Air National Guard Units | SF50 Pilot

Job Summary

This is a National Guard Title 32 Excepted Service position (GS-2181-13) with the Illinois 126th National Guard. The Airplane Pilot is responsible for piloting unit-equipped (UE) aircraft while performing administrative tasks 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 techniques and navigation aids.
• Execute flight procedures and maneuvers across all weather conditions and flight parameters.
• Manage flight preparation, including weather analysis, route planning, fuel requirements, weight distribution, and passenger/crew briefings.
• Ensure flight safety through strict adherence to technical manuals, effective coordination with ground control, and execution of emergency procedures.
• Complete post-flight activities, including log maintenance, flight reports, and coordination with maintenance personnel.
• Serve as the Air Commander’s representative when performing duties as Supervisor of Flying (SOF).
• Develop comprehensive training plans, technical aircrew scenarios, and deliberate unit planning for wartime and national tasking.
• Administer unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in compliance with Air Force, ANG, and OSHA directives.

Qualifications and Requirements

Mandatory Education and Certification

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Graduate degree from an accredited institution or professional military education school is considered optimal.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications from accredited civilian or military aviation schools.
• Graduation from USAF or USN Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT).

Experience

• Minimum of one year of experience in the grade or comparable military rank immediately below GS-12.
• Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-12 level).
• At least two years of specialized experience in civilian or military aviation programs, with demonstrated proficiency in piloting and instructing on specific main-frame military aircraft.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be or be willing to become a member of the Illinois National Guard and hold the required military grade (Officers, NTE rank of O4).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Must maintain medical standards required for USAF military pilots.
• Position is subject to the Lautenberg Amendment regarding domestic violence convictions.
• Required to wear a military uniform; subject to drug testing and potential trial periods.
• May require irregular or overtime hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as travel by air.
• Mandatory participation in direct deposit.

Area of Consideration

Candidates will be considered in the following order: 1) Existing ILNG excepted permanent/indefinite temporary technicians; 2) Current Federal Employees; 3) Federal re-employment eligible; 4) Applicants willing to become T32 Dual Status Technicians; 5) U.S. Citizens.

Application Instructions

Candidates must provide official transcripts and proof of aviation certifications. Resumes must be written in the applicant's own words and include detailed dates (month/year) and descriptions of how general and specialized experience was attained. Verbatim copies of position descriptions will not be accepted.