Pilot - Wing​/Rotary Wing

Job Summary

Position:
Pilot – Fixed Wing/Rotary Wing (Air Unit) in the Sheriff’s Department. Salary Grade: 15. Work is a four‑day swing shift rotating across days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays, with on‑call availability. The pilot will operate a Cessna 208 in support of law‑enforcement, search‑and‑rescue, surveillance and emergency missions.

• Serve as pilot‑in‑command (PIC) operating fixed‑wing or rotary‑wing aircraft, primarily during nighttime, in support of law‑enforcement, search and rescue, surveillance, and emergency missions.
• Ensure safe flight operations by conducting thorough pre‑flight, in‑flight, and post‑flight inspections, completing flight risk assessments, and maintaining strict adherence to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, aviation safety standards, and departmental policies.
• Develop and follow detailed flight plans; coordinate with air traffic control, ground units, and command staff.
• Operate mission‑specific equipment such as forward‑looking infrared (FLIR) systems to support airborne law‑enforcement and investigative missions.
• Transport personnel, detainees, and critical equipment securely and efficiently.
• Maintain accurate flight records, logs, and maintenance documentation.
• Identify and report aircraft maintenance and safety issues to ensure operational readiness.
• Assist with minor maintenance, aircraft cleaning, hangar upkeep, refueling, and stocking of parts and supplies.
• Participate in training exercises, drills, and continuing education to maintain flight proficiency and certifications.
• Assist in developing operational procedures and safety protocols for aviation missions.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties.
• Participate in Department‑sanctioned public events and demonstrations, which may include speaking to the public or media regarding aviation.

• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) from an accredited institution.
• Current and valid Commercial Pilot’s License for airplane single engine land and multiengine land (or rotorcraft‑helicopter rating for rotary wing).
• Current flight review.
• Meet currency requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations 61.57 (a)(b)(c).
• For rotary wing: at least 2,000 hours rotary wing flight experience, including 1,000 hours turbine helicopter PIC, 100 hours in Airbus H125 (or equivalent AS350 series) PIC, 100 hours of night flight, and documented experience conducting search and rescue operations utilizing external load or hoist equipment.

• Experience with/knowledge of using Garmin G1000 systems.
• Minimum of 750 hours fixed wing flight experience.
• Minimum of 500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC).
• Minimum of 100 hours Cessna 208 Pilot in Command (PIC) or equivalent.
• Minimum of 100 hours multiengine Pilot in Command (PIC).
• Minimum of 100 hours of night flight experience.
• Entitle a valid Certified Flight Instructor's rating.
• Previous law‑enforcement experience.

Applicants will present flight logbooks for review during an oral board interview. Successful candidates will participate in ride‑alongs in the Cessna 208 to demonstrate fit and proficiency. Training will be provided upon hiring. Candidates must learn and apply department ten codes and supplemental codes for effective police radio communication and develop proficiency in supporting law‑enforcement strategies for apprehending fleeing suspects while working closely with the assigned observer.

Failure to demonstrate the ability to perform these duties may result in dismissal.

• Current and valid Class II FAA Medical Certificate.
• FAA Commercial Pilot Certification with instrument rating and appropriate ratings for fixed‑wing and/or rotary‑wing aircraft.
• Access to airfields and airports requires additional screening or clearances as mandated by the FAA, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or local airport authorities.
• Valid driver license at time of application; valid Arizona driver license at time of appointment.

All positions require satisfactory completion…