This standard covers positions the duties of which primarily involve performing aviation law enforcement operations to detect, interdict, apprehend, and prevent terrorists and other persons, weapons and contraband, from illegally entering or attacking the United States. All positions have in common dual paramount requirements for knowledge and skills necessary to pilot aircraft and knowledge of the customs and border protection activities that forms the basis for the flying assignments.
Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, successful completion of relevant Federal law enforcement training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.
FLIGHT REQUIREMENTS
Certificates and Ratings: For all grade levels and specializations, individuals must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying a multi-engine airplane to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with the airplane, multi-engine, and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings. Positions that require flying or instructing in flying both airplanes and helicopters require a rating in both categories. Only those ratings necessary to perform the work are required.
Note: Individuals establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Flight Experience: Individuals must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience. The categories in which individuals are required to demonstrate proficiency relate to: (1) the general knowledge and skills to pilot the aircraft, and (2) the specific knowledge and skills related to the particular position being filled. Only that flight experience that is directly related to the work of the position is required for purposes of establishing minimum eligibility.
MINIMUM FLIGHT HOUR REQUIREMENTS
The following flight hour requirements apply to all applicants:
Category |
Flight Hours for GS-11 or Equivalent Level and Above |
---|---|
1. Total Flight Time |
1500 |
2. Pilot-In-Command |
250 |
3. Night Flying |
75 |
4. Flying Time, Last 12 Months |
100 |
The following flight hour requirements apply only when the position requires the particular specialty.
Category |
Flight Hours |
---|---|
GS-11 or Equivalent Level and Above |
|
5. Multi-engine Airplane |
500 |
6. Heavy Helicopter |
500 |
7. Instrument |
75 |
8. Instructor Time |
500 |
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
The medical and physical requirements under 5 CFR 339, “Medical Qualification Determinations,” for law enforcement officers, such as criminal investigators, border patrol agents and detention officers, and the Aircraft Operation Series, 2181, must be met by individuals subsequent to appointment and for inservice placement actions, including reinstatement of former employees and transfers from positions not covered by this standard.
Incumbents perform job tasks in a variety of environmental conditions. These conditions include working: (1) in hot or cold outdoor temperatures (i.e., below 32 degrees or above 90 degrees), (2) at high elevations (i.e., 15 feet or greater above ground level), (3) near moving vehicles and aircraft, (4) in dusty conditions, (5) near fumes, (6) in stressful conditions, (7) for extended and irregular hours, (8) under variable lighting conditions, and (9) under high noise conditions. The possibility of exposure to various types of harmful chemical and/or biological agents by terrorists is real.
The duties of this position are of a strenuous and hazardous nature. Additionally, the position requires a high degree of interaction and responsibility to the public. Therefore, any medical condition resulting from an injury or disease or any psychiatric condition may result in disqualification for appointment either: (1) if the condition(s) would affect the ability of the individual to perform the essential functions of the position or (2) if recurrence of the condition(s) cannot be medically ruled out, and the duties of the position are such that a recurrence would pose a reasonable probability of substantial harm to the individual or to others, if the individual were appointed to the position.
A direct relationship exists between specific medical requirements, the medical condition, and the duties of the position. Any chronic disease or condition affecting the auditory, cardiovascular, endocrine and metabolic, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, integumentary, musculoskeletal, neurological, psychological, respiratory, and visual systems that would impair full performance of the duties of the position is disqualifying.
These are interim physical and medical standards which should be used only until a medical and physical study can be conducted by the agency in cooperation with OPM, and OPM issues a new qualification standard.
FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER (FLETC) REQUIREMENT
Successful completion of relevant Federal law enforcement training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) is mandatory as a condition of employment.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Individuals must be willing and able to engage effectively in contacts with hostile persons, and to work independently under conditions of high accountability. Applicants and incumbents must demonstrate the traits and characteristics important to Agent work. These include judgment, problem solving, emotional stability, and interpersonal skills. A background investigation will be employed in assessing applicants' suitability.
USE OF FIREARMS
All positions require incumbents to carry a firearm in the performance of their duties. Therefore, all individuals must, after appointment, qualify and maintain qualification and proficiency in the use of firearms.
DRIVER'S LICENSE
Applicants are required to have, or must obtain before appointment, an automobile driver's license currently valid in the State in which they are domiciled or principally employed. They must qualify to operate motor vehicles in accordance with applicable Government regulations after they are hired.
MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE REQUIREMENT
Under the authority of Public Law 100-238, the U. S. Department of Homeland Security has established the date immediately preceding one's 37th birthday as the maximum age for original entry into positions covered by this standard.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
As a condition of employment, incumbents must successfully complete all required training and continue to meet all medical, physical, licensure, and other requirements in this standard throughout the duration of their employment.