10 April 2026

Air National Guard Units | SF50 Pilot

United States

Position Overview

This is a National Guard Title 32 Excepted Service position for an Airplane Pilot (GS-2181-13) with the Illinois National Guard (IL 126). This role involves piloting unit-equipped airplanes and performing administrative tasks in support of the Air Operations program.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Pilot advanced, single or multi-engine military airplanes and high-performance fighter aircraft on tactical and non-tactical missions using precision instrument flight techniques.
  • Execute flight procedures and maneuvers in all weather conditions within established parameters.
  • Conduct comprehensive flight preparation, including weather analysis, route planning, fuel requirement calculations, flight plan filing, preflight inspections, and crew briefings.
  • Operate aircraft with a focus on safety, adhering to manual specifications, communicating with ground control, and executing emergency procedures as required.
  • Complete post-flight activities, including log maintenance, reporting, and maintenance coordination.
  • Serve as the Air Commander’s representative when performing duties as Supervisor of Flying (SOF).
  • Design training plans and scenarios; develop unit deliberate planning for wartime and national tasking.
  • Administer unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Air Force, ANG, and OSHA directives.

Qualifications and Requirements

Mandatory Requirements

  • Membership in the Illinois National Guard in the required military grade (Officers only, NTE rank of O4).
  • Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Graduation from USAF or USN Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT).
  • Possession of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications or equivalent military aviation certifications.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
  • Must maintain medical standards equivalent to USAF military pilots.

Experience Requirements

  • General Experience: Minimum of one year of on-the-job experience in the grade immediately below the GS-13 level.
  • Time-In-Grade: Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the GS-12 level.
  • Specialized Experience: Minimum of two years of experience in civilian or military aviation programs, including piloting and instructing skills in fixed-wing, rotary, or remotely piloted aircraft. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in mission planning, crew briefing, navigation, safety program administration, and combat/non-combat tactics.

Conditions of Employment

  • Required to wear a military uniform.
  • Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
  • Must pass a federal background investigation and potential drug testing.
  • Potential for irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Requirement to travel by military or commercial air.
  • Subject to the Lautenberg Amendment regarding domestic violence convictions.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.

Area of Consideration

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