Aircraft Pilot

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Abingdon (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of State Police in Virginia is seeking a Pilot II (Aircraft Pilot DSP030080) in Abingdon. This role supports law enforcement and first responder missions with safe flight operations in single/multi-engine and turbo-prop aircraft, under a hiring range of $89,606 to $129,033 per year.

Responsibilities include flight planning, aircraft inspections, and precise maintenance record keeping, with requirements for FAA certifications, significant flight hours, and residency within 25 miles

Qualifications

• FAA Commercial helicopter certification with instrument rating is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct safe flight operations to support law enforcement and first responder activities.

Skills

Turbine helicopters

MS Office

Education

High school diploma

FAA helicopter cert. incl. instrument rating

Job description

Title: Aircraft Pilot DSP030080

State Role Title:Pilot II

Hiring Range: $89,606 to $129,033 Final compensation will be determined based on experience and qualifications applicable to the position. Placement at the top of the range is not guaranteed.

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of State Police

Location:Abingdon, Virginia

Agency Website:vsp.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

About the Position:

• Planning, preparing, and conducting safe flight operations in support of law enforcement and first responder activities, operating single-engine, multi-engine, and turbo-prop aircraft for the purpose of assisting law enforcement with emergency evacuation, surveillance, and search and rescue missions.

About the Agency:

At the Virginia State Police, we are more than just a law enforcement organization - we’re a united team of problem‑solvers, protectors, and public servants shaping the future of the Commonwealth. Every role here strengthens our mission to preserve life, protect the vulnerable, and enhance safety while upholding civil liberties throughout Virginia.

When you join VSP, your skills create real impact across every community we serve. Our culture is built on being selfless, engaged, and aware, and we succeed through timely, purposeful action; clear communication; personal accountability; and continuous improvement - together.

We prioritize the readiness and well‑being of all our people, entrusting decision‑making to those closest to the challenge and supporting one another with kind, direct feedback that helps us grow. At VSP, you will find meaningful work, real opportunities for advancement, and a supportive culture grounded in service, purpose, and the belief that we are One Mission. One Team. One VSP.

If you're ready to make a difference and be part of something larger than yourself, your next career starts here.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of aviation safety, cockpit resource management, and risk management.
• Working knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations.
• Working knowledge of operation and general maintenance of aircraft.
• Working knowledge of atmospheric and weather relative to its effect on managing flight safety.

Skills:

• Skill in the operation of turbine helicopters.
• Skill in using computers with Microsoft Office applications.

Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to determine route and flight plans; perform pre- and post-flight aircraft inspections.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze weather and aircraft conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure performance of routine maintenance of aircraft and the completion of maintenance and inspection logs by certified mechanics.
• Demonstrated ability to complete necessary Department and FAA records, forms, and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing clearly, concisely, completely and understandably.
• Demonstrated ability to work on-call as required.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• FAA Commercial helicopter certification with instrument rating.
• FAA second class medical certificate.
• Minimum of 500 hours of helicopter flight time required, of which 200 hours in a turbine helicopter is also required.
• Minimum of 50 hours of night pilot in command time in helicopters is required.
• Considerable commercial and instrument flight experience required.
• A resume is required to be submitted at the time of interview that specifically details previous flight experience.
• Pilot logbook is required to be presented at the interview for review by panel members.
• An in‑depth review of flight experience and a flight test in a Department Helicopter required.
• Successful applicant may be required to execute up to a 60‑month tenure agreement should additional flight training and/or factory schools need to be completed.
• An equivalent combination of aviation training and experience required.
• Must be willing to live within 25 statute miles, straight line distance to the Abingdon Base.

Additional Considerations

• Night vision goggle certification is desired.
• FAA Commercial airplane certification with instrument rating is desired.
• Prior helicopter EMS and/or military piloting experience are preferred.

It is the policy of the Department of State Police (the Department) that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

It does not permit the lowering of bona fide job requirements, performance criteria, or qualifications to give preference to any state employee or applicant for state employment based on the above prohibitions.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST