Airplane Pilot

Take Flight on High-Impact Missions: Power the Pacific Northwest from the Flight Deck At the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), our transmission network delivers approximately 80% of the electrical transmission capacity across the Pacific Northwest, spanning over 15,000 circuit miles and more than 150 substations.

Keeping this vital energy lifeline operational and resilient requires rapid, precision air support across rugged terrain and demanding environments.

As an Airplane Pilot with BPA Aircraft Services, you will fly multi-engine turbine aircraft (such as Pilatus PC-24), you will serve as a linchpin for regional infrastructure reliability, transporting key agency leaders and technical specialists throughout the Pacific Northwest.

If you are an accomplished aviator seeking a dynamic career that pairs exceptional pilot skills with public service impact, this role offers an unmatched flight deck experience.

Here are the key duties and operational highlights where your expertise will make a difference: Command Multi-Engine Turbine Aircraft on Regional and International Routes: Serve as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and Second-in-Command (SIC) operating commuter-category turbine aircraft.

You will transport BPA leadership, engineers, and mission-essential personnel safely throughout the Pacific Northwest, other regions of the United States, and across international borders into Canada. Exercise Flight Authority and Operational Risk Management: Act as the operational authority when acting as pilot-in-command.

Evaluate weather, route efficiency, and aircraft systems to determine in-flight route changes or make the critical go/no-go safety call to continue, divert, or terminate a mission in alignment with safety policies.

Advanced Multi-Crew Cockpit Collaboration: Lead and support operations in a professional, dual-pilot crew environment utilizing modern Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles. Maintain open communications, precise task sharing, and mutual cross-checking to uphold the highest levels of safety and flight discipline.

Collaborate with Aircraft Maintenance: Leverage your systems knowledge to support fleet reliability and airworthiness. Work side-by-side with maintenance teams by providing precise operational write-ups, assisting with ground engine run-ups, and conducting functional check flights following aircraft servicing.

Bonneville Power Administration applies 14 CFR Part 91 non-commercial regulations to the operation of BPA aircraft. Airplanes are maintained and operated; and pilots are trained in accordance with FAA regulation Part 91 and DOE approved Aviation Implementation Plan (AIP).

In addition to meeting the individual occupational requirements for positions in the 2181 series, you must also meet a selective placement factor (screen-out); both requirements will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

The selective placement factor for this position is a current Airline Transport Pilot (ATP). Applicants who do not meet both the individual occupational requirements and selective placement factor by the closing date will be found ineligible.

You MUST provide a copy of your current ATP, medical certificate and sufficient documentation (e.g., copy of Log Book) to show proof you meet all of the requirements stated below. Failure to provide supporting documentation by the closing date may result in disqualification; your application will be marked incomplete.

The individual occupational requirements and selective placement factor for this position are as follows: Possession of a FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with a Multi-Engine Land class rating.

Minimum Flight Hour Requirements: 1,500 total flight hours. 100 flight hours within the last twelve (12) months. 250 airplane flight hours as Pilot-in-Command. 500 flight hours multi-engine airplane, of which at least 250 flight hours are multi-engine airplane with max gross weight greater than 12,500 pounds. 75 flight hours instrument flight time, of which at least 10 hours are actual IMC. 75 flight hours Night time.

Other requirements: Must hold or be able to attain, within one year of hire, a type rating in a Pilatus PC-24. Possess and maintain an FAA First Class Medical Certificate. Pilot Certificate must state "English Proficient". This position is subject to initial and random drug and alcohol testing.

Candidates 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. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience.

Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations.

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.