State of Maryland

A MSP Chief Pilot is the supervisory level of specialized flight operations that includes managing instructional training in aircraft work in the Aviation Command of the Maryland State Police (MSP). Employees in this classification coordinate and manage flight operations related to specialized In-Service Flight Training programs and certification for civilian and sworn pilots as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Employees also perform as the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) for search and rescue missions, medical evacuation operations, homeland security, prisoner extradition, personnel transport and other law enforcement related missions as directed by the Director of Flight Operations or the Commanding Officer of the Aviation Command. Employees in this classification supervise MSP Pilots and MSP Flight Instructors assigned to the Flight Training Section.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from the Director of Flight Operations of the MSP Aviation Command and are assigned shift work including holidays and weekends. Employees are subject to a 24-hour on call duty status during emergencies and staff shortages. Employees are required to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions. The work involves hazardous conditions such as maneuvering helicopters and fixed wing aircraft in congested areas, unusual terrains or during adverse weather conditions.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology. The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

The MSP Chief Pilot is differentiated from the MSP Flight Instructor in that the MSP Chief Pilot has supervisory responsibility for MSP Flight Instructors and MSP Pilots assigned to the Flight Training Section while the MSP Flight Instructor performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.

Manages the MSP Aviation Command pilot training program to include supervising, coordinating, assigning and evaluating the work of MSP Flight Instructors;

Establishes training protocols for the fixed wing and helicopter pilot training programs to ensure compliance with FAA regulations, policies, and protocols governing flight and maintenance operations;

Provides management oversight of pilot training, aircraft operations, maintenance pilot scheduling, and pilot recruitment;

Coordinates test flights following major aircraft inspections and maintenance, and maintains applicable records pertaining to certifications and training of the MSP civilian and sworn pilots;

Performs line pilot functions to include, functioning as a PIC or Instructor Pilot of various departmental aircraft for search and rescue missions, medical evacuation operations, prisoner extradition, personnel transport and other law enforcement related activities;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of FAA rules and regulations;

Knowledge of specialized training programs required for pilots flying on search and rescue missions, medical evacuation operations, prisoner extradition, personnel transport, homeland security, damage assessments, prisoner extradition, personnel transport and other law enforcement related missions for day, night and instrument flying conditions;

Knowledge of MSP and Aviation Command standard operating procedures, policies, rules and regulations pertaining to operation of the Command aircraft;

Knowledge of standard training methodologies, techniques and materials traditionally used in training activities to include the design and preparation of lesson plans and other course materials;

Skill in piloting the MSP Aviation Command’s aircraft as a PIC or Instructor Pilot;

Skill in presenting training materials in a clear, concise, and understandable manner using written, oral, audio-visual and computer based formats;

Ability to supervise MSP Flight Instructors;

Ability to conduct and supervise test flights on aircraft following major and minor aircraft maintenance or inspections;

Ability to conduct ground and flight training for sworn medical providers to ensure continuity of flight considerations;

Ability to develop, plan and coordinate training programs for new and experienced pilots;

Ability to communicate effectively.

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Experience: Five years of experience in aviation administrative or professional work of which three years must have involved the supervision of other employees, or exercising responsibility for program development in the aviation field.

                                                             AND

Completion of 2600 helicopter flight hours as an FAA licensed pilot of which 500 hours are recorded as cross country flight time, 100 hours of night flight time and 75 hours of actual or simulated instrument time of which at least 50 hours were in actual flight.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute graduate education from an accredited college or university at the rate of 30 credit hours for each year of experience, for up to four years of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute additional experience as defined above, on a year-for-year basis, for up to four years of the required education.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a Rotary Wing Pilot on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

1. Employees in this classification must possess and maintain an FAA Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating.

2. Employees in this classification must possess and maintain an FAA Flight Instructor Certificate with the following ratings: Multi-Engine Rotorcraft and Instrument Helicopter.

3. Employees in this classification must possess and maintain an FAA 2nd Class Medical Certificate.

4. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

1. Candidates for positions in this classification will be subject to a complete criminal background investigation and polygraph examination before permanent appointment can be made. A criminal conviction may be grounds for rejection of the applicant.

2. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

3. Employees in this classification are subject to call-in on a 24 hour basis and must provide a telephone number at which they can be contacted.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies.  Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Professional Service classification in the State Personnel Management System. All positions in this classification are Professional Service positions. Some positions in Professional Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405.

This classification is not assigned to a bargaining unit, as indicated by the designation of S (Supervisor), M (Manager), T (Agency Head), U (Board or Commission Member), W (Student), X (Used by Agency or Excluded by Executive Order), or Z (Confidential).  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation. An employee who works more than the normal work week is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pension Article, Section 8-305.