Air National Guard Units | SF50 Pilot

Job Title: Airplane Pilot (Title 32)

Position Series: GS-2181-13

Organization: Illinois National Guard, IL 126

This is a National Guard Title 32 Excepted Service position. The incumbent will serve as an Airplane Pilot for unit-equipped (UE) aircraft and perform administrative tasks supporting the Air Operations program.

Core Responsibilities

• Pilot advanced single or multi-engine military aircraft on tactical and non-tactical missions using precision instrument flight techniques.
• Execute flight procedures and maneuvers across all weather conditions.
• Conduct comprehensive flight preparations, including weather analysis, route planning, fuel requirement calculations, flight plan filing, weight and balance verification, and crew briefings.
• Ensure operational safety by adhering to flight manuals, coordinating with ground control, and executing emergency procedures as required.
• Complete post-flight requirements, including maintenance coordination, logbook documentation, and flight reporting.
• Serve as the Air Commander’s representative when performing duties as Supervisor of Flying (SOF).
• Develop training plans, deliberate wartime planning, and base/national tasking implementations.
• Administer flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in compliance with Air Force, Air National Guard (ANG), and OSHA directives.

Requirements and Conditions of Employment

• Membership in the Illinois National Guard is mandatory prior to the effective date of placement.
• Must be eligible for and obtain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Required to wear a military uniform.
• Must meet USAF military pilot medical standards.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Subject to drug testing, background investigations, and potential trial periods.
• May require work outside normal duty hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as travel via military or commercial air.
• Adherence to the Lautenberg Amendment regarding domestic violence convictions.

Qualifications and Education

• Education: A mandatory undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. A graduate degree is considered an asset. Official transcripts must be provided.
• Training: Graduation from USAF or USN Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT) is required.
• Certifications: Possession of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications or accredited military aviation school certifications is mandatory.
• General Experience: Minimum of one year of on-the-job experience in the grade immediately below the GS-13 level. Current Federal employees must meet 52-week time-in-grade requirements at the GS-12 level.
• Specialized Experience: Minimum of two years of experience in civilian or military aviation programs. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in piloting specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, instructional techniques, and the application of aviation safety and operational directives.

Area of Consideration

Consideration will be given in the following sequence:

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

Note: Military grades are restricted to Officers at or below the rank of O4.