KC-130H/T Commander Pilot / Site Lead

About the Role

The permanent duty location is currently to be determined and will remain as Government Designated. The position requires frequent travel in support of depot Functional Check Flight operations at Fleet Readiness Center East (MCAS Cherry Point, NC). This role is contingent upon contract award.

Serves as a KC-130H/T Pilot responsible for planning, executing, and documenting Functional Check Flights (FCFs), Acceptance Flights, and Ferry Flights in support of depot maintenance operations. The primary mission is to support aircraft induction, maintenance verification, and return-to-service operations at Fleet Readiness Center East (MCAS Cherry Point), while maintaining readiness to operate from a Government-designated home station. Incumbents will coordinate closely with government personnel, maintenance organizations, and aircrew members to safely execute flight operations in accordance with applicable regulations, technical guidance, and contractor procedures.

Responsibilities

• Exercises substantial responsibility for flight safety, instructional quality, pilot standardization, and the development of qualified operational pilots and Aircraft Commanders.
• Intervenes whenever trainee actions could compromise safety, regulatory compliance, aircraft limitations, or mission effectiveness.
• Conducts initial, transition, requalification, continuation, upgrade, mission, and remedial training for KC-130H/T pilots.
• Provides instruction in aircraft systems, limitations, operating procedures, flight characteristics, aircraft performance, mission planning, crew resource management, operational risk management, and emergency procedures.
• Conducts flight instruction during ground operations, takeoff, departure, instrument flight, en route operations, aerial refueling, tactical operations, approaches, landings, and other authorized mission events.
• Demonstrates and instructs normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures in the aircraft and approved training devices.
• Instructs Aircraft Commander candidates in command responsibilities, operational decision-making, crew leadership, mission management, risk management, and the exercise of pilot-in-command authority.
• Observes trainee performance and identifies deficiencies in knowledge, judgment, procedural compliance, aircraft control, situational awareness, and crew coordination.
• Provides immediate corrective instruction when necessary to protect personnel and equipment or prevent unsafe aircraft operation.
• Conducts preflight briefings, post-flight critiques, progress reviews, and formal training debriefings.
• Documents trainee performance and recommends continuation, additional training, advancement, qualification, requalification, or removal from training.
• Develops and reviews lesson plans, training scenarios, courseware, instructional materials, training records, and aircrew training requirements.
• Participates in standardization conferences, instructor development programs, training review boards, mishap prevention programs, and aircrew training program assessments.
• Maintains the highest degree of knowledge and proficiency in aircraft systems, operating procedures, mission employment, instructional techniques, and applicable governing directives.
• Ensures required documentation is completed/updated (e.g., Form 644s, Training Folder, FEF, dd Form 2627s, dd Form 2628s).
• Responsible for the safe planning, execution, and documentation of Functional Check Flights in accordance with applicable technical guidance, government direction, and sound aviation risk management principles.
• Designated as the local Contractor’s Requesting Official (CRO) and Single Point of Contact.
• Performs review/evaluation/submission of timecards, travel estimates, and support requests.
• Oversees the daily workflow of the department, providing expectations and accountability of employees in accordance with company policy.
• Assists the Program Manager with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and training new staff.

Requirements

• Must be a fully qualified KC-130H/T pilot, meeting applicable experience and flight-hour prerequisites.
• Must successfully complete prescribed instructor training and evaluation requirements.
• Must maintain required medical and flight qualifications and be formally designated as an Instructor Pilot by competent authority.
• At least 700 hours of total military flight time (preferred).
• Must have a minimum of an active U.S. SECRET clearance and be subject to a government security investigation.
• Must have a valid driver’s license for insurance purposes, as driving or renting a car for company business is expected.
• Must be able to pass a background check to gain access to specific working location installation bases.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Ability to work flexible hours and be available to respond on short notice as needed.
• Ability to maintain professional appearance.

Physical Requirements

• Must have an FAA Class II medical physical.
• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting in a stationary position for an extended period of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs to, from, and on/off aircraft.
• Operate aviation equipment, tools, computers, and devices requiring the ability to move fingers and hands.
• See and read various monitors and documents.

Travel

Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, and/or site visits.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Vacation, Paid Time Off (PTO), or Paid Sick Leave (PSL) based on state laws.
• Paid holidays.
• Life insurance for all permanent full-time employees.