Aircraft Flight Instructor

This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in the BPA Aircraft Services (TAA) organization of Transmission Chief of Staff (TA), Transmission Services (T). We are seeking an expert Lead Flight Instructor for Bell 407 helicopters and drones. You will train and evaluate our pilots and instructors, develop advanced flight manuals and safety procedures, and lead critical missions in challenging environments to support the Northwest's power grid.

Power the Pacific Northwest from the Skies: Lead the Next Generation of Aviation Pioneers at Bonneville Power Administration The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) delivers clean, reliable electricity across the Pacific Northwest, and our aviation team serves as the vital "eyes in the sky" keeping the high-voltage transmission grid safe and functional. As our Lead Flight Instructor, you will step into a premier, high-impact role. You won't just fly; you will shape the future of our aviation division, master cutting-edge flight technology, and lead safety-critical flight operations in one of the nation's most rewarding, challenging, and picturesque flying environments. Eight Key Opportunities and Duties Designed for Elite Aviators: Lead and Mentor a High-Caliber Flight Team - Instruct and evaluate our dedicated team of FAA-certified helicopter and drone pilots. You will oversee flight techniques, conduct in-flight proficiency exams, and provide the advanced mentorship that ensures our pilots operate at peak performance levels. Pilot Advanced Helicopters in Challenging Terrains - Take the controls as Pilot-in-Command of the Bell 407 helicopter. You will fly specialized utility missions across the diverse Pacific Northwest-from low-level power line patrols to navigating complex, high-altitude mountain environments and variable weather conditions. Sustain and Expand our Drone Program - You will design training curricula, oversee remote pilot certifications, plan drone missions, and leverage high-resolution aerial data to support environmental research and infrastructure inspections. Master Precision Aerial Utility Operations - Execute and teach highly specialized utility maneuvers. You will train pilots in precision external cargo transportation, vertical-reference long-line placements of materials in tight spots, and tactical operations near high-voltage utility structures. Design Modern, High-Impact Aviation Curriculums - Formulate classroom and in-flight training programs. You will develop lessons covering critical topics like crew resource management, emergency procedures, hazard mitigation, and flying safely in low-altitude wire environments. Author and Define Flight Safety Manuals - Pioneer safety and operating procedures by developing and updating BPA's flight, operations, and hazard-mitigation manuals. Guide Crew Progression and Career Advancement - Act as a key decision-maker in our pilot pipeline. You will assess new hires during orientation, run flight exams, and make critical crew assignment recommendations to leadership, directly shaping who advances to Pilot-in-Command. Coordinate Mission Operations with Regional Partners - Collaborate with dispatchers, safety officers, and transmission line maintenance crews. You will lead pre- and post-flight safety briefings and build integrated daily flight plans to ensure all operations run safely, smoothly, and efficiently.

In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answer to these questions is not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully. Key Requirements: You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements. You will be required to report in person to the official duty location. Conditions of Employment: This position requires a valid driver's license as a condition of employment. This position requires an initial drug test prior to appointment and random drug or drug and alcohol testing thereafter. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug or drug and alcohol tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment. After employment, this position may be subject to periodic physical examinations, as prescribed by competent medical authority and at BPA expense, if exposed to health hazards. A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation. This position does not support remote work. You will be required to report physically to the official reporting worksite as specified by the supervisor, but no less than 3 days per pay period. Must be able to pass an EKG (electrocardiogram) before entry into the position and annually thereafter. Obtain (prior to the closing date of this announcement) and maintain a first-class or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations. Must complete training for and obtain a FAA Remote Pilot Certificate within six months of appointment.