Air National Guard Units | SF50 Pilot

Job Title: Airplane Pilot (Title 32)

Position Series/Grade: GS-2181-13

Organization: Illinois National Guard (IL 126)

Employment Type: Excepted Service

Position Summary

The Airplane Pilot performs critical flying duties and administrative operations within the Air Operations program. The incumbent is responsible for piloting unit-equipped military aircraft on tactical and non-tactical missions, ensuring mission success through precision instrument flight techniques and adherence to safety protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Pilot advanced single or multi-engine military aircraft, including high-performance fighter aircraft, across diverse weather conditions.
• Execute mission planning, including route navigation, weather assessment, fuel requirements, and flight plan filing.
• Perform comprehensive pre-flight inspections, weight and balance distribution, and crew briefings.
• Operate aircraft with a focus on safety, monitoring performance and implementing corrective actions or emergency procedures as required.
• Complete post-flight requirements, including maintenance coordination, logbook maintenance, and flight reporting.
• Serve as the Air Commander’s representative during Supervisor of Flying (SOF) duties.
• Develop and coordinate technical aircrew training plans and unit deliberate planning for national tasking.
• Administer unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in compliance with Air Force, Air National Guard (ANG), and OSHA directives.

Mandatory Qualifications

• Education: Must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. A graduate degree is considered optimum. Official transcripts are required.
• Certification: Must possess Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications or equivalent military aviation certifications.
• Experience: Must possess a minimum of one year of experience at the grade level immediately below GS-13 (GS-12 level).
• Specialized Experience: Minimum of two years of professional experience in military or civilian aviation, specifically in piloting and instructing on fixed-wing, rotary, or remotely piloted aircraft.
• Military Requirements: Must be or be willing to become an Illinois National Guard member. Position is limited to officers up to rank O4.
• Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Training: Graduation from USAF or USN Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT) is required.

Conditions of Employment

• Membership in the Illinois National Guard is mandatory prior to the placement date.
• Must maintain medical standards required for USAF military pilots.
• Requirement to wear a military uniform.
• Must be registered for Selective Service (for males born after 31 December 1959).
• Subject to a background investigation and federal employment suitability determination.
• May be subject to a trial period and mandatory drug testing.
• Position is subject to the Lautenberg Amendment (Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment).
• Must be available for irregular hours, overtime, weekends, holidays, and travel as required.

Area of Consideration

1. Permanent/indefinite temporary technicians within the ILNG.
2. Current Federal Employees.
3. Federal re-employment eligible.
4. Applicants willing to become T32 Dual Status Technicians and gain ILNG membership.
5. U.S. Citizens.