Aviation Pilot – FAA Flight Program Operations

Position Summary

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking qualified pilots for its Flight Program Operations. This role supports a unique government organization tasked with critical missions that ensure the safety and integrity of the national airspace system. Responsibilities include conducting routine inspections of ground-based navigational aids, commissioning new airport equipment globally, performing research and development, flight testing new procedures, and providing critical event response for other government agencies.

The FAA is a Part 135 certificate holder with operational locations in Arlington, VA; Kennesaw, GA; Atlantic City, NJ; Battle Creek, MI; Oklahoma City, OK; Fort Worth, TX; Sacramento, CA; and Anchorage, AK.

Conditions of Employment

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Participation in a designated or random drug testing program is required.
Successful completion of a security investigation may be required.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
Potential requirement to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of appointment.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must possess appropriate FAA pilot certificates and meet established flight hour requirements:

Certificates: Valid Commercial Pilot Certificate with airplane, multi-engine land, and instrument ratings OR an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with multi-engine land rating. Candidates without an ATP must complete the ATP written exam within 60 days of appointment.
Medical Certificate: Valid first or second-class medical certificate (First class required prior to appointment).
Total Flight Time: 1500 hours.
Pilot-in-Command (PIC) Time: 250 hours.
Multi-engine Airplane Time: 500 hours.
Instrument Time: 75 hours (minimum 10 hours must be actual instrument weather; balance may be simulator or hood time).
Night Flying Time: 75 hours.
Recent Flight Experience: 100 hours within the last 12 months.

Note: Applicants for the FV-J (FG-14) level must possess an ATP certificate and an Airspace Inspection Pilot (ASIP) credential. Applicants must use FAA Form 3330-47-3 to document and verify flight hours.

Evaluation Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated based on the application package, including FAA Form 3330-47-3. While formal KSA narratives are not required, candidates must provide specific examples within their work history that demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the position requirements. Eligible applicants will be categorized based on their qualifications and experience level.

Additional Information

This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan and is subject to the Department of Transportation’s drug and alcohol testing program. Positions may be filled at the FV-I or FV-J level; positions filled at the FV-I level have promotion potential to the FV-J. All applications must be submitted online; faxed or emailed applications are not accepted.