Rotorcraft Flight Test Pilot USA

Rotorcraft Flight Test Pilot USA

Incumbent serves as a Flight Test Pilot (FTP) with primary responsibilities to ensure type certification of the performance, stability, and control requirements including envelope expansion, handling qualities and performance of new or modified 14 CFR Part 27 and/or Part 29 aircraft.

This job is open to the public, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and special authorities. Also open to former permanent excepted service federal employees eligible under an interchange agreement. Current or former permanent federal employees must have met a one year probationary period or trial period in the competitive or excepted service. Applications will also be accepted from preference eligible and veterans who are honorably discharged from the Armed Forces after completing at least 3 years of continuous active-duty service.

Incumbent is considered a technical authority responsible for the flight test compliance of the type certification processes for avionics, propulsion, and mechanical/electrical systems and equipment installations on those same aircraft. Responsible for the adequacy and uniformity in application of regulations, national policies, advisory circulars, national directives, and procedures affecting the flight test aspects of analysis, design, testing, and continued airworthiness of such aircraft. Makes technical presentations to manufacturers, professional organizations, and foreign certification authorities as required.

Represents the FAA as a senior technical point of contact. Participates as a subject matter expert on type certification board meetings, flight safety review board meetings, and flight standardization boards as required. Maintains a high level of pilot proficiency and currency in categories and classes of aircraft normally flown in assigned type certification projects in accordance with Aircraft Certification Service orders, policies, and procedures pertaining to Aircraft Certification Services. Conducts qualitative and quantitative flight tests and evaluates engineering data on modified and new type design aircraft to oversee and spot-check applicants' compliance showings for applicable airworthiness requirements. Applies expertise and experience to recommend improvements to internal/external processes related to certification and organizational issues.

Receives general direction and guidance from a manager. Consults with a manager or team leader on technical matters when appropriate. Exercises wide latitude to use independent judgment and make decisions. Works jointly with management to solve problems. Work is reviewed only to assure quality and conformance with policy. Frequency of review is commensurate with the complexity and visibility of the assignment. Work activities directly affect the objectives of the LOB, the FAA, the operation of the NAS, foreign governments, and the domestic and international aerospace industries. Work directly affects the safety of the flying public.

Incumbent must satisfy licensing, qualifications, and certification requirements as appropriate. Minimum eligibility requirements are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the position.

Candidates must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience. Only that flight experience that is directly related to the work of the position is required for purposes of establishing minimum eligibility.

This is a Drug and Alcohol testing designated position. The incumbent must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with DOT Order 3910.1C, Testing Designated Positions, AIR Flight Test Operations Manual, and FAA requirements.

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I, FG/GS-13 in the Federal Service. Specialized experience includes experience providing leadership and strategic guidance on managing/conducting type certification programs that lead to 14 CFR Part 23 and/or Part 25, and/or Part 27, and/or Part 29, and or Part 33 type certification.

Minimum eligibility requirements are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the position.

All applicants MUST possess a valid first or second-class medical certificate. Selected candidates must obtain a first class medical certificate prior to appointment.

Candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating with airplane single-engine and multi-engine land and instrument ratings or the appropriate military ratings (Refer to Required Documents Section).

Qualifications are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the position.

Candidates must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience. Only that flight experience that is directly related to the work of the position is required for purposes of establishing minimum eligibility.

Flight test positions also require completion of a flight test school such as a military flight test school, or at least 1 year of experience either flight testing aircraft for engineering approval (civilian or military) or analyzing aircraft performance data.

The following flight hour requirements apply:

Total Flight Time-1750 hours, Flight time as pilot-in-command or second-in-command (copilot) in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For inservice placements actions, up to one-fourth of the total flight hours may by waived for candidates who have demonstrated possession of the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work, provided they hold the certificates and ratings required; have acquired the pilot-in-command hours and flight hours in other categories essential to performance of the work; meet the requirements in terms of level and quality of experience; and flying history indicates they are qualified for the position.

Pilot-In-Command-1150 hours, Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.

Night Flying-75 hours, For inservice placement actions, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work

Flying Time, Last 12 Months-100 hours, At least one-fourth of the total hours must be in either fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft. For inservice placement actions, up to one-half of the flight hours may be waived provided the individual's total background reflects the ability to perform the duties of the position safely.

Multi-engine Airplane-500 hours, Position requires operation of heavy multi-engine airplanes (i.e., gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds). At least 50 percent of the flight hours must have been in such heavy airplanes. Up to 250 hours flying time acquired in heavy helicopters (gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds) may be substituted.

Instrument-75 hours, At least 10 of the required hours must have been logged in actual instrument weather. The balance may have been acquired in a flight simulator or as other types of instrument flight time, e.g., hood instrument.

Training Requirement: Failure to successfully complete all required training, including the FAA initial flight test training course, and to obtain all required certificates may result in reassignment, demotion, or dismissal.

Flight Check: Candidates may be required to demonstrate proficiency in an aircraft, including a flight check to demonstrate ability to perform flight test techniques. Candidates will be evaluated on the quality of their experience as it pertains to the specific positions being filled.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Applicants may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FAA.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions. Position may be subject to a background investigation. A one-year probationary period may be required.

The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies.

The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a highly diverse workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family.

This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening.