The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Operations Division-Aviation Division seeks to employ skilled Airplane Pilots to provide critical aviation support for operational and intelligence elements within the DEA and the law enforcement community. These pilots will play a vital role in detecting, locating, identifying, and assessing illicit narcotics-related trafficking activities.
About the Role
As an Airplane Pilot within the DEA Aviation Division, the incumbent will operate multi-engine fixed-wing airplanes for diverse missions. This includes transporting cargo, equipment, sensitive materials, and personnel. Responsibilities encompass supporting DEA Special Agents in various operations such as air/ground surveillance, photography, fugitive transport, reconnaissance, emergency evacuations, electronic tracking, specialized missions including marijuana eradication, and prisoner transport. The role also involves providing expert aviation advice on aircraft capabilities, limitations, and safety to DEA management and operational personnel. Comprehensive pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight responsibilities are required, including aircraft inspections, fuel planning, weight and balance calculations, navigational systems management, risk assessments, and obtaining flight clearances. Furthermore, pilots will engage in pre-operational planning to optimize aviation support for enforcement operations.
Requirements
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U.S. Citizenship is required.
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Successful completion of a background investigation and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
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Subject to random drug testing.
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Successful E-Verify employment verification.
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Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
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Successful completion of a 1-year probationary or trial period.
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Must submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
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Must undergo an annual flight physical by a Designated Medical Examiner in compliance with FAA regulations.
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Must complete an annual DEA standardization check-ride.
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Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
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Successful completion of a flight assessment with a DEA Instructor or Standardization Pilot.
Qualifications
Certificates and Ratings
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Current Commercial Pilot Certificate or appropriate military rating.
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Commercial licenses for single- and multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft with an instrument rating.
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Airline Transport Pilot Certificate is also acceptable.
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Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official documentation.
Flight Hours
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Total Flight Time: 1500 hours (flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in any aircraft category is creditable).
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Pilot-In-Command: 250 hours (only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable).
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Night Flying: 75 hours.
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Flying Time, Last 12 Months: 100 hours.
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Multi-engine Airplane: 500 hours.
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Instrument: 75 hours (at least 10 logged in actual instrument weather).
Medical Requirements
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Current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations, dated within the previous 12 months.
Selective Placement Factor (SPF)
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Must possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP).
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Must possess a valid First or Second-Class Medical Certificate.
Specialized Experience (GS-13)
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At least one full year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.
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Experience must include operating multi-engine fixed-wing airplanes over long distances within the United States and internationally.
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Must also demonstrate experience in at least ONE of the following:
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Formulating flight plans, including route study, fuel requirements, and flight plan filing.
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Adhering to flight procedures and parameters specified in the airplane flight manual.
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Conducting detailed post-flight inspections to identify mechanical discrepancies or damage.