08 April 2026

Federal Aviation Administration | Pilot

United States

Job Title: FAA Flight Program Operations Pilot (2181 Series)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking qualified pilots to join its Flight Program Operations team. This organization plays a critical role in maintaining the safety and integrity of the national airspace system. Missions include ground-based navigational aid inspections, commissioning new airport equipment, research and development, avionics testing, and critical event response support for government agencies.

Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates will operate aircraft in support of diverse FAA missions, including equipment testing, flight procedure evaluation, and emergency response, operating in all weather conditions.

Requirements and Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must be eligible for designated or random drug testing.
  • Successful completion of a security investigation may be required.
  • A one-year probationary period may be required.
  • Financial disclosure statements may be required upon entry on duty.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must possess the appropriate FAA pilot certificates and ratings, meet flight hour requirements, and demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills for the position.

Certificates and Ratings

  • Valid Commercial pilot certificate with airplane, multi-engine land, and instrument ratings OR an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with multi-engine land rating.
  • Valid first or second-class medical certificate (Selected candidates must obtain a first-class medical certificate prior to appointment).
  • Note: Candidates without an ATP certificate must successfully complete the ATP written exam within 60 days of appointment.
  • To qualify at the FV-J (FG-14) level, applicants must possess an ATP certificate AND an Airspace Inspection Pilot (ASIP) credential.

Flight Hour Requirements

  • Total Flight Time: 1,500 hours.
  • Pilot-in-Command (PIC) Time: 250 hours.
  • Night Flying Time: 75 hours.
  • Flying Time (Last 12 Months): 100 hours.
  • Multiengine Airplane Time: 500 hours.
  • Instrument Time: 75 hours (minimum of 10 hours must be actual instrument weather).

Verification of flight hours must be provided via FAA Form 3330-47-3.

Application Process

Candidates will be evaluated based on their application package and FAA Form 3330-47-3. In accordance with the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative, KSA narratives are not required. Instead, applicants must include specific examples within their work history that demonstrate their ability to perform the duties of the position.

Additional Information

This position is part of the FAA Core Compensation plan. The agency may use this announcement to fill similar vacant positions. This is a non-bargaining unit position. Selected candidates may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and ongoing random testing. Eligible candidates may receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) benefits in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administrative Travel Policy.

Apply

Similar jobs