The Air Vehicle Operator - Instructor (AVO-I) is responsible for the safe operation of the LEA unmanned aircraft Family of Systems, providing effective and efficient training in accordance with established syllabi. The role involves acting as Pilot in Command (PIC) during flight training, test, production, or operational sorties, and may serve on the Standardization and Evaluation team. The position is based at the Test & Formal Training Unit site in Sierra Vista, AZ, and reports to the Test and Training Site Lead or Director of Aviation Operations.

Responsibilities

Air Vehicle Operator (AVO)
Acts as Pilot in Command (PIC) of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), supporting daily flight training, test, production and/or operational sorties.
Responsible for the safe and effective operation of the unmanned aircraft system.
Provide Mission Coordinator/Commander support to the team when not acting as PIC.
Primarily supports higher tier, longer endurance systems, driven by national or theater level customers.
Demonstrates the ability to perform mission planning and coordination activities under varying airspace conditions.
Must maintain a broad and up-to-date situational awareness of current mission operations; quickly gain understanding of current mission target environments and associated dynamics; and be familiar with operational methods and infrastructure.
Understands government defense industry policies and procedures related to operating aircraft and supporting customer requirements.
Meets/exceeds minimum performance standards as outlines in the master training syllabuses.
Formulates training programs, lesson plans and schedules, based on knowledge of identified training needs, systems requirements or service needs.
Selects appropriate instructional procedures or methods such as group instruction, simulation exercises, or and computer-based training.
Organizes and develops training manuals, testing and evaluation guidelines, and other educational materials.
Trains assigned personnel in effective tactics, techniques, procedures, policies and technologies.
Work extended hours and/or shift work when required/directed.
Relocation to CONUS duty location and 10% – 30% travel (including OCONUS).
Performs other related duties as directed.
Air Vehicle Operator – Instructor (AVO-I)
Maintain qualification and currency (pilot and instructor).
Perform instruction (only in areas in which current & qualified).
Conduct Initial Qualification Training (IQT).
Conduct Mission Qualification Training (MQT), if required.
Conduct Local Area Orientation (LAO), if required.
Conduct Difference Training (DT), if required.
Train all tasks to required performance standards.
Responsible for safe execution of Flight Operations.
Immediately correct breaches of flying safety or flight discipline.
Participate/Assist as required to ensure safe operations/recovery.
Conduct all other training as assigned.
Performs other related duties as directed.
Work in compliance with and enforce:
Flight Procedures.
Training Procedures.
Standardization & Evaluation Procedures.
Flight and Ground Safety Procedures.
Supports Internal Audits and performance reviews, tracks data for internal customers.
AVO-I appointed as an Evaluator:
Conduct 18-Month Evaluations
Conduct No Notice Evaluations
Conduct Spot Evaluations
Accomplish Associated Paperwork
Document Trends

Requirements

Required Knowledge:
Thorough understanding of all components of aircraft: powerplant, electrical systems, RF systems, and troubleshooting aircraft issues.
FAA/ICAO/DOD flight operational procedures.
Flight standards, airworthiness, and safety.
DCMA procedures and reporting.
Authoring/editing technical orders and Compliance Procedures.
Accountability and Management of Government contract property procedures.
Training & Evaluation Procedures
Required Skills:
Exceptional knowledge of Unmanned Aircraft procedures.
Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
Excellent organization and planning skills; excellent verbal and written communication.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and get along with others.
Ability to review, interpret, apply industry standards (FAA/ICAO), and ensure compliance to program requirements.
Ability to quickly learn new Air Vehicle Systems, Technical Manuals, and procedures.
Attention to detail and organization skills regarding aircraft logbooks and timeliness in completing required paperwork.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Must be a current and qualified AVO-I, or an AVO who meets the prerequisites for AVO-I upgrade, and able to complete upgrade to AVO-I within 3-months of start date.
Required Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications of the AVO-I position include, but are not limited to the following:
Must have a High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
Must have at least an FAA Private Pilot’s License (PPL) with an Instrument rating.
2+ years LEA Family of Systems experience.
100+ manned flight hours acting as PIC.
500+ LEA Family of Systems flight hours as PIC.
Must possess current FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
Must be a US citizen with a valid US passport.
Must possess an active DoD Secret Security Clearance, or higher (as directed by the contract).
Must meet all DoD Contractor deployment requirements and be able to pass a Combat Reediness Course (CRC).
Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Must pass a pre-employment background check.
The ability to professionally interface with numerous levels of management, customers, and peers.
The ability to work extended hours and/or shift work.
The ability to work in a team environment while accomplishing mission requirements.
Work Experience in aviation field in a CONUS or OCONUS (deployed) location.
Excellent organization skills to maintain aircraft logbooks, configuration.
Excellent verbal communication skills with Flight and Ground Crews as well as air traffic control.
Must meet requirements for CONUS and/or OCONUS duty.

Nice to have

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience as a flight instructor.
Current and qualified AVO-I on LEA Family of Systems.
Flight Test Engineer.
Test Pilot School.

Benefits

TSC Benefits:
TSC offers a stable work environment, a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package; including ESOP contributions, 401k Matching Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Leave and much more.