MSP HELICOPTER PILOT I (Second-in-Command)

Recruitment #26-002281-0004 | Filing deadline: 8/17/2026 11:59:00 PM

About the Role

An MSP Pilot I-A, Second-in-Command, is the intermediate level of civilian helicopter pilot work within MSP Aviation Command (MSPAC). Employees in this classification will act as the Second-in-Command (SIC) pilot of helicopters enumerated in the MSPAC Standard Operating Procedures, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Rules and Regulations, and as mandated by the Director of Flight Operations or the MSPAC Commander. Employees conduct flight operations in accordance with FAA rules and regulations for search and rescue missions, medical evacuation operations, and other law enforcement-related missions. Employees ensure all MSPAC and FAA regulations concerning operation of Department aircraft are strictly followed, maintain aircraft readiness, and notify the Maryland State Police Pilot II (Pilot-in-Command) or appropriate supervisor of any grounding discrepancies. Employees also ensure all aircraft records are maintained according to established protocol and work in conjunction with the Pilot-in-Command, flight paramedic, and other passengers to form the crew.

Responsibilities

• Flies MSPAC aircraft as SIC for aero-medical missions, search and rescue missions, homeland security, disaster assessments, prisoner extradition, personnel transport, and other law-enforcement-related missions according to FAA rules and regulations.
• Conducts pre-flight and post-flight inspections in accordance with MSPAC and FAA regulations and standards.
• Performs maintenance functions including cleaning aircraft interiors and exteriors, refueling, adding necessary fluids, and replacing light bulbs.
• Performs routine maintenance of hangar and office facilities.
• Operates specialized flight-related equipment, such as tow motors.
• Recommends go/no-go flight risk management decisions related to weather conditions, maintenance, and other flight safety considerations.
• Completes paperwork required by the MSPAC and Maryland State Police, such as flight operation logs, aircraft logs, and other documents.
• Completes required training courses and exercises in compliance with FAA and MSPAC regulations.
• Performs other related duties.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• Twelve hundred (1200) helicopter flight hours as an FAA certificated pilot (fixed-wing hours may not be combined to meet this requirement).
• Must possess and maintain a FAA Commercial Helicopter or Commercial Airplane multi-engine certification.
• Must possess and maintain FAA 2nd Class Medical certification.
• Must possess and maintain an acceptable Instrument Helicopter or Instrument Fixed-Wing Rating as determined by FAA regulations and as required by the MSPAC.
• Must possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland if assigned duties requiring operation of a motor vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

• Turbine experience.
• Twin turbine experience.

Special Requirements

• Subject to an initial drug screening and a complete criminal background investigation, including a polygraph examination, before permanent appointment. A criminal conviction record may be grounds for rejection.
• Subject to call-in on a 24-hour basis; must provide a phone number where they can be reached.
• Subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09 and other FAA applicable drug testing requirements.
• Required to sign an Obligation Service Agreement.

Pay

$101,678.00 - $142,396.00/year

Benefits

State of Maryland benefits available.