PILOT AND AIRCRAFT MECHANIC, INSECT EXTERMINATION

Code: 05704 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Examples of work

• Makes preflight checks of weather conditions by contacting weather services or through visual observation to determine if weather in the area is favorable for flying and spraying.
• Checks loads on aircraft to ensure that gross weight does not exceed operating limitations and that it is properly distributed.
• Records flight information by entering in a log book such data as hours flown, starting and terminal points of flight, date of inspection, difficulties encountered in operation, etc., to maintain a permanent record on aircraft performance.
• Submits flight plans with proper authorities as required by federal regulations and makes radio contact with ground facilities to obtain information pertinent to traffic control and aircraft movements.
• Sets the brakes and/or accelerates the engine to verify operational readiness of controls, the panel, engine speeds, etc., according to standard manual instructions.
• Monitors instruments or dials, maintains correct settings as prescribed in control manuals, moves controls, and/or throttles, and/or hand and foot controls, to take off and to control the aircraft in flight.
• While flying at low altitudes, manipulates knobs or levers or switches to spray specified amounts of pesticide or similar chemicals over forests, marshlands, etc., to control the breeding of insects (e.g., mosquitoes, gypsy moths, etc.) in these areas.
• Pilots aircrafts in a prescribed pattern over varied terrain such as mountains, forests, etc., avoiding obstacles (e.g., power lines or radio towers) to complete spraying assignments.
• Performs visual inspections on accessories, components, or parts, which are part of the airframe or power plant to detect cracks, corrosion, or need for their replacement according to standard inspection manual.
• Performs adjustments and minor repairs, such as replacement of fuses, freeing of jammed flight control cables, and the adjustment of instruments to ensure air worthiness of aircraft.
• Removes, cleans, reinstalls, or replaces defective parts of components such as worn gaskets, couplings, corroded fuel or oil lines, and frayed spark plug cables, according to established specifications using hand tools such as pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers to make necessary repairs.
• Disassembles and breaks down aircraft engine and components and major assemblies in proper sequence to detect scratches, burns, deformations, etc., using various tools to free frozen or damaged parts, and fastenings to prevent further damage to parts being removed or attached. Uses and interprets specification sheets to check parts for damage or deterioration.
• Uses several inspection methods such as magnetic or dye processes to detect stress, cracks, or potential failures in hydraulic or pneumatic components or systems.
• Overhauls hydraulics or pneumatic components such as oil and fuel filters, fuel manifold valves, and transmission pumps, by disassembling, cleaning, and examining parts for corrosion, wear, scratches, cracks, or other damage, and by replacing gaskets or worn parts in accordance with standards in technical specifications.
• Obtains standard replacement parts such as fuel and oil line connections and fittings, spark plug cables, etc., by looking up information in parts manuals and making comparisons with samples.
• Examines electrical components for continuity and performs specified tests for voltage and current using multimeter to detect origin of malfunction.
• Follows manufacturer's manual and performs visual inspection on aircraft parts, accessories, or components, and on engine assemblies (in some instances applies dye penetrant) to detect corrosion, wear, and other damage.
• Uses various processes such as sanding, chemical treatment, and painting to remove and control corrosion of metal surfaces on engine or airframe components.

Experience

Five hundred (500) hours of flight experience, forty (40) hours of which must have involved the aerial application of pesticides.

License

Applicants must possess a valid commercial pilot's license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Applicants must possess a mechanic certificate and rating appropriate to the position issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Applicant must possess a valid mechanical certificate of the appropriate class in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations at time of appointment.

Applicants must possess a valid license as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator of the appropriate class, issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of aircraft hydraulics and pneumatic systems, and the methods and equipment used in checking and maintaining the systems.
• Knowledge of aircraft mechanical systems and tools used in the repair of those systems.
• Knowledge of airframe components and parts, and of the methods used to install such parts.
• Knowledge of where and how a variety of aircraft parts, accessories, components, and engine assemblies are installed.
• Knowledge of insecticides.
• Knowledge of the methods used to operate and pilot commercial aircraft.
• Knowledge of the procedures involved in aerial surveillance and spraying activities.
• Knowledge of the methods used to apply insecticides and other materials used to exterminate.
• Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations.
• Ability to detect wear patterns in engine or engine assemblies and to determine cause of damage or malfunction.
• Ability to use reference material such as manufacturer's manuals, and other technical manuals to determine sequence of work and inspection processes, and positioning of parts and assemblies.
• Ability to establish and maintain records and files.
• Ability to conduct aerial surveillance.
• Ability to operate commercial aircraft.
• Ability to properly use aerial insecticide application equipment.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Applicants may be required to possess additional hours of flight experience in the aerial application of pesticides due to the insurance regulations of the jurisdiction in which they seek appointment. Some jurisdictions may require as many as 1,000 hours of aerial application to comply with insurance regulations.