The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Operations Division-Aviation Division seeks a skilled Airplane Pilot to provide essential aviation support for law enforcement operations within the DEA and allied agencies. This role involves operating multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft for critical missions, including detection, identification, and assessment of illicit narcotics-related trafficking activities.
About the Role
As an Airplane Pilot, duties include operating multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft for transporting cargo, equipment, and personnel. Specific responsibilities involve supporting DEA Special Agents in air/ground surveillance, photography, fugitive transport, reconnaissance, emergency evacuations, airborne electronic tracking, specialized missions, marijuana eradication, and prisoner transport. The pilot will also provide expert aviation advice on aircraft capabilities, limitations, and safety to DEA management and operational personnel. This role requires comprehensive pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight responsibilities, including aircraft inspections, fuel planning, weight and balance calculations, risk assessments, and obtaining necessary clearances. Extensive pre-operational planning of enforcement operations is also a key duty.
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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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 as appropriate) is required.
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Pre-appointment urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use is mandatory.
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Annual flight physical by a Designated Medical Examiner in compliance with FAA regulations.
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Annual DEA standardization check-ride as specified in the Aviation Operations Manual (AOM).
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DEA Pilots require specific FAA certificates, passing written and practical tests.
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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
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Demonstrated knowledge and skills through meeting minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience.
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Proficiency in general aircraft piloting and specific knowledge for the position.
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Possession of appropriate FAA pilot certificates and/or military ratings.
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Current Commercial Pilot Certificate or appropriate military rating, with commercial licenses for single and multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft and an instrument rating. (Airline Transport Pilot Certificate is also acceptable).
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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 logged in actual instrument weather).
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Must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate (dated within the previous 12 months).
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Successful completion of a flight assessment.
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Selective Placement Factor (SPF): Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) and a valid First or Second-Class Medical Certificate.
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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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Operating multi-engine fixed-wing airplanes (e.g., Beechcraft King Air 350s, ATR-42/500) over long distances internationally and within the U.S.
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AND at least ONE of the following:
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Formulating flight plans using maps and charts to determine routing, stops, fuel, and time.
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Adhering to flight procedures and parameters in the airplane flight manual.
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Conducting detailed post-flight inspections for mechanical discrepancies or damage.