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.
Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. To qualify for this position you must possess: 1. Certificate and Rating: A current Federal Aviation Administration Commercial Pilot Certificate/License with ratings OR a pilot with ratings from the armed services; AND A current Federal Aviation Administration Flight Instructor Certificate/License with ratings OR a flight instructor with ratings from the armed services. 2. Flight Hours: A minimum of the following flight time hours: 1,500 hours of flight time as pilot-in-command or co-pilot in aircraft of any weight or category; and 250 hours pilot-in-command with rotary-wing helicopter; and 75 hours of night flying; and 100 hours of flight time in the preceding 12 months. 3. Specialized experience: One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level that includes: Participating in the planning and execution of rotary-wing aircraft sorties and evaluation activities, including functional test flights; Conducting classroom instruction on developing, teaching, and assessing both academic and on-aircraft syllabus requirements for students training in rotary-wing aircraft; Developing and implementing aviation safety training principles and procedures to ensure safe and standardized flight operations. 4. Specialty Flight Hours: Instructor Time Requirement: A minimum of 500 hours providing flight instruction directly related to the area of instruction and category of aircraft in the position. To receive proper consideration, you must: Submit a copy of your license (front and back) with your application AND Ensure that your flight hours are indicated in your resume. Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process.
Serves as a rotary-wing instructor pilot. Proactively maintains all pilot qualifications and proficiency requirements. Conducts annual egress, emergency procedures training, and Crew Resource Management training.
Provides instructional training, briefings, syllabus events, and evaluation flights in support of Astronaut Space Flight Readiness Training. Maintains instructional material, syllabus, and proficiency exams.
Reviews and maintains applicable aircraft flight manuals, checklists, and aircraft-specific standard operating procedures in accordance with official NASA directives. Conducts standardization meetings to illicit feedback to operational documentation.
Identifies hazards and reports unsafe acts and procedures. Supports the investigation and resolution of aircraft anomalies and mishaps as assigned, and actively participates in safety inspections and training.
Serves as a project team member providing operational expertise for aircraft upgrades, modifications, and functional check flights.
Communicates effectively with other project pilots and NASA managers to effectively utilize aircrew and aircraft to maximize mission accomplishment.
Manages project schedules and supports key review processes, including the Configuration Control Panel, Test Readiness Review, Flight Readiness Review, and Operational Readiness Review, for modifications to division aircraft.