Pilot

Class Concept

Work in this class involves operation of aircraft in support of a variety of state agency programs and functions. Positions pilot single and/or twin engine, fixed and/or rotary wing aircraft, in a variety of mission flights including but not limited to: point to point passenger flights, forest fire suppression, forest health assessment, photogrammetry, and search and rescue. Positions conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections of aircraft and note all discrepancies in a maintenance log, and maintain all other necessary logs and reports related to their flights. Work includes planning flights considering weather, navigational aids, routing, altitudes, alternative routes and destinations, loading and weight distribution, fuel requirements, and the filing of IFR flight plans as necessary. Pilots in this class may perform a combination of mission types in addition to point to point passenger flights including precision photogrammetry vertical, oblique and continuous strip flights. Additionally, work may involve cargo transport, directing ground crews based on fire location and behavior, and location of water sources. Pilots working on behalf of the Forest Service conduct flights using aerial ignition equipment to start back fires or controlled burns. Work requires the ability to operate aircraft in a variety of weather conditions over rough terrain. Work may include flying under IFR flight rules, giving safety briefings to passengers, conducting overnight and out of state flights on occasion, and piloting other flights involving lay overs at airports while waiting for passengers to complete the homeward leg of the flight. Pilots in this class are usually the pilot in command but may perform copiloting duties on some flights, and also may assist certified mechanics in the maintenance of their aircraft.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations, and the State statutes governing the operation and maintenance of aircraft.
• Thorough knowledge of air navigation and of single and multi-engine aircraft capabilities and performances.
• Considerable knowledge of flight planning, meteorology and aircraft maintenance requirements.
• Ability to pilot single and multi-engine fixed and/or rotary wing aircraft in all weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and to establish and maintain pleasant working relationships.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and a minimum of 1500 hours of flight time in a closely related type of aircraft and/or type of mission, along with a minimum of three years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and directly related experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

Certification as a FAA commercial or airline transport pilot in airplanes and/or rotorcraft and possession of an FAA Class II Medical Certificate. May also require ratings in multi-engine (land), instrument flying, and others as assigned.