Air National Guard Units | SF50 Pilot

Position Overview

This is a National Guard Title 32 Excepted Service position for an Airplane Pilot (GS-2181-13) with the Illinois 126th National Guard. The selected individual will operate unit-equipped (UE) aircraft while performing administrative duties to support the Air Operations program.

Key Responsibilities

• Pilot advanced, single or multi-engine military aircraft on tactical and non-tactical missions using precision instrument flight techniques.
• Execute flight procedures and maneuvers within defined parameters across all weather conditions.
• Conduct comprehensive mission preparation, including weather analysis, flight planning, route study, weight distribution checks, and crew/passenger briefings.
• Ensure operational safety by adhering to flight manuals, coordinating with ground control, and executing emergency procedures as required.
• Perform post-flight documentation, maintenance coordination, and reporting.
• Represent the Air Commander as the Supervisor of Flying (SOF) to ensure safe and efficient mission execution.
• Develop training plans, deliberate planning for wartime/national tasking, and manage flying, explosive, and ground safety programs.

Candidate Requirements

• Membership: Must maintain membership in the Illinois National Guard and the designated military grade (Officers up to O4).
• Education: A mandatory undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. A graduate degree is considered optimum.
• Training: Graduation from USAF or USN Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT) is required.
• Certification: Must possess Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications from accredited civilian programs or aviation certifications from accredited military schools.
• Experience:
  • Must have at least one year of experience at the GS-12 grade level (or equivalent military rank).
  • Must have at least two years of specialized experience in civilian or military aviation programs, including piloting and instructing pilot skills.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in flight theory, navigation, mission planning, and aircraft safety programs.
• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
• Medical: Must maintain medical standards required for USAF military pilots.

Conditions of Employment

• Must wear a military uniform as a condition of employment.
• Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Subject to federal employment suitability background investigations and potential trial periods.
• Compliance with the Lautenberg Amendment regarding domestic violence convictions.
• Availability to work irregular, overtime, evening, weekend, or holiday hours as mission requirements dictate.
• Subject to drug testing and potential travel via military or commercial air.
• Mandatory participation in direct deposit.

Application Process

Qualified applicants must submit a resume that explicitly addresses the general and specialized experience requirements, including specific dates (months/years) and position titles. Verbatim copies of position descriptions will not be accepted. Official transcripts must be provided to support all educational claims, and proof of aviation certifications must be included with the application.