Flight Test Pilot- Direct Hire Authority

Air Force Materiel Command • Eglin AFB, FL

4d

About The Position

Serves as a rotary-wing flight test pilot for the 413 FLTS, performing duties that may include rotary-wing flight test pilot, functional check flight pilot, instructor pilot, evaluator pilot, and/or Command Chief Pilot for assigned rotary aircraft types. Plans, executes, and debriefs test, test-support, and flying-training sorties in accordance with applicable USAF and/or FAA instructions and directives. Manages research, test, and evaluation projects and programs, and supports squadron leadership on aircraft flight-test operations and test-support activities. When designated by the MAJCOM, performs the functions of the Command Chief Pilot and/or Government Flight Representative.

The role requires maintaining current certifications, aircraft flight qualifications, and physical fitness comparable to active-duty aircrew counterparts. The employee must meet periodic USAF Class II medical standards and may be required to fly frequently and regularly in high-performance military aircraft for training, evaluation, test, and test-support activities. The position may require nonstandard hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, shift work, and emergency overtime. It has a moderate lifting requirement of 15–44 pounds.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Current Commercial Pilot Certificate or appropriate military rating; flight-instructor positions also require an FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or military equivalent rating.
• At least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent, including extensive rotary-wing flight-test experience conducting developmental or operational flight tests on new or significantly modified aircraft.
• Experience managing squadron flight operations, aircrew training, scheduling, safety, test support, and resource utilization; ability to implement flight-test policies and procedures, supervise aircrew activities, and potentially maintain multiple aircraft qualifications.
• For merit-promotion applicants, one year at the GS-13 level is required for GS-14 time-in-grade eligibility, where applicable.
• Ability to conduct developmental rotary-wing aircraft flight tests under critical loading, speed, maneuvering, and configuration conditions and determine safe operating limits and aerodynamic stability where substantial hazards exist.
• In-depth knowledge of USAF aircraft operations, aircrew training, standardization and evaluation, aerospace resource management, aerospace test and evaluation, and aircrew equipment and survival training.
• Ability to perform frequent and regular aerial flights in high-performance military aircraft.
• Must meet periodic USAF Class II medical standards and comply with applicable flight-surgeon requirements for Duties Not Involving Flying and Return to Flying Status determinations.
• Knowledge of Expeditionary Air Force concepts, aircraft maintenance, flight safety, acquisition, force development, and security regulations, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to plan, organize, mentor, motivate, and direct subordinate personnel; analyze and adjust work operations to meet objectives within available resources; communicate effectively; and maintain effective working relationships.
• Maintain current certifications and aircraft flight qualifications in accordance with applicable Air Force instructions and directives.
• Must be registered for Selective Service if male, as applicable.
• Must obtain and/or maintain the appropriate security clearance.
• Must meet applicable drug-testing requirements if testing is required for the position.
• Must meet federal direct-deposit requirements and may be required to serve a probationary or trial period.
• Must meet the position's moderate lifting requirement of 15–44 pounds and maintain physical fitness comparable to active-duty aircrew counterparts.

Nice To Haves

• Ten years of military pilot-rated officer experience with active military/government flight experience within the last four years.
• At least 2,000 flight hours, including 1,500 rotary-wing hours and 500 hours using night-vision devices; the Ideal Candidate section also describes 2,000 hours in rotary-wing and/or tilt-rotor aircraft.
• At least 75 hours of instrument flying (the Ideal Candidate section states at least 100 hours) and at least 100 hours of instructor time.
• Prior experience as an evaluator pilot.
• Functional Check Flight/Maintenance Test Flight and/or Operational Test Flight experience.
• Graduate of a Military Test Pilot Course or School, or equivalent.
• Qualification and currency in the unit's assigned aircraft.
• Familiarity with USAF flight-operations rules and procedures and experience planning, executing, and reporting under USAF Test Center rules and procedures.
• Current or previous qualification as a military Instructor Pilot in the H-1, H-60, MH-139, or V-22.
• Two years of computer-programming experience.
• Two years of flight-test experience.
• Two years of test-program lead experience.
• Two years of aircraft-mechanic experience.
• Two years of HVAC experience.
• Two years of laboratory-equipment calibration experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a rotary-wing flight test pilot, functional check flight pilot, instructor pilot, evaluator pilot, and/or Command Chief Pilot for assigned aircraft types.
• Plan, execute, and debrief test, test-support, and flying-training sorties in accordance with governing USAF and/or FAA instructions and directives.
• Manage research, test, and evaluation projects and programs.
• Support squadron leadership on aircraft flight-test operations and test-support activities.
• When designated by the MAJCOM, perform Command Chief Pilot and/or Government Flight Representative functions.
• Maintain current certifications, required aircraft flight qualifications, and physical fitness levels comparable to active-duty aircrew counterparts.
• Conduct frequent and regular aerial flights in high-performance military aircraft associated with training, evaluation, test, and test-support activities.
• Plan, organize, mentor, motivate, and direct subordinate personnel and appraise their performance.
• Analyze, plan, and adjust work operations to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, including public speaking before large and small audiences, and maintain effective working relationships with a broad range of contacts.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package, with benefits for employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization.
• PCS may be paid if authorized, in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations and Air Force regulations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed