STATE POLICE TROOPER PILOT 71115

08/01/91 D

This is the single class responsible for performing pilot and police trooper duties for the Commonwealth. Positions in this class are responsible for piloting single-engine fixed wing, and single- and multi-engine rotor wing aircraft for the purpose of law enforcement, emergency evacuation, surveillance, and search and rescue missions. Positions in this class exercise full police powers in all jurisdictions as authorized by the Code of Virginia, and carry weapons.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty by piloting fixed and rotor wing aircraft for the purposes of law enforcement, emergency evacuations, search and rescue missions, and transporting state governmental officials and dignitaries; analyzing weather, aircraft, and other conditions to determine if flight assignments can be executed; determining flight plans; performing pre- and post-flight inspections; completing necessary agency and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports, such as flight assignment records, inspection and maintenance logs, and other applicable reports; and enforcing the law. Assignment to the Med-Flight program requires twenty-four hour shifts. With the exception of transporting the Governor, positions conduct flights alone.

Supervision Received: Receives direction from a State Police Sergeant or other higher level agency official. Duties are carried out with a high degree of independence, since positions are responsible for decisions made regarding flights.

Scope: Work affects the general public in terms of law enforcement and safety during crisis situations. Work affects the agency's success in carrying out missions that involve aerial support.

Impact of Actions: Improper decisions could result in physical harm to passengers, failure to complete successfully law enforcement missions, a negative public agency image, damage to aircraft and other property, and serious financial loss.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with all levels of law enforcement and state government officials, the general public, FAA administrators, fire and rescue squad personnel, and the weather bureau to transport passengers, clarify assignments obtain aviation and weather information, and respond to emergency and law enforcement situations.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the operation and general maintenance of fixed and rotor wing aircraft; of FAA rules and regulations; of state and federal laws; of weather analysis procedures; and of law enforcement principles, practices, and techniques.

Skills: Considerable skill in piloting aircraft and in the use of firearms and other carried weapons.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to analyze weather and aircraft conditions and to determine if flight assignments can be executed; to pilot fixed and rotor wing aircraft; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; to understand and apply verbal and written orders; and to meet the physical demands of the job responsibilities, including the ability to chase down (on foot), restrain, and apprehend suspects.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with rotor wing and single engine/fixed wing instrument ratings; second class FAA medical certificate; Virginia driver's license; and certification by the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Other Requirements: Must be a United States citizen, meet the requirements of a background investigation; and successfully complete a physical examination conducted under the supervision of a licensed physician.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent and successful completion of the Basic Training School at the State Police Academy. Aviation training.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience as a trooper and as a pilot. Satisfactory completion of the required probationary period.

This class specification was redefined in September, 1988, as a result of the Statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program, and updated August, 1991.