Police Helicopter Pilot

Helicopter Jobs; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Employer-contributed 401a after 1 year

Discounts on wireless carriers

Gym memberships

Amusement park tickets

Job summary

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) seeks a Helicopter Pilot to support aerial surveillance, patrols, and rapid response missions in the DC area. The role requires operating a helicopter for law enforcement duties, including search and rescue, surveillance, and real-time information dissemination to units on the ground.

Incumbent will pilot an Airbus AS350B3, coordinating with FAA and interagency partners.

Qualifications

• Must possess FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot license with Instrument Rating.
• Must possess FAA 2nd Class or higher Medical Certificate.
• Must maintain required FAA and aircraft manufacturer training at department expense.
• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle driver’s license.
• 1000 hours in Rotor Wing Aircraft as PIC, with 120 hours in last 12 months and 200 hours as PIC during night conditions.

Responsibilities

• In command of the aircraft, ensure safe operation by interpreting weather and planning routes.
• Provide airborne support for patrols, aerial searches, and surveillance.
• Operate as Pilot-in-Command for high-risk missions with real-time tactical support.
• Execute flights in Class B SFRA and FRZ airspace with security coordination.
• Conduct day and night missions using NVG/FLIR in low visibility.
• Transport personnel and equipment for specialized missions as needed.
• Maintain flight logs and pilot records per FAA and department SOPs.
• Stay updated with FAA directives and adjust operations accordingly.
• Support vehicle pursuits from the air under department guidelines.
• Conduct aerial searches to locate suspects or missing persons.

Skills

Aerial surveillance

Patrol & reconnaissance

Coordination with agencies

Education

FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot license with Instrument Rating

FAA Medical Certificate (2nd Class or higher)

Valid motor vehicle driver’s license

Tools

NVG & FLIR systems

Job description

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) offers an attractive benefits package. The benefits package includes competitive compensation, health insurance, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, short and long term disability and life insurance, as well a strong retirement benefit and savings options. Employees are also eligible for our employer contributed 401a plan after one year of employment. Additional perks such as discounts on wireless carriers, gym memberships, amusement park tickets and much more! Additional information can be found at: DCHR Benefits

This position is located in the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Special Operations Division, Homeland Security Bureau (HSB). The purpose of this position is to operate a helicopter in the performance and support of aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, traffic monitoring and reporting as well as the timely dissemination of information to involved law enforcement units.

The incumbent pilots an Airbus AS350B3 helicopter in support of law enforcement duties, including the protection of life and property, prevention and apprehension of law violators.

This Helicopter Pilot position is covered under the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) bargaining unit and you may be required to pay an agency fee through direct payroll deductions.

The Incumbent Will Be Responsible For The Following

• The incumbent in command of the aircraft is the final authority to the safe operation of the aircraft, interpreting weather reports from the National Weather Service and other weather reporting services to determine altitude, deviation from the planned route and determining a flight route to ensure safety.
• Assists ground units and provides airborne support for missions including patrol, aerial search and rescue missions, surveillance and information gathering.
• Operates as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) for high-risk and dynamic aviation missions, providing critical air support for real-time tactical surveillance, fleeing suspect tracking, executive protection, major event overwatch (such as inaugurations and marches), search and rescue operations in both urban and wooded environments, and aerial assistance for perimeter security and crowd control during large-scale public events.
• Executes flights in complex Class B, Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) airspace with enhanced security protocols, FAA coordination, and interagency communication.
• Conducts flight missions during day and night-time conditions to search for subjects; identifies police locations; and searches for suspects and critical missing persons. Utilizes Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera systems to conduct operations in total darkness and/or limited visibility environments.
• Transports personnel and equipment as required for specialized missions, including Emergency Response Team (ERT), K-9, Dive Team, Crime Scene Search, or other departmental personnel as needed.
• Provides live video downlink to the Joint Operations Command Center (JOCC) or other command centers as well as small size mobile receivers.
• Maintains written and computerized flight logs and pilot records in compliance with applicable regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), unit standard operating procedures, and other agencies as necessary.
• Reads and keeps abreast of publications and airworthiness directives from the FAA. Makes necessary adjustments to helicopter operations based on information and directives. Provides direct support to vehicle pursuits from the aircraft, which allows supervisors to manage the pursuit under departmental guidelines. Conducts aerial searches of the Washington, DC area to locate suspects that have gone in hiding in a particular area.
• Periodically conducts river and traffic observations of major thoroughfares to include, snow emergencies, highway accidents, utility road work, waterways, etc. Observes and reports roadway conditions that are severely impeding traffic. When appropriate contacts the Department of Public Works and other local agencies or jurisdictions to advise of traffic impediments.
• Works with law enforcement officials from other District and Federal government agencies, state and local jurisdictions. Serves as a liaison with air traffic control facilities and the Transportation Security Administration as necessary.
• Subject to testify in a court of law.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Licensures, Certifications And Other Requirements

Must possess and maintain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Rotor Craft Pilot license with an Instrument Rating. (Must provide proof of license).

Must possess and maintain a current FAA 2nd Class or higher Medical Certification. (Must provide proof of certification).

Must undergo all required FAA and aircraft manufacture training as required at department expense.

Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle driver’s license.

Work Experience

Must possess 1000 hours in Rotor Wing Aircraft as Pilot in Command (PIC), of which 120 hours in the last 12 months, 200 hours as PIC during night conditions. Must provide the Pilot logbook as proof of hourly PIC.

Must possess and maintain a current FAA Flight Review in Rotor Wing Aircraft.

Experience Operating in Class B or restricted airspace.

Work Environment

The operation of the helicopter is subject to hazards and requires the incumbent to monitor aircraft systems during flights constantly. Situational awareness must be observed during flight operations. Special attention should be constantly given to environmental factors, such as terrain, wires, cranes, towers, changing weather conditions and other similar issues of concern.

Other Significant Factors

Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential.

This position operates within the confines of a 24/7 operation. This position is considered "Essential". Incumbent of this position is required to provide after-hours on call technical support including weekends and holidays. Incumbent may also be subjected to rotating shifts, weekend work and changes in days off.

This Position Is Deemed As "Safety Sensitive" Pursuant To Chapter 4 Of The D.C. Personnel Regulations, In Addition To The General Suitability Screening, Individuals Applying For Or Occupying Security Sensitive Positions Are Subject To The Following Checks And Tests

• Criminal background check;
• Traffic record check (as applicable);
• Consumer credit check (as applicable);
• Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test; and
• Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.

A background investigation is required for positions with the Metropolitan Police Department.

The incumbent is required to possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s permit.

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.