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 equipment, research and development, and transportation for government agencies. Positions are located in Arlington, Virginia; Kennesaw, Georgia; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Battle Creek, Michigan; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Fort Worth, Texas; Sacramento, California; and Anchorage, Alaska.

Duties and Responsibilities

Pilots in this role contribute to the safety and integrity of the national airspace system. Responsibilities involve flying in various weather conditions to support domestic and international operations. The team conducts routine ground-based navigational aid inspections, evaluates new avionics technology, flight tests new procedures, and supports critical event response missions. FAA pilots also play a role in training over 700 personnel annually to support industry oversight.

Requirements

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Registration: Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Screening: Candidates must undergo designated or random drug testing, a security investigation, and a one-year probationary period.
Financial Disclosure: Selected individuals may be required to file a financial disclosure statement.

Qualifications and Eligibility

Eligible candidates must possess the following minimum certifications and flight experience:

Certificates: A valid Commercial pilot certificate with airplane, multi-engine land, and instrument ratings OR an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with multi-engine land rating.
Medical: A valid first or second-class medical certificate (a first-class medical certificate is required prior to appointment).
Total Flight Time: 1,500 hours.
Pilot-in-Command (PIC) Time: 250 hours.
Night Flying Time: 75 hours.
Flight Time (Last 12 Months): 100 hours.
Multi-engine Airplane Time: 500 hours.
Instrument Time: 75 hours (at least 10 hours must be in actual instrument weather).

Note: For the FV-J (FG-14) level, candidates must possess an ATP certificate and an Airspace Inspection Pilot (ASIP) credential.

Application Process

Applicants must provide FAA Form 3330-47-3 (ASIP). Candidates are required to demonstrate their qualifications through their work history rather than narrative KSA responses. All applications must be submitted online, as faxed, mailed, or emailed submissions will not be accepted. Applicants are evaluated based on their documented experience and must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Benefits

As federal employees, Flight Program Operations pilots receive a comprehensive benefits package designed for long-term career growth. Compensation is governed by the FAA Core Compensation plan, with special rates applied in accordance with OPM Special Rate Tables.