City of Tampa

This is highly responsible supervisory and administrative work as an aircraft chief pilot assigned to the Aviation Squad.

An employee in this class is responsible for supervising and overseeing all activities of the municipal police Aviation Squad and training the police flight officers in the safe and efficient operations of the department’s aircraft. Work is of more than average difficulty and includes supervising and scheduling activities of police flight officers and mechanics. Under direction, this employee is responsible for budget formulation and personnel administration within the Aviation Squad and must exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in projecting aircraft parts and supply needs and in making recommendations concerning changes in, or additions to, physical facilities. An important aspect of work is reviewing crime incident statistics and establishing aerial patrol schedules and routes in a manner that will maximize the effectiveness of personnel and aircraft utilization. The employee is also required to engage in hazardous activities including the flight of police aircraft as a pilot or observer and includes responsibility for performing minor aircraft maintenance, assisting aircraft mechanics with major repairs, and serving as a police officer when not assigned to piloting duties. Hours of duty are irregular and include night, weekend, and holiday work. Performance is reviewed through conferences, observation, reports submitted, and results obtained.

Operates fixed wing and rotary-wing aircraft; while flying, engages in patrols, surveillance and pursuit of suspected criminals, traffic and crowd control observation, and other functions in support of police activities.

Trains police officers and pilots in aerial observation procedures; trains pilots in the operation of each of the department's aircraft they are authorized to fly; ensures all pilots are trained and have a thorough understanding of applicable laws governing their missions.

Provides flight supervisor with annual report on the current performance level of each police flight officer; ensures flight hours and unit activities are compiled and reported periodically as required.

Ensures all safety equipment carried aboard the department’s aircraft is inspected regularly to ensure it operates properly in an emergency; confirms all safety equipment carried or worn by crew members aboard departmental aircraft comply with all departmental and applicable governmental regulations; ensures all charts and publications required by applicable FAA regulations are current and available to the unit’s police flight officers.

Ensures proper inspections are conducted on the aircraft fuel storage facilities.

Supervises aircraft pilots, observers, and mechanics; plans, assigns, supervises, and reviews work; completes performance evaluations; approves leave requests; responds to grievances; recommends hiring, promotion, discipline, and other actions; consults with, coordinates, and advises subordinate personnel on accounting problems, processes, and procedures.

Performs duties of flight supervisor in his absence.

Performs related work as required.    

Considerable knowledge of: fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft operating and reconnaissance procedures; federal laws governing aircraft operation; radio, navigation and other peripheral aircraft equipment operating procedures.

Working knowledge of: aircraft applications to police work; aircraft parts, materials, and supplies; budget preparation and inventory control; standard police procedures, equipment, and techniques; departmental policies and procedures; supervisory and training techniques.

Ability to: operate aircraft skillfully, safely and effectively; operate navigational, radio and other peripheral flight equipment; effectively perform the duties and responsibilities of a police officer; react quickly and calmly in emergencies; conduct aerial reconnaissance, surveillance and patrol procedures; prepare clear and concise written reports; establish and maintain a working relationship with other police officers, officials and the general public.

Skill in: operation of aircraft and aircraft equipment; use of firearms and other standard police equipment.

Regular status as a City of Tampa Police Officer; must have attended Bell 407 and Bell 206L-4 initial pilot training; possess a minimum of 500 hours total flight time of which at least 250 hours must be rotorcraft-helicopter time logged in accordance with Federal Aviation regulations. Experience must include hours of instruction and pilot-in-command time.

Possession of a current FAA Commercial Pilot’s License, with an instrument rating, including single engine land and rotor craft helicopter ratings; current FAA Certified Flight Instructors Rating for each of the departmental aircraft types; Federal Communications Commission restricted radio telephone operator permit; second-class medical certificate; valid Florida driver’s license.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.