after receiving medical treatment, medication, or drugs until properly cleared by a designated medical examiner.
Knowledge and Skills
- Demonstrated, verifiable aviation experience reflecting the highest standards of ethics, ability, and professionalism.
- Must be fluent in the English language and possess strong, demonstrable communication skills, both oral and written.
- Proven working knowledge of all navigational and communication equipment installed on the aircraft.
- Capable of computing and accurately annotating aircraft weight and balance logs.
Clearance and Travel
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust (NAC-I T1) Security Clearance.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a SECRET US Government Clearance. US Citizenship is required for security clearance and facility credentials at this work location.
- The position may require frequent domestic and international travel on short notice, often to austere environments involving harsh living conditions.
Physical Requirements and Working Environment
The Pilot must be physically capable of performing duties within an operational environment. This includes potential exposure to extreme noise (from turbine/jet engines), fumes, airborne particles, electrical shock hazards, and working near moving mechanical parts.
- Must be able to distinguish color and accurately judge three-dimensional depth.
- Must be capable of climbing vertical ladders or built-in aircraft steps to heights of 10–12 feet.
- May be required to lift up to 50 pounds to a height of four (4) feet.
- The environment may involve exposure to extreme weather conditions, rudimentary infrastructure, and rapid temperature changes.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The hiring organization is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law.