Air National Guard Units | SF50 Pilot

Job Title: Airplane Pilot (Title 32)

Position Series: GS-2181-13

Organization: Illinois National Guard (IL 126)

Position Summary

This is a National Guard Title 32 Excepted Service position. The incumbent is responsible for piloting unit-equipped (UE) airplanes and performing administrative tasks in support of the Air Operations program.

Key Responsibilities

• Pilot advanced single or multi-engine military aircraft, including high-performance fighter aircraft, for tactical and non-tactical missions using precision instrument flight techniques.
• Execute flight procedures and maneuvers across all weather conditions while maintaining safety parameters.
• Manage comprehensive flight preparation, including route planning, fuel requirements, weather analysis, aircraft inspections, and passenger briefings.
• Communicate with ground control, monitor aircraft performance, and execute emergency procedures when required.
• Complete post-flight documentation, log entries, and maintenance coordination.
• Serve as the Air Commander’s representative when acting as Supervisor of Flying (SOF).
• Develop training plans and scenarios; coordinate unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in alignment with Air Force, ANG, and OSHA directives.
• Develop unit planning for wartime, base, and national tasking requirements.

Candidate Requirements

• Membership: Must maintain membership in the Illinois National Guard in the required military grade (Officers only, up to O4).
• Education: An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is mandatory. A graduate degree is considered an asset.
• Certification: Must possess Federal Aviation Administration certifications from accredited civilian programs or aviation certifications from accredited military schools.
• Experience: Must possess a minimum of one year of experience at the grade level immediately below GS-13 (or comparable military rank) and at least two years of specialized experience in civilian or military aviation programs.
• Training: Must have graduated from USAF or USN Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT).
• Security: Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Medical: Must maintain the same medical standards as USAF military pilots.

Conditions of Employment

• Must wear a military uniform as required.
• May be subject to irregular hours, overtime, weekends, holidays, and travel.
• Subject to drug testing and background investigations.
• Must be registered with the Selective Service (if born after 31 December 1959).
• Position is subject to the Lautenberg Amendment regarding domestic violence convictions.
• Direct deposit participation is mandatory.

Application Notes

The selection process follows a defined sequence, starting with current ILNG technicians and Federal employees, followed by eligible applicants willing to gain ILNG membership, and finally general U.S. citizens. Applicants must provide official transcripts and proof of certifications. Resumes must be original work detailing specific experience, dates, and roles to be considered.