DHC-8 Pilot in Command

Description

Summary: The Falcon I DHC-8 Pilot in Command ensures the safe, legal, and effective operation of the ISR aircraft, supporting airborne operations and coordinating with various personnel. Highlights: 1. Serves as final authority for aircraft safety and flight execution 2. Coordinates international flight requirements and operational approvals 3. Supports deployed aviation operations and irregular mission schedules **POSITION DESCRIPTION – Falcon I DHC\-8 Pilot in Command** **Job Title:** Falcon I DHC\-8 Pilot in Command **Reports to:** Director of Flight Operations / Chief Pilot **Classification:** Exempt **Time Commitment:** Rotational **Location:** SOUTHCOM AOR **Position Summary** The Falcon I DHC\-8 Pilot in Command serves as the final authority for the safe, legal, and effective operation of the Falcon I DHC\-8 ISR aircraft. This position supports airborne ISR operations in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility and operates in accordance with company procedures, customer requirements, host\-nation requirements, Federal Aviation Regulations, and applicable government oversight standards. The Pilot in Command plans and executes day, night, and instrument flight operations. This role coordinates with flight crews, mission crews, maintenance personnel, mission planners, airspace controllers, and supported stakeholders to ensure aircraft safety, mission readiness, and effective mission execution. **Essential Functions** * Serve as Pilot in Command for Falcon I DHC\-8 ISR flight operations in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility. * Exercise final authority for aircraft safety, flight execution, crew coordination, and regulatory compliance. * Plan and conduct day, night, and instrument flight operations in accordance with approved procedures, flight releases, host\-nation rules, Federal Aviation Regulations, and customer requirements. * Complete pre\-mission flight planning, route review, aircraft performance calculations, fuel planning, weight and balance, weather review, operational risk assessment, and crew coordination. * Confirm aircraft airworthiness before flight by reviewing approved procedures, aircraft records, maintenance status, and applicable aviation regulations. * Complete required preflight inspections, crew briefings, mission coordination, and post\-flight reporting. * Operate the aircraft in support of ISR mission requirements, collection objectives, airspace constraints, and mission crew needs. * Coordinate with mission planners, mission commanders, sensor operators, onboard processors, airspace controllers, maintenance personnel, and supported stakeholders during mission planning and execution. * Monitor aircraft systems, mission conditions, fuel status, weather, airspace, operational risks, and crew performance throughout flight operations. * Use flight\-planning, aircraft\-performance, navigation, and electronic flight bag tools to support safe and effective mission execution. * Coordinate international flight requirements, permissions, airspace access, diplomatic clearances, and operational approvals through approved program channels. * Support aircraft launch, recovery, mission execution, crew debriefs, post\-flight documentation, and operational reporting. * Identify and communicate aircraft, airspace, weather, mission, or operational issues that may affect flight safety or mission success. * Maintain professional cockpit discipline, crew resource management, and compliance with company, customer, and regulatory requirements. * Support deployed aviation operations, rotational assignments, and irregular mission schedules as required. * Perform other duties as assigned in support of Falcon I aviation operations. **Supervisory Responsibilities** * None **Education / Certification / Experience** * High school diploma or GED. * Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi\-engine and instrument ratings. * Current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate or higher. * DHC\-8 type rating. * Minimum six years of relevant aviation experience. * Minimum 500 hours fixed\-wing Pilot in Command time in multi\-engine turboprop, jet, or combined aircraft with a gross takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or greater. * Current DoD Secret security clearance or higher. * Ability to deploy OCONUS for rotational periods of at least 60 days. **Preferred Education / Certification / Experience** * Bachelor’s degree or equivalent military experience. * FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, multi\-engine land. * Minimum 1,000 hours in aircraft category. * Multiple deployments, tours, or assignments flying or supporting airborne ISR missions. * Experience operating or supporting ISR aircraft in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility. * Experience supporting Combined Air Operations Center mission requirements. * Experience operating DHC\-8, Dash 8, or other missionized twin\-engine ISR aircraft. **Skills Required** * Knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations, aircraft performance planning, crew resource management, flight safety, and operational risk management. * Experience conducting pre\-mission planning, aircraft performance calculations, fuel planning, weight and balance, weather review, route planning, and airspace coordination. * Ability to operate safely in day, night, instrument, deployed, and OCONUS environments. * Ability to coordinate effectively with flight crews, mission crews, maintenance personnel, mission planners, airspace controllers, customers, and supported stakeholders. * Ability to communicate clearly and professionally through verbal briefings, written reports, electronic messages, and operational updates. * Proficiency with flight\-planning tools, aircraft\-performance tools, navigation systems, electronic flight bags, mapping applications, and Microsoft Office Suite. * Knowledge of Airspace Control Orders, Air Tasking Orders, international flight procedures, host\-nation operating requirements, and deployed aviation operations. * Ability to identify operational risks, resolve flight\-related issues, and make sound decisions under time\-sensitive conditions. * Ability to maintain accurate flight records, mission documentation, aircraft status notes, crew coordination records, and post\-flight reports. **Skills Preferred** * Experience with ISR Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures. * Experience supporting airborne collection missions, missionized aircraft operations, or customer\-directed ISR tasking. * Knowledge of regional geopolitical environments in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility. * Experience coordinating with U.S. Government customers, partner\-nation representatives, aviation operations centers, or deployed ISR task forces. * Experience supporting intelligence fusion centers, operations centers, or ground exploitation cells. * Experience working with mission commanders, sensor operators, mission planners, onboard processors, mechanics, communications technicians, and intelligence analysts in a deployed aviation environment. **M****i****n****i****mu****m Qualifications** * Must be a U.S. citizen. * Must possess a current DoD Secret security clearance or higher. * Must maintain government eligibility requirements. * Must meet regional entry requirements for deployment. * Must have a valid U.S. passport with at least six months remaining. * Must be willing and able to deploy OCONUS and work rotational assignments in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility. * Must be willing and able to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended duty periods in a deployed aviation environment. * Must operate professionally in a military, government, contractor, and partner\-nation environment. * Must communicate professionally with customers, partners, program leadership, aircrew, mission crew, and operational stakeholders. **Travel** * Travel and rotational deployment throughout the United States and locations outside of the United States, including austere locations, is required. **Physical Requirements** * Ability to work in a variety of physical conditions, including austere conditions; * Ability to wear respirator or other required safety equipment; * Ability to work in confined spaces; * Ability to lift 50 lbs. **AIRTEC Benefits Overview\-FTE** * Competitive Pay. * Medical Insurance with HSA Savings Account (Individual/Families). * Dental Insurance (Individual 100% Paid/Families). * Vision Insurance (Individual 100% Paid/Families). * Employee Assistance Program (EAP). * Company\-Paid Life and AD\&D Insurance, Short\- and Long\-Term Disability Insurance. * Voluntary Life Insurance. * Elective Group Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Accident Insurance. * 401(k) 5% Safe Harbor and Profit\-Sharing Program with Employee Participation. * Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical, Dependent Care, and Limited Purpose). * Paid Time Off (Safe/Sick Leave). * College Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development Training. * Education Recognition Bonus Program.