The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Aviation Division is seeking an experienced Airplane Pilot to provide critical aviation support for operational and intelligence elements. This role involves operating multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft for various missions, including cargo and personnel transport, surveillance, and specialized law enforcement operations.
About the Role
The Airplane Pilot will serve as a skilled operator of multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft, responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of cargo, equipment, sensitive items, and personnel. Key duties include supporting DEA Special Agents in air/ground surveillance, air photography, fugitive transport, undercover role enhancement, airborne reconnaissance, emergency evacuations, electronic tracking, specialized missions, marijuana eradication, and prisoner transport. The pilot will also provide expert aviation advice to management and operational personnel, conduct comprehensive pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight responsibilities, and perform pre-operational planning for enforcement operations.
Requirements
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U.S. Citizenship is required.
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Successful completion of a background investigation and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
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Subject to random drug testing.
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Successful completion of 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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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.
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DEA Pilots must undergo an annual flight physical performed by a Designated Medical Examiner in compliance with FAA regulations.
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DEA Pilots must complete an annual DEA standardization check-ride as specified in the Aviation Operations Manual (AOM).
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Mandatory 1-year probationary or trial period.
Qualifications
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Current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; including commercial licenses for single and multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft with an instrument rating. An Airline Transport Pilot Certificate is also acceptable.
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A valid First or Second-Class Medical Certificate issued by the FAA, dated within the previous 12 months.
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Minimum flight hour requirements:
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Total Flight Time: 1500 hours
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Pilot-In-Command: 250 hours
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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 in actual instrument weather)
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At least one full year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level, demonstrating:
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Operation of multi-engine fixed-wing airplanes (e.g., Beechcraft King Air 350s and ATR-42/500) over long distances domestically and internationally.
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AND at least one of the following:
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Formulating flight plans using maps and charts, considering routing, stops, fuel, time, and filing requirements.
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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.