Customs and Border Protection Interdiction Series, 1881

Individual Occupational Requirements

This standard covers positions the duties of which primarily involve performing aviation law enforcement operations to detect, interdict, apprehend, and prevent terrorists and other persons, weapons and contraband, from illegally entering or attacking the United States. All positions have in common dual paramount requirements for knowledge and skills necessary to pilot aircraft and knowledge of the customs and border protection activities that forms the basis for the flying assignments.

Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, successful completion of relevant Federal law enforcement training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.

Flight Requirements

Certificates and Ratings: For all grade levels and specializations, individuals must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying a multi-engine airplane to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with the airplane, multi-engine, and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings. Positions that require flying or instructing in flying both airplanes and helicopters require a rating in both categories. Only those ratings necessary to perform the work are required.

Note: Individuals establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.

Flight Experience: Individuals must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience. The categories in which individuals are required to demonstrate proficiency relate to: (1) the general knowledge and skills to pilot the aircraft, and (2) the specific knowledge and skills related to the particular position being filled. Only that flight experience that is directly related to the work of the position is required for purposes of establishing minimum eligibility.

Minimum Flight Hour Requirements

The following flight hour requirements apply to all applicants:

1. Total Flight Time -- Flight time as a pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For inservice placement actions, up to one-fourth of the total flight hours may by waived for individuals who have demonstrated possession of the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work, provided:
   • They hold the certificates and ratings required;
   • They have acquired the pilot-in-command hours and flight hours in other categories essential to performance of the work;
   • They meet the requirements in terms of level and quality of experience; and
   • Their flying history indicates they are qualified for the position.
2. Pilot-In-Command -- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
3. Night Flying -- For inservice placement actions at the GS-11 or equivalent level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the individual demonstrates the ability to perform the work.
4. Flying Time, Last 12 Months -- Required only for positions that involve flying. The flight hours specified apply to competitive appointments. For inservice placement actions, up to one-half of the flight hours may be waived provided the individual's total background reflects the ability to perform the duties of the position safely. For positions flying both helicopters and airplanes, at least one-fourth of the total hours must be in either category of aircraft.

Requirements

Category	Flight Hours for GS-11 or Equivalent Level and Above
1. Total Flight Time	1500
2. Pilot-In-Command	250
3. Night Flying	75
4. Flying Time, Last 12 Months	100

The following flight hour requirements apply only when the position requires the particular specialty.

1. Multi-engine Airplane -- When the position requires operation of heavy multi-engine airplanes (gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds), at least 50 percent of the flight hours must have been in such heavy airplanes, except as indicated below. Up to 250 hours flying time acquired in heavy helicopters (gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds) may be substituted.
2. Heavy Helicopter -- Up to 250 hours flying time acquired in heavy multi-engine airplanes may be substituted.
3. Instrument -- At the GS-11 or equivalent and above, at least 10 of the required hours must have been logged in actual instrument weather. The balance may have been acquired in a flight simulator or as other types of instrument flight time, e.g., hood instrument.
4. Instructor Time -- Must be related to the nature of the instruction work and the category of aircraft operated (i.e., airplane or helicopter) in the position to be filled. If the purpose of the position is to provide instruction in instrument flight techniques, one-half of the flight time must have involved instrument instruction in either airplanes or helicopters.

Requirements

Category	Flight Hours for GS-11 or Equivalent Level and Above
5. Multi-engine Airplane	500
6. Heavy Helicopter	500
7. Instrument	75
8. Instructor Time	500

Medical Requirements

The medical and physical requirements under 5 CFR 339, "Medical Qualification Determinations," for law enforcement officers, such as criminal investigators, border patrol agents and detention officers, and the Aircraft Operation Series, 2181, must be met by individuals subsequent to appointment and for inservice placement actions, including reinstatement of former employees and transfers from positions not covered by this standard.

Incumbents perform job tasks in a variety of environmental conditions. These conditions include working: (1) in hot or cold outdoor temperatures (i.e., below 32 degrees or above 90 degrees), (2) at high elevations (i.e., 15 feet or greater above ground level), (3) near moving vehicles and aircraft, (4) in dusty conditions, (5) near fumes, (6) in stressful conditions, (7) for extended and irregular hours, (8) under variable lighting conditions, and (9) under high noise conditions. The possibility of exposure to various types of harmful chemical and/or biological agents by terrorists is real.

The duties of this position are of a strenuous and hazardous nature. Additionally, the position requires a high degree of interaction and responsibility to the public. Therefore, any medical condition resulting from an injury or disease or any psychiatric condition may result in disqualification for appointment either: (1) if the condition(s) would affect the ability of the individual to perform the essential functions of the position or (2) if recurrence of the condition(s) cannot be medically ruled out, and the duties of the position are such that a recurrence would pose a reasonable probability of substantial harm to the individual or to others, if the individual were appointed to the position.

A direct relationship exists between specific medical requirements, the medical condition, and the duties of the position. Any chronic disease or condition affecting the auditory, cardiovascular, endocrine and metabolic, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, integumentary, musculoskeletal, neurological, psychological, respiratory, and visual systems that would impair full performance of the duties of the position is disqualifying.

These are interim physical and medical standards which should be used only until a medical and physical study can be conducted by the agency in cooperation with OPM, and OPM issues a new qualification standard.

Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Requirement

Successful completion of relevant Federal law enforcement training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) is mandatory as a condition of employment.

Other Requirements

Individuals must be willing and able to engage effectively in contacts with hostile persons, and to work independently under conditions of high accountability. Applicants and incumbents must demonstrate the traits and characteristics important to Agent work. These include judgment, problem solving, emotional stability, and interpersonal skills. A background investigation will be employed in assessing applicants' suitability.

Use Of Firearms

All positions require incumbents to carry a firearm in the performance of their duties. Therefore, all individuals must, after appointment, qualify and maintain qualification and proficiency in the use of firearms.

Driver's License

Applicants are required to have, or must obtain before appointment, an automobile driver's license currently valid in the State in which they are domiciled or principally employed. They must qualify to operate motor vehicles in accordance with applicable Government regulations after they are hired.

Maximum Entry Age Requirements

Under the authority of Public Law 100-238, the U. S. Department of Homeland Security has established the date immediately preceding one's 37th birthday as the maximum age for original entry into positions covered by this standard.

Condition Of Employment

As a condition of employment, incumbents must successfully complete all required training and continue to meet all medical, physical, licensure, and other requirements in this standard throughout the duration of their employment.

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