The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Operations Division-Aviation Division is seeking a skilled Airplane Pilot for its location in Fort Worth, Texas. This role is critical in providing aviation support for operational and intelligence elements, focusing on detecting, locating, identifying, and assessing illicit narcotics-related trafficking activities.
About the Role
As an Airplane Pilot with the DEA, incumbents will operate multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft to provide essential aviation support. Responsibilities include transporting cargo, equipment, sensitive materials, and personnel. Duties involve supporting DEA Special Agents in various operations such as air/ground surveillance, photography, fugitive transport, airborne reconnaissance, emergency evacuations, electronic tracking, and specialized missions. The pilot will also offer expert aviation advice to DEA management regarding aircraft capabilities, limitations, and safety. Comprehensive pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight responsibilities are also integral, encompassing aircraft inspections, fuel planning, weight and balance calculations, risk assessments, and flight plan clearances. This position involves extensive pre-operational planning to optimize aviation support for enforcement operations.
Requirements
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U.S. Citizenship is required.
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Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
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Incumbents are subject to random drug testing.
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Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
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Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
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A 1-year probationary period (or trial period) will be served.
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All tentatively selected candidates must undergo a pre-appointment urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use.
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DEA Pilots must undergo an annual flight physical by a Designated Medical Examiner, compliant with FAA regulations.
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DEA Pilots must complete an annual standardization check-ride as specified in the Aviation Operations Manual.
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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 is required.
Qualifications
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Candidates must possess a 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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Minimum flight hour requirements include:
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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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Candidates must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations, dated within the previous 12 months.
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Successful completion of a flight assessment is mandatory.
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Selective Placement Factor (SPF): Must possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) and either a valid First or Second-Class Medical Certificate.
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For GS-13, at least one full year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level is required. This experience must include operating multi-engine fixed-wing airplanes over long distances and internationally, and at least one of the following: formulating flight plans, adhering to flight procedures, or conducting detailed post-flight inspections.
Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.