11 April 2026

Air National Guard Units | SF50 Pilot

United States

Job Summary

This is a National Guard Title 32 Excepted Service position for an Airplane Pilot (GS-2181-13) with the Illinois 126th National Guard. The incumbent is responsible for piloting unit-equipped (UE) aircraft and performing administrative duties in support of the Air Operations program.

Key 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 under all weather conditions.
  • Conduct comprehensive mission planning, including weather analysis, route mapping, fuel requirements, weight distribution, and preflight safety checks.
  • Ensure safe aircraft operation by adhering to flight manuals, coordinating with ground control, and executing emergency procedures as necessary.
  • Perform post-flight activities, including logbook maintenance, report writing, and aircraft condition assessments.
  • Serve as the Air Commander’s representative when performing duties as Supervisor of Flying (SOF).
  • Design training plans, develop unit deliberate planning for wartime/national taskings, and manage flying, explosive, and ground safety programs.

Requirements and Conditions of Employment

  • Must maintain membership in the Illinois National Guard and the required military grade (Officers up to O4).
  • Must possess or be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.
  • Must be a graduate of USAF or USN Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT).
  • Must maintain medical standards required for USAF military pilots.
  • Requires wear of a military uniform.
  • Subject to drug testing, background investigations, and potential trial periods.
  • Must comply with the Lautenberg Amendment regarding domestic violence convictions.
  • Availability for irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel for official duties.
  • Mandatory participation in direct deposit.

Qualifications

Education: An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is mandatory. A graduate degree is considered optimum.

Certification: Must possess Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications or certifications from accredited military aviation schools.

Experience: Applicants must meet specific Time-In-Grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-12 level for federal employees). Candidates must possess at least two years of specialized experience in civilian or military aviation programs, demonstrating proficiency in piloting, instruction, mission planning, and administrative operations related to Air National Guard programs.

Area of Consideration

The selection process adheres to the following hierarchy:

  1. Excepted permanent and indefinite temporary technicians within the ILNG.
  2. Current Federal Employees.
  3. Federal re-employment eligible candidates.
  4. Applicants willing to become T32 Dual Status Technicians and gain ILNG membership.
  5. U.S. Citizens.
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