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Helicopter Pilot

Category:                    Classified

Pay Grade:                  C24

Job Code:                    16410

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

JOB SUMMARY

Performs highly skilled work in the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of a helicopter involved in aerial applications of chemicals; oversees operation of the aircraft in compliance with pertinent rules and regulations governing flight operations as set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); performs scheduled inspections on helicopters in accordance with the schedules of the Federal Aviation Administration and the manufacturer to include maintenance of aircraft systems.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (examples, not all inclusive)

• Operates helicopters used in aerial applications of chemicals and performs aerial inspections of mosquito breeding areas or problem weed areas;
• Maintains technical proficiency, complying with all FAA requirements concerning flight rules, congested area flights, and low altitude flying;
• Performs daily flight inspections to include keeping aircraft maintenance records current, schedules repairs and inspections as required by regulation, and maintains flight logs and records of activities;
• Establishes and maintains extensive files and keeps fully informed on publications of the FAA and various aircraft, engine, and component manufacturers for assigned aircraft;
• Performs maintenance tasks on helicopter as provided by FAA Part 43;
• Prepares maintenance records on equipment to include date serviced, replacement of parts, and repairs performed;
• Maintains inventory of aircraft parts and supplies, initiates requisitions, and maintains and repairs equipment used to perform aircraft maintenance duties; and
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Possession and maintenance of a valid FAA Commercial Pilot License with a rotor craft-helicopter rating, current Class II FAA Flight Medical Certificate and an appropriate FCC Radio Operator Permit, plus a minimum of 1000 hours of helicopter flying time with 100 of the hours as pilot of command in agricultural spray time; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

Special Qualifications (May be required depending on area of assignment):

• Florida Driver’s License or Florida Commercial Driver’s License and endorsement, if any.
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
• Candidate to obtain and maintain certification as a licensed airframe and power plant mechanic by the FAA within two (2) years of appointment.
• Candidate to obtain and maintain Public Health Pest Control, Aquatic Weed Control, and Right-of-Way Control Aerial Application Certificates prior to the completion of the normal probationary period.
• Other knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials required for a specific position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of FAA rules and regulations pertaining to the use of rotary-wing aircraft in aerial applications of chemicals;
• Knowledge of chemicals used in the control of mosquitoes and weeds;
• Knowledge and ability to see that the aircraft is properly maintained and operated in compliance with all FAA rules and regulations;
• Ability to calibrate, maintain, and care for aerial spray equipment;
• Ability to fly at low altitudes and read and interpret aerial photographs and navigational maps;
• Ability to complete prescribed reports and records;
• Ability to use or repair medium and heavy equipment and machinery.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS

The work is heavy work which requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
• Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized.
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
• Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. 
• Visual ability: Sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; and to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.
• Hearing ability: Sufficient to hold a conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone; and to hear recording on transcription device.
• Speaking ability: Sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over a telephone.
• Mental acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Repetitive motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time. 
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an environment with heavy equipment and machinery that could result in bodily harm to my co-workers or others.