The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Aviation Division is seeking skilled Airplane Pilots to provide critical aviation support for operational and intelligence elements. This role involves operating multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft to detect, locate, and assess illicit narcotics-related trafficking activities within the United States and internationally. The position is located within the DEA's Operations Division in Fort Worth, Texas.
About the Role
As an Airplane Pilot with the DEA, incumbents will operate multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft for various missions, including the transportation of cargo, equipment, sensitive materials, and personnel. Key responsibilities include supporting DEA Special Agents in air/ground surveillance, photography, fugitive transport, undercover role enhancement, airborne reconnaissance, emergency evacuations, electronic tracking, and specialized missions such as marijuana eradication and prisoner transport. The role also requires providing expert aviation advice to DEA management regarding aircraft capabilities, limitations, and safety. Comprehensive pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight duties are essential, encompassing aircraft inspections, fuel planning, weight and balance calculations, risk assessments, and obtaining necessary clearances. Pre-operational planning for enforcement operations to optimize aviation support is also a critical function.
Requirements
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U.S. Citizenship is required.
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Must be able 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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Will be required to serve a probationary or trial period.
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All tentatively selected candidates must submit to urinalysis for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
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Must undergo an annual flight physical 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 is mandatory.
Qualifications
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Must hold 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 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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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 level, applicants must have at least one full year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level, which must include:
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Operating multi-engine fixed-wing airplanes over long distances internationally and within the United States.
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AND at least ONE of the following additional duties:
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Formulating flight plans based on maps and charts, determining routing, stops, fuel, and flying time.
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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.