Air Interdiction Agent

## Air Interdiction Agent

• *Overview:**

Join U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as an Air Interdiction Agent (AIA), performing critical airborne law enforcement operations. This role demands a highly skilled pilot capable of operating aircraft in diverse and challenging environments, making rapid in-flight decisions, and coordinating assets to ensure mission success.

• *Key Responsibilities:**
• Serve as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) for both airplane and helicopter operations.
• Conduct flights in various environments, including night, adverse weather, unfavorable terrain, and low altitudes.
• Rapidly evaluate information and make judicious decisions during flight operations.
• Develop strategies and coordinate airborne assets with ground support.
• Utilize information systems, databases, air intercept/sea search radars, night-vision goggles, and other sensor systems for law enforcement.
• Plan and execute airborne law enforcement missions.
• *Minimum Qualifications (GS-11 Grade Level):**
• **Experience:** One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. This includes duties such as Pilot-in-Command, Aircraft Commander, First Officer, Certified Flight Instructor, Military Weapons Systems Officer/Flight Officer, or similar operational aviation roles.
• **Flight Hours (Hiring Minimums):**

* **Total Flight Time:** 1,500 hours (minimum 1,000 hours may be accepted with an approved waiver). * **Pilot-in-Command (PIC):** 250 hours. * **Instrument Flight Time:** 75 hours. * **Night Flight Time:** 75 hours. * **Recent Flight Time:** 100 hours in the last 12 months (this requirement is currently waived by OPM through August 4, 2026). * *Note: UAS Predator A/B flight hours count towards total flight time only, not PIC, Instrument, or Night hours. Military flight hour conversions are not permitted.*

• **Pilot Certification:** A current FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with an instrument rating, holding one of the following:

* **Dual Rated:** Airplane (Single-engine Land or Multi-engine Land) with instrument rating and Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating. * **Airplane Rated:** Airplane (Single-engine Land or Multi-engine Land) with instrument rating. * **Helicopter Rated:** Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating. * *Equivalent military pilot rating accepted at the time of application.*

• **Medical Certificate:** A current FAA Class 2 Medical Certificate (dated within the last 12 months) required at the 3-part assessment. FAA Class 1, Class 2, or Military medical certificates (within 12 months) qualify for initiating the pre-employment process.
• *Application & Pre-Employment Process:**
• **Application at 750 Hours:** Applicants with 750 total flight hours may apply but must obtain at least 1,000 total flight hours (depending on waiver approval) at their own expense before attending the 3-part assessment. All other minimums (PIC, Instrument, Night) still apply.
• **Background Investigation:** Successful completion of a thorough background investigation, including questions regarding felony convictions, current felony charges, and illegal drug use.
• **Polygraph Examination:** Required for non-CBP law enforcement employees (waivers possible for certain veterans or prior federal polygraph exams).
• **Residency Requirement:** Must have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years (exceptions available for U.S. government service, dependents, and specific academic/work programs).
• **Probationary Period:** A one-year probationary period applies for all new federal government employees.
• **Experience Credit:** Qualifying paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, will be credited.
• **Political Appointees:** Disclosure required for current or former political appointees within the last 5 years.