Helicopter Pilot - Fort Worth, TX

The City of Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing large cities in the U.S. Our employees serve the needs of nearly 1,000,000 residents, promoting our values of exceptional customer experience, mutual respect, embracing our diversity, continuous improvement, ethical behavior, and accountability.

A Helicopter Pilot position is available with The City of Fort Worth Police Department – Air Support Unit.  This position will contribute to the City’s strategic goals, mission, and vision by supporting the Police Department; providing safe and efficient air transportation services in support of various Police Department functions including traffic patrol and enforcement, pursuit of criminals, location and spotlighting of crime scenes or various other law enforcement activities. This is a non-sworn, civilian position. 

Workdays & Hours: Wednesday – Tuesday 12 pm – 12 am; (7 days on / 7 days off)

Benefits for this position include: 11 Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Pension Plan, Professional Development Opportunities, and more.

• HS Diploma supplemented by specialized training in helicopter piloting or a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience as a helicopter pilot including night flight experience (1500 hours flight hours, 1000 hours turbine time).
• Possession of an appropriate, valid FAA Commercial Pilot's License with a Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating.
• Possession of an appropriate, valid FAA 2nd Class Medical Certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recent and relevant operations, services, and activities of an aerial law enforcement program.
• Operation of Bell 505 aircraft and Bell Factory training.
• 250 hours of flight at night, Night Vision Goggle experience, and Instrument rating.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as pilot in command of the Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) helicopter providing safe, efficient, and immediate aerial support to road patrol and other Fort Worth Police Department law enforcement operations. Retains responsibility for aircraft during duty performance.
• Performs pre and post-flight inspections of helicopters and auxiliary equipment. Prepares flight inspection reports.
• Researches aircraft area of operation for adverse weather conditions, hazardous obstructions (unlit towers, cranes), restrictions in airspace (Temporary Flight Restrictions), and any changes to Federal Aviation Regulations, and airspace.
• Maintains flight authority to initiate, conduct, or terminate a flight conducted on behalf of the City.
• Provides safe and efficient air transportation services in support of various Police Department functions including traffic patrol and enforcement, pursuit of criminals, location and spotlighting of crime scenes, or various other law enforcement activities.
• Operates and maneuvers helicopters for assigned police functions in a safe and effective manner. Performs aerial searches to locate and spotlight crime scenes as required.
• Prepares analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities.
• Provides aerial transportation support for various other departments as required.

Working Conditions:

Applicants for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A Misdemeanor Conviction, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions in the last 10 years, Class A Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication in the last 10 years, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and ALL Family Violence Convictions regardless of class.