Sheriff Pilot

• Pilot Sheriff’s Office aircraft in support of law enforcement activities, search- and-rescue, emergency response, special operations, and other Sheriff’s Office activities.
• Support drug enforcement operations through real-time observations and aerial surveillance.
• Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) and exercise authority over flight safety decisions during operations.
• Evaluate terrain, hazards, and operational conditions to support safe tactical deployments; manage aircraft systems during day, night, and adverse-weather operations.
• Provide aerial observation, real-time intelligence, and tactical support to deputies, detectives, and command staff.
• Support ground units during pursuits, searches, perimeter operations, and SWAT activations; maintain radio communication with dispatch, ground units, allied agencies, and aviation command staff.
• Ensure aviation operations comply with FAA regulations, state requirements, and Sheriff’s Office policies.
• Maintain and audit required records, including flight logs, pilot training files, maintenance documentation, and FAA compliance records.
• Oversee documentation for incidents, missions, evidence retention, and video management related to aerial operations.
• Maintain proficiency in emergency procedures, including autorotation, system failures, and night operations; maintain proficiency in advanced flight operations such as low-level flight, nighttime operations, and confined area landings.
• Coordinate and oversee scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance.
• Track Aviation Unit staff training requirements, recurrent training schedules, medical certificates, and proficiency evaluations; assist in training Aviation Unit staff when assigned.
• Support Sheriff’s Office briefing and debriefing processes by preparing mission materials, reviewing data, and distributing reports.
• May supervise Extra Help Sheriff Pilot staff.
• May be called to testify in court.

Graduation from high school or an acceptable equivalent certificate.

Five hundred (500) hours of Pilot-in-Command time, which includes a minimum of fifty (50) hours of night flying.

Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license; must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation.

Possess one of the following valid and current certificates at the time of appointment and maintain:

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Certificate with single engine aircraft rating, and possession of at least a valid and current Class II Airman’s Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized medical examiner.
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot's Certificate with possession of a valid and current Class II Airman's Medical Certificate issued by an FAA authorized medical examiner.
• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with single engine helicopter rating and sufficient training and proficiency in agency aircraft;
  Bell 206B, and Bell UH-1h, to be operated under FAR Part 61 Flight Rules.

• Possession of an Instrument Rating.
• Certified Flight Instructor rating with Instrument Instructor rating.
• Prior law enforcement experience or training.

• Principles and supervision and training.
• Administration practices of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration pertaining to the use of aviation assets.
• Flight control systems and equipment; terrain, weather, and flying conditions in California.
• Airborne Law Enforcement Operations including surveillance techniques, piloting skills, navigation, safety, maintenance, and training.
• The general geography and topography of Merced County.
• Mountain aircraft flying.
• Basic math to compute…