Pilot Requirements

1. Education. Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from a standard high school.
2. Experience. Must have successfully completed the DPS All-Service Recruit School and be currently employed as a DPS commissioned officer who has advanced to the rank of Trooper II or above. There must be a minimum of one year of continuous service immediately prior to the date of the written examination.
3. License. Must posses a current Federal Aviation Administration Private Pilot License in order to apply for this position. The pilot must be able to upgrade his license to a Commercial License for the appropriate category and class of aircraft before obtaining “Line Pilot Status”. Pilots assigned to fly fixed-wing aircraft as pilot-in-command must also have an instrument rating.  Note: An employee who serves as a tactical flight officer for the section for a period of at least two years may apply for a pilot investigator position without having a private pilot license.
4. Law Enforcement Certificate. Must possess a Basic Law Enforcement Certificate issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.
5. Physical. Must possess a current FAA medical certificate to apply for the position. Once selected for the position of Sergeant, must maintain a current second-class FAA medical certificate.
6. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
   1. Knowledge of generally accepted police techniques, procedures, and methodologies.
   2. Knowledge of state and federal statutes, rules and regulations pertaining to traffic and criminal law enforcement.
   3. Knowledge of Department and Aircraft Section policies and procedures.
   4. Thorough knowledge of FAA rules, regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to the piloting of aircraft utilized by the Department.
   5. Knowledge of piloting skills and techniques, navigation, aircraft safety, and maintenance requirements.
   6. Ability to react calmly and to display leadership in emergency situations; to evaluate and make sound decisions regarding flight conditions; and to work effectively and efficiently with co-pilot, other departmental personnel, other law enforcement and governmental agencies' personnel, and the general public.
7. Other Requirements.
   1. Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License.
   2. Must pass a semi-annual firearms qualification test.
   3. Frequent overnight and occasional weeklong travel is required.
   4. Subject to call twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week.