Aircraft Pilot; Helicopter

Aircraft Pilot (Helicopter) (Direct Hire)

This position is located in the Aircraft Operations Division, Flight Operations Directorate. As a Project Pilot you will pilot aircraft used in the development and test programs; perform flights and ground simulations of advanced missions; and serve as a pilot aboard a helicopter.

• Serve as a rotary‑wing instructor pilot, maintaining all pilot qualifications and proficiency requirements. Conduct annual egress, emergency procedures training, and Crew Resource Management training.
• Provide instructional training, briefings, syllabus events, and evaluation flights for Astronaut Space Flight Readiness Training. Maintain instructional material, syllabus, and proficiency exams.
• Review and maintain applicable aircraft flight manuals, checklists, and aircraft‑specific SOPs in accordance with NASA directives. Conduct standardization meetings to gather feedback for operational documentation.
• Identify hazards, report unsafe acts and procedures, support the investigation and resolution of aircraft anomalies and mishaps, and actively participate in safety inspections and training.
• Serve as a project team member providing operational expertise for aircraft upgrades, modifications, and functional check flights.
• Communicate effectively with other project pilots and NASA managers to maximize mission accomplishment.
• Manage project schedules and support key review processes, including the Configuration Control Panel, Test Readiness Review, Flight Readiness Review, and Operational Readiness Review for modifications to division aircraft.

• This position is open to U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• The position may require a one‑year probationary period as determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11.
• Applicants must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Applicants must be proficient in the English language.
• At initial appointment, applicants must possess a current FAA first‑class medical certificate or a military pilot flight physical; or obtain a NASA flight medical certification.
• Position subject to pre‑employment background security investigation.

• Certificate and Rating:
  Current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate/License with ratings, or a pilot with ratings from the armed services; and a current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate/License with ratings, or a flight instructor with ratings from the armed services.
• Flight Hours – Minimum required: 1,500 hours in any aircraft as pilot‑in‑command or co‑pilot; 250 hours P‑IC with rotary‑wing helicopter; 75 hours of night flying; 100 hours of flight time in the preceding 12 months.
• Specialized Experience – One year of directly related experience equivalent to GS‑12 level, including planning, execution, and evaluation of rotary‑wing sorties, classroom instruction for rotary‑wing training, and development of aviation safety procedures.
• Specialty Flight Hours – Instructor Time Requirement:
  Minimum 500 hours providing instruction related to the position’s aircraft and category.

• Submit a copy of your license (front and back) with your application.
• Ensure that your flight hours are indicated in your resume.

NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI‑assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. For guidance, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Education requirement:
None.

CTAP/ICTAP:
If you have special priority selection rights, indicate eligibility, meet the minimum qualifications, and submit proof of eligibility.

May be required to serve a one‑year probationary period during which your fitness and continued employment will be evaluated. Upon completion, employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Federal employees and families have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, and leave benefits. For more information, contact the hiring agency.