Police Flight Officer

This is responsible police work as an aircraft pilot.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing police work while piloting helicopters and airplanes within assigned areas. Work is of more than average difficulty and includes responsibility, other than flying as a pilot, performing minor aircraft maintenance, assisting aircraft mechanics with major repairs, and serving as a police officer when not assigned to piloting duties. Work is hazardous and requires skill in operating aircraft, radio and navigation equipment and other peripheral flight equipment. While flying, the employee will be engaged in patrols, surveillance and pursuit of suspected criminals, traffic and crowd control observation, and other functions in support of police activities. Though under general supervision, the employee is required to exercise initiative and independent judgment in operating aircraft safely, effectively, and in a manner that will preclude detection when assigned to surveillance activities. The employee is responsible for insuring that aircraft is flight-worthy prior to take-off and may be responsible for instructing new or less knowledgeable flight officers, or police officers flying as observers, in aerial observation procedures. At times, the employee must work nights, weekends and holidays. Work is reviewed through observation, reviews of submitted documents, conferences, and effectiveness of performance.

Operates fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft; patrols areas not readily accessible by ground-based personnel; patrols business and high crime areas; patrols selected areas in support of riot, traffic and crowd control; participates in surveillance and pursuit of suspected criminals; transports police personnel on official police business; transports aircraft to maintenance and repair facilities; performs other aerial missions in support of police functions; maintains radio communication with air traffic controllers; operates radar and navigational equipment; establishes radio contact with other law enforcement agency aircraft, as necessary; conducts pre-flight and post-flight inspections of aircraft; maintains records and logs of personal flight time, aircraft flight time, fuel consumption, oil consumption, and other flight-related matters.

Trains police officers and pilots in aerial observation procedures; serves as plain clothes or uniformed police officer when not assigned to air-service functions.

Performs minor aircraft maintenance and repair; changes light bulbs, cleans, washes and waxes aircraft; assists aircraft mechanic in repairs of aircraft.

Performs work related to purposes of the Police Department as required.

Considerable knowledge of: fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft operating procedures; federal laws governing aircraft operation; radio, navigation and other peripheral aircraft equipment operating procedures.
Working knowledge of: standard police procedures, equipment and 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; prepare clear and concise written reports; react quickly and calmly in emergencies; learn aerial reconnaissance, surveillance and patrol procedures; establish and maintain a working relationship with other police officers, officials and the general public.
Skill in: the operation of aircraft and aircraft equipment; the use of firearms and other standard police equipment.

- Two (2) years as a City of Tampa Police Officer; must have attended Bell 407 and Bell 206L-4 initial pilot training; and,

- 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.

Possession of: valid FAA instrument rating either airplane or rotorcraft; valid FAA Commercial rotor-craft helicopter certificate; valid FAA second-class medical certificate; valid Florida driver's license.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

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