Air National Guard Units | SF50 Pilot

Job Title: Airplane Pilot (Title 32) - GS-2181-13

Organization: Illinois National Guard (IL 126)

Position Type: National Guard Title 32 Excepted Service

Position Summary

The Airplane Pilot is responsible for piloting unit-equipped (UE) aircraft and performing administrative tasks in support of the Air Operations program. The incumbent ensures the safe and efficient accomplishment of missions while maintaining operational readiness and safety standards.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Pilot advanced single or multi-engine military aircraft on tactical and non-tactical missions using precision instrument flight techniques.
• Execute standard maneuvers and flight procedures in all weather conditions within established flight parameters.
• Manage comprehensive flight preparation, including weather analysis, route planning, fuel requirements, weight distribution, and crew briefings.
• Ensure operational safety by adhering to flight manuals, communicating with ground control, and executing emergency procedures as necessary.
• Complete post-flight requirements, including maintenance coordination, log documentation, and mission reporting.
• Serve as the Air Commander’s representative when performing Supervisor of Flying (SOF) duties.
• Design and coordinate aircrew training plans and unit-level operational planning for wartime and national tasking.
• Administer unit safety programs in compliance with Air Force, Air National Guard, and OSHA directives.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: A mandatory undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. A graduate degree is considered an asset. Official transcripts are required.
• Training: Must be a graduate of USAF or USN Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT).
• Certifications: Must possess Federal Aviation Administration certifications or equivalent military aviation certifications.
• General Experience: Minimum of one year of experience at the grade (or comparable military rank) immediately below the GS-13 level.
• Specialized Experience: At least two years of experience in civilian or military aviation programs, including piloting and instructing pilot skills, mission planning, and safety program management.
• Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must have served at least 52 weeks at the GS-12 level.
• Military Status: Must be or be willing to become an Illinois National Guard member. This position is open to officers up to the rank of O4.
• Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.

Conditions of Employment

• Membership in the Illinois National Guard is required prior to the effective date of placement.
• Must wear a military uniform.
• May be subject to drug testing and a background investigation to determine suitability for federal employment.
• Must adhere to the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (Lautenberg Amendment).
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Requires flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and the ability to travel as needed.
• Must maintain medical standards required of USAF military pilots.
• Direct deposit participation is mandatory.