Aircraft Pilot

Location: Abingdon, Virginia (Aviation Division)

Responsibilities

• Planning, preparing, and conducting safe flight operations in support of law enforcement and first responder activities, operating single-engine, multi-engine, and turbo-prop aircraft for the purpose of assisting law enforcement with emergency evacuation, surveillance, and search and rescue missions.

About the Agency

At the Virginia State Police, we are more than just a law enforcement organization — we’re a united team of problem‑solvers, protectors, and public servants shaping the future of the Commonwealth. Every role here strengthens our mission to preserve life, protect the vulnerable, and enhance safety while upholding civil liberties throughout Virginia. When you join VSP, your skills create real impact across every community we serve.

Our culture is built on being selfless, engaged, and aware, and we succeed through timely, purposeful action; clear communication; personal accountability; and continuous improvement — together. We prioritize the readiness and well‑being of all our people, entrusting decision‑making to those closest to the challenge and supporting one another with kind, direct feedback that helps us grow. At VSP, you will find meaningful work, real opportunities for advancement, and a supportive culture grounded in service, purpose, and the belief that we are One Mission. One Team. One VSP.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of aviation safety, cockpit resource management, and risk management.
• Working knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations.
• Working knowledge of operation and general maintenance of aircraft.
• Working knowledge of atmospheric and weather relative to its effect on managing flight safety.

Skills:

• Skill in the operation of turbine helicopters.
• Skill in using computers with Microsoft Office applications.

Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to determine route and flight plans; perform pre- and post-flight aircraft inspections.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze weather and aircraft conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure performance of routine maintenance of aircraft and the completion of maintenance and inspection logs by certified mechanics.
• Demonstrated ability to complete necessary Department and FAA records, forms, and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing clearly, concisely, completely and understandably.
• Demonstrated ability to work on-call as required.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• FAA Commercial helicopter certification with instrument rating.
• FAA second class medical certificate.
• Minimum of 500 hours of helicopter flight time required, of which 200 hours in a turbine helicopter is also required.
• Minimum of 50 hours of night pilot in command time in helicopters is required.
• Considerable commercial and instrument flight experience required.
• A resume is required to be submitted at the time of interview that specifically details previous flight experience.
• Pilot logbook is required to be presented at the interview for review by panel members.
• An in-depth review of flight experience and a flight test in a Department Helicopter required.
• Successful applicant may be required to execute up to a 60-month tenure agreement should additional flight training and/or factory schools need to be completed.
• An equivalent combination of aviation training and experience required.
• Must be willing to live within 25 statute miles, straight line distance to the Abingdon Base.

Additional Considerations

• Night vision goggle certification is desired.
• FAA Commercial airplane certification with instrument rating is desired.
• Prior helicopter EMS and/or military piloting experience are preferred.