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Posted: January 12, 2026 (3 days ago)

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Aircraft Pilot (Helicopter) (Direct Hire)

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Fresh

Location

Salary

$145,480 - $189,126

per year

Closes

January 23, 2026

GS-12 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $74,441 - $96,770

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-11. Advanced degree + significant experience.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves flying helicopters for NASA's space programs, including test flights, training astronauts, and ensuring safe operations at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

You'll act as an instructor pilot, plan missions, and help with aircraft improvements.

It's a great fit for experienced helicopter pilots with strong teaching skills and a passion for aviation safety in high-stakes environments.

Key Requirements

  • Current FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with appropriate ratings or equivalent from armed services
  • Current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate with ratings or military equivalent
  • At least 1,500 total flight hours as pilot-in-command or co-pilot
  • Minimum 250 hours as pilot-in-command in rotary-wing helicopters
  • At least 75 hours of night flying and 100 hours of flight time in the last 12 months
  • 500 hours of flight instruction experience in rotary-wing aircraft
  • One year of specialized experience at GS-12 level in planning rotary-wing flights, conducting instruction, and implementing aviation safety procedures

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Aircraft Operations Division, Flight Operations Directorate.

As a Project Pilot you will pilot aircraft used in the development and test programs; perform flights and ground simulations of advanced missions; and serve as a pilot aboard a helicopter.

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

To qualify for this position you must possess: 1.

Certificate and Rating: A current Federal Aviation Administration Commercial Pilot Certificate/License with ratings OR a pilot with ratings from the armed services; AND A current Federal Aviation Administration Flight Instructor Certificate/License with ratings OR a flight instructor with ratings from the armed services.

2.

Flight Hours: A minimum of the following flight time hours: 1,500 hours of flight time as pilot-in-command or co-pilot in aircraft of any weight or category; and 250 hours pilot-in-command with rotary-wing helicopter; and 75 hours of night flying; and 100 hours of flight time in the preceding 12 months.

3.

Specialized experience: One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level that includes: Participating in the planning and execution of rotary-wing aircraft sorties and evaluation activities, including functional test flights; Conducting classroom instruction on developing, teaching, and assessing both academic and on-aircraft syllabus requirements for students training in rotary-wing aircraft; Developing and implementing aviation safety training principles and procedures to ensure safe and standardized flight operations.

4. Specialty Flight Hours: Instructor Time Requirement: A minimum of 500 hours providing flight instruction directly related to the area of instruction and category of aircraft in the position.

To receive proper consideration, you must: Submit a copy of your license (front and back) with your application AND Ensure that your flight hours are indicated in your resume.

Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience.

Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.

NASA prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI-assisted tool in drafting application and assessment responses.

Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of AI tools during the application process. Major Duties:

  • Serves as a rotary-wing instructor pilot. Proactively maintains all pilot qualifications and proficiency requirements. Conducts annual egress, emergency procedures training, and Crew Resource Management training.
  • Provides instructional training, briefings, syllabus events, and evaluation flights in support of Astronaut Space Flight Readiness Training. Maintains instructional material, syllabus, and proficiency exams.
  • Reviews and maintains applicable aircraft flight manuals, checklists, and aircraft-specific standard operating procedures in accordance with official NASA directives. Conducts standardization meetings to illicit feedback to operational documentation.
  • Identifies hazards and reports unsafe acts and procedures. Supports the investigation and resolution of aircraft anomalies and mishaps as assigned, and actively participates in safety inspections and training.
  • Serves as a project team member providing operational expertise for aircraft upgrades, modifications, and functional check flights.
  • Communicates effectively with other project pilots and NASA managers to effectively utilize aircrew and aircraft to maximize mission accomplishment.
  • Manages project schedules and supports key review processes, including the Configuration Control Panel, Test Readiness Review, Flight Readiness Review, and Operational Readiness Review, for modifications to division aircraft.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 1/12/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/12/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: JSC-26-DE-12856858-LC