Air National Guard Units | SF50 Pilot

About the Role

The Illinois National Guard is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Airplane Pilot (Title 32) to operate unit-equipped aircraft, performing tactical and non-tactical missions. This role involves advanced precision instrument flight techniques, meticulous flight preparation, safe aircraft operation, and comprehensive post-flight activities. The position also requires administrative support for the Air Operations program, including training plan development and safety program management.

Requirements

• Must be a member of the Illinois National Guard in the specified military grade (Officers only - NTE O4).
• Graduation from USAF or USN Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT).
• Must maintain the same medical standards as USAF military pilots.
• An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is mandatory.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications awarded from accredited civilian aviation programs OR aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools are required.
• A minimum of one year of on-the-job experience in a grade comparable to GS-12 is required.
• Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the GS-12 level to meet time-in-grade requirements.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
• Must be registered for Selective Service if born after December 31, 1959.
• Successful completion of a trial period may be required.
• Must comply with the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968 regarding domestic violence convictions.
• Availability to work irregular, overtime, or off-duty hours as required.
• Willingness to wear a military uniform.
• Drug testing may be required.
• May be required to travel by military or commercial air.
• May require access to classified information.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience (GS-13 Level):

• At least two years of experience in civilian or military aviation programs, or within Army National Guard Aviation Support facilities or Air National Guard Wings/Operations Groups.
• Experience in piloting and instructing pilot skills in fixed-wing, rotary, or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).
• Ability to train and instruct others in piloting specified military aircraft.
• Experience in reading and applying mission tasks, intelligence reports, and weather information.
• Experience in supervising or conducting mission planning, preparation, flight plan filing, and crew briefings.
• Experience in aircraft preflight inspections, loading, equipment assessments, and mission manning.
• Experience operating aircraft controls and equipment.
• Experience performing or supervising navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue, surveillance, or reconnaissance.
• Experience conducting or supervising crew member training on mission-specific tasks.
• Experience developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders.
• Experience in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, aircraft operating procedures, and mission tactics.
• Experience planning and preparing for missions.
• Experience in various piloting administrative tasks supporting Air National Guard aviation programs.
• Experience in aviation unit quality control management programs.
• Experience in unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Air Force, National Guard Bureau, and OSHA directives.
• Experience applying directives, regulations, accident reports, and local operating conditions to determine unit safety program requirements.
• Experience in flying operations and coordinating with agencies for safety compliance.
• Experience in various missions such as air-to-air, air-to-ground, escort, surveillance, reconnaissance, surface attack, target illumination, or laser targeting.
• Experience with traditional "stick and rudder" controls for piloting aircraft.
• Experience using aircraft instrumentation and video cameras.
• Experience with visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR).
• Experience flying simulated combat and non-combat missions and terrain.
• Experience planning, scheduling, and conducting training flights through FAA-controlled airspace.
• Experience applying operational directives, training instructions, standard operating procedures, and special instructions from the National Guard Bureau or relevant military branches.
• Experience working independently to plan and perform work assignments.
• Experience completing safe and efficient mission accomplishments using Operational Risk Management.
• Experience in duties such as cancelling flying activities, diverting aircraft, dictating mission requirements, approving activities, coordinating airspace utilization with the FAA, or directing emergency actions.
• Experience using applicable Army aviation regulations, policies, requirements, standards, skills, and practices.
• Experience applying instructional techniques for training other pilots.
• Experience conducting specific missions and flying specific military aircraft in combat tactics, mountainous terrain, remote site evaluations, remote site landings, and night-vision operations.
• Experience with standardization and evaluation programs, written ground examinations, emergency procedures, and aircrew performance standards.
• Experience reviewing and complying with applicable service flight publications and directives.
• Experience with weaponry and combat or non-combat tactics for applicable military aircraft.
• Experience with wartime and peacetime contingency plans for unit mobilizations, deployments, or troop missions.