The UAS EP is responsible for manually piloting the American Aerospace Category 3 Unmanned Aircraft System. As an EP this individual will act as a safety pilot if the UAS requires immediate manual control during training and/or emergency situations.
The EP position requires the ability to instinctively react to high-risk situations, in stressful environments, professionally. The understanding of system architecture and functionality is a must as the EP must have the knowledge to understand when and when not to intervene in autonomous UAS operations. The EP must have the ability to think critically in high-stress environments, multi-task, and have the technical ability to operate complex UAS in the National Airspace.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
– This position may plan, assign, or supervise the work of others.
– This position may also function as an assistant to PIC/Mission Commander.
– This position requires in-depth understanding of aircraft physics
– The EP reports to a designated PIC/Mission Commander
Duties/Responsibilities:
– Ability to comprehensively understand pre-mission planning documents
– Flight Planning prior to flight operations as per specific Scope of Work (SOW) for operation
– Ability to adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
– In-depth understanding of aviation regulations with a focus on unmanned aircraft operations
– Document pre- and post-flight logs
– Check UAS before a flight to ensure safe and proper operation
– Analyze weather forecasts to ensure safe flights
– Monitor aircraft during flight
– Navigate aircraft in dynamic flight situations
– Perform equipment testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance
– Support flight operation logistics
Required Skills/Abilities:
– World-class remotely piloted aircraft skills (manual flight)
– Strong communication skills
– Excellent electronic and mechanical skills
– Robust problem-solving abilities
– Expertise in multitasking
– Keen attention to detail
Education and Experience:
– Experience with category 2 or 3 UAS using the Piccolo Autopilot system (or equivalent)
– >500 hours of UAS Operation (preferred)
– FAA Class II medical (required)
– Bachelor’s degree in related field (preferred)
– Private Pilot License (required)
– >1000 hours UAS Operation (preferred)
– Certified in Piccolo Autopilot Operator (required)
– FAA Class 2 medical (preferred)
– Prior Experience in remote sensing applications (preferred)
– Prior experience in aerial mapping missions (preferred)
Physical Requirements:
– Must be able to lift ≤ 75lbs pounds
– Ability to maintain focus in high stress environments
Location and Travel Requirements
– Preferred Location: Southern California (remote locations considered)
– Ability to travel 50% of the year with flight campaigns lasting up to 30 days at each instance
– Experience with aviation deployment operations