11 April 2026

Air National Guard Units | Pilot

United States

Position Overview: Airplane Pilot (Accelerated Hire)

The Air National Guard (ANG) 144th Fighter Wing is currently accepting applications for the position of Airplane Pilot (GS-2181-13). This T32 Excepted Service role is based at the unit level within the Operations Group. This is an open-until-filled announcement, with application reviews conducted every 30 days.

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary purpose of this role is to pilot unit-equipped (UE) aircraft while providing essential administrative support to the Air Operations program. The position may be filled as a permanent, indefinite, or temporary appointment. Successful candidates will manage mission planning, aircraft inspections, crew training, and compliance with Department of Defense, National Guard Bureau, and OSHA safety programs.

Requirements and Conditions of Employment

  • California National Guard Membership: Membership is mandatory. Candidates must be prepared to wear the military uniform and adhere to grooming standards.
  • Military Compatibility: Selectees must maintain a compatible military unit, grade (O-1 through O-6), and job assignment as required by current directives.
  • Security Clearance: Must maintain the appropriate level of security clearance.
  • Administrative Requirements: Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • Incentives: Recruitment/Relocation incentives and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs may be authorized subject to funding and agency approval.

Qualifications

General Experience: Candidates must hold an FAA certification from an accredited civilian aviation program or an aviation certification from an accredited military aviation school. One year of on-the-job experience in the grade or comparable military rank immediately below the next higher level is required.

Specialized Experience (GS-13): Applicants must possess at least 36 months of specialized experience in the following areas:

  • Operating specific main-frame military aircraft.
  • Mission planning, preparation, and analysis of intelligence and weather data.
  • Filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings.
  • Aircraft preflight inspections, loading, and equipment assessments.
  • Navigational procedures, in-flight refueling, search and rescue, or surveillance/reconnaissance.
  • Supervising crew member training and mission-specific tasks.
  • Expertise in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, and mission tactics.
  • Managing unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs.

Education and Certification

Applicants must submit unofficial transcripts and/or aviation certificates at the time of application to verify eligibility. Only education from institutions accredited by the U.S. Department of Education will be recognized. Foreign education must be accompanied by a formal evaluation deeming it equivalent to an accredited U.S. program.

Core Competencies

Candidates will be evaluated based on the following areas:

  • Education and Training Program Administration
  • Operation and Control
  • Planning and Evaluating
  • Safety and Security

Benefits

As a federal employee, the selectee will have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility for specific benefits is contingent upon the nature of the appointment (e.g., full-time, part-time, or intermittent).

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