Pilots single engine and/or multiengine fixed wing aircraft and/or rotary wing aircraft for a law enforcement agency.
Employees in this class serve as the chief pilot, which involves directing and coordinating other pilots, evaluating mission requests from local authorities, coordinating and scheduling missions and making recommendations on the purchase or aircraft and equipment.
Flies missions such as marijuana identification and eradication, drug enforcement, aerial crime scene surveillance, searches for missing persons and suspects; often flying at night. Decide where and when to terminate an operation and an arrest. Conducts pre-flight and post-flight inspections of aircraft and notes all discrepancies in a maintenance log, and maintains all other necessary logs and reports related to flights. Coordinates co-pilots, evaluates mission requests from local law enforcement agencies and coordinates flight missions. Plans flights considering weather, navigational aids, routing, altitudes, alternative routes and destinations, loading and weight distribution, fuel requirements and the filing of flight plans as necessary. Provides guidance and training to co-pilots. Prepares accurate reports for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Conducts performance checks of aircraft systems and computation of loading and weight distribution, taking into consideration equipment and fuel. Analyzes the aircraft and weather conditions which may result in adjustments to routes or flight cancellations. Arranges for maintenance to be performed on aircraft as needed. Briefs and assists passengers. Makes recommendations on aircraft and equipment. Testifies in court. Develops training material and conducts classroom instruction.
Knowledge of relevant law enforcement policies and procedures, to include laws of arrest, search and seizure. Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations. Knowledge of air navigation and of single and multiengine aircraft capabilities and performance. Knowledge of flight planning, meteorology and aircraft maintenance requirements. Ability to pilot single and/or multiengine aircraft in all weather conditions. Ability to exercise sound judgment. Ability to recognize abnormal and emergency situations. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships. Ability to supervise, coach, mentor and train subordinate staff.
Certification by the Law Enforcement Training Council in accordance with Section 23-23-40 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976. Certification as a FAA private or commercial pilot in airplanes or rotorcraft and possession of a FAA Class II medical certificate. May also require ratings in multiengine (land), seaplanes, instrument flying or others as designated.
A high school diploma.