Federal Aviation Administration | Pilot

Aviation Pilot / Flight Program Operations

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking qualified pilots to join the Flight Program Operations team. As a part 135 certificate holder, the organization supports critical national missions, including the inspection of navigational aids, commissioning of new aviation equipment, flight testing of advanced avionics, and transportation for emergency response agencies. Pilots play a vital role in ensuring the safety and integrity of the national airspace system.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct routine inspections of ground-based navigational aids.
• Perform commissioning flights for new equipment at domestic and international airports.
• Execute research, development, test, and evaluation missions using cutting-edge avionics.
• Perform critical event response and transportation missions for government agencies.
• Maintain operational readiness in all weather conditions to support the national aviation infrastructure.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Subject to designated or random drug testing as a participant in the Department of Transportation’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.
• Successful completion of a security investigation may be required.
• A one-year probationary period may be required.
• May be required to file a financial disclosure statement.

Qualifications and Eligibility

Eligible candidates must meet the following minimum requirements as documented via FAA Form 3330-47-3:

Certificates and Ratings

• Valid Commercial pilot certificate with airplane, multi-engine land, and instrument ratings, OR an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with a 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.

Flight Hour Requirements

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

Note: Specific waivers for flight hours may be available for in-service placement actions for qualified candidates. For the FV-J (FG-14) level, an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate and an Airspace Inspection Pilot (ASIP) credential are required.

Application Requirements

Applicants must apply online. All qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Applicants must submit FAA Form 3330-47-3 to verify flight hours. In lieu of narrative Knowledge, Skills, and Ability (KSA) responses, applicants must provide specific examples within their work history that clearly demonstrate the required levels of ability for each KSA.

Additional Information

Positions are located in various FAA offices, including Arlington, VA; Kennesaw, GA; Atlantic City, NJ; Battle Creek, MI; Oklahoma City, OK; Fort Worth, TX; Sacramento, CA; and Anchorage, AK. This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan, with pay rates set in accordance with OPM Special Rate Tables. If eligible, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses may be paid in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administrative Travel Policy.