Air National Guard Units | SF50 Pilot

Position Overview

This is a National Guard Title 32 Excepted Service position for an Airplane Pilot (GS-2181-13) with the Illinois National Guard. The selected individual will pilot unit-equipped (UE) aircraft while performing administrative duties in support of the Air Operations program.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Pilot advanced, single or multi-engine military aircraft on tactical and non-tactical missions using precision instrument flight techniques.
• Execute flight procedures and standard maneuvers across all weather conditions.
• Conduct pre-flight preparations, including weather analysis, route planning, fuel requirement calculations, aircraft inspections, and crew briefings.
• Operate aircraft with a focus on safety, including adherence to flight manuals, coordination with ground control, and execution of emergency procedures.
• Complete post-flight requirements, including maintenance logs, flight reports, and post-flight inspections.
• Serve as the Air Commander’s representative in the role of Supervisor of Flying (SOF), ensuring mission efficiency.
• Develop and coordinate technical aircrew training plans and unit planning for wartime and national taskings.
• Administer flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in compliance with Air Force, ANG, and OSHA directives.

Qualifications

Mandatory Requirements

• Possession of an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Graduation from USAF or USN Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT).
• Possession of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications from accredited civilian programs OR equivalent certifications from accredited military aviation schools.
• Must be a member of the Illinois National Guard or willing to become a T32 Dual Status Technician.
• Military grade: Officers only (NTE rank of O4).

Experience

• General Experience: Minimum of one year of on-the-job experience at the grade or comparable military rank immediately below GS-12.
• Specialized Experience: At least two years of experience in civilian or military aviation programs, including piloting and instructing on fixed-wing, rotary, or remotely piloted aircraft. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in mission planning, navigation, emergency operations, and aviation safety management.
• Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must have 52 weeks of experience at the GS-12 level.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Must maintain medical standards required for USAF military pilots.
• Selectee must wear a military uniform.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• Work may require irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel.
• Subject to drug testing and a federal background investigation.
• Compliance with the Lautenberg Amendment regarding domestic violence convictions is mandatory.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.

Additional Information

Recruitment and relocation incentives may be available, and PCS expenses may be authorized for qualified candidates. Applicants must submit official transcripts to support educational claims and provide copies of aviation certifications with their application.