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 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.
  • Perform comprehensive flight preparation, including weather analysis, route planning, fuel requirement calculations, weight distribution checks, and crew/passenger briefings.
  • Ensure flight safety through strict adherence to flight manuals, coordination with ground control, and execution of emergency procedures.
  • Conduct post-flight activities, including logbook maintenance, report writing, and aircraft condition coordination with maintenance personnel.
  • Serve as the Air Commander’s representative in the Supervisor of Flying (SOF) capacity.
  • Design training plans and develop unit deliberate planning for wartime and national tasking.
  • Administer unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Air Force, Air National Guard, and OSHA directives.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: A mandatory undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. A graduate degree is considered an asset. Official transcripts are required.
  • Certification: Must possess Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications from accredited civilian programs OR aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
  • General Experience: Minimum of one year of on-the-job experience at the grade level immediately below the GS-13 level. Current Federal employees must meet 52-week time-in-grade requirements.
  • Specialized Experience: At least two years of experience in civilian or military aviation programs, demonstrating proficiency in piloting, instructing, mission planning, and administrative operations.
  • Training: Graduation from USAF or USN Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT).
  • Membership: Must be or be willing to become an Illinois National Guard member.
  • Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
  • Medical: Must maintain medical standards equivalent to USAF military pilots.

Conditions of Employment

  • Membership in the Illinois National Guard is required prior to the effective date of placement.
  • Must wear the prescribed military uniform.
  • Must comply with the Lautenberg Amendment (Domestic Violence Misdemeanor restrictions).
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Subject to a background investigation and potential trial period.
  • May require irregular hours, overtime, weekends, holidays, and travel.
  • Subject to drug testing and potential access to classified information.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.

Application Requirements

Resumes must be written in the applicant's own words and include specific details (dates, position titles, and nature of experience) to demonstrate eligibility. Verbatim copies of position descriptions will not be accepted. The recruitment process adheres to the Fair Chance Act; criminal history information will not be requested at the initial application stage.

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