AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR with Security Clearance

About the Role

This position serves as a critical component of the Air Force's training mission, functioning as an Instructor Pilot, Aircraft Commander, and Evaluator Pilot. The incumbent is responsible for guiding student pilots through academic, flight, and simulator training, while also leading training missions for other Unit Instructor Pilots. As a Mission Essential (ME) position performing a Mission Critical Function (MCF), this role must remain uninterrupted during emergencies to ensure the continuity of operational and training objectives.

The day-to-day life of the Instructor Pilot involves orienting newly assigned instructors on mission profiles, flying areas, and training flights across local and non-local regions. The role demands high levels of proficiency, requiring the incumbent to maintain flight line-equivalent standards in accordance with Air Force regulations. Duties extend beyond the cockpit to include formal flight and simulator instruction, ensuring that all training adheres to the rigorous standards of the Air Force.

Conditions of Employment & Culture

Candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens and, if male, registered with the Selective Service. The role is subject to the DoD Priority Placement Program and may require a CONUS agreement if a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is authorized. Incumbents are subject to the Air Force Drug Testing Plan, including the possibility of random drug testing, and must maintain USAF Flying Class II physical qualifications.

This position operates under a flexible schedule that may include weekends, holidays, and duty at auxiliary fields or other approved locations for cross-country sorties. Employees must adhere to crew duty day definitions and limits, with schedules potentially changing daily to meet operational flying requirements. Upon selection, candidates may be subject to a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period, after which continued employment is contingent upon certification that it advances the public interest.

Hiring & Application Process

Applicants must demonstrate eligibility through specific Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates or appropriate military ratings, including a Commercial Pilot Certificate with single or multi-engine land and instrument ratings, or an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. Military flight experience must be verified via official orders, forms, or logbooks.

The application process requires candidates to meet minimum flight hour requirements, including total flight time, pilot-in-command hours, night flying, and instructor time. For GS-11 and above, specific thresholds apply (e.g., 1,500 total hours, 250 pilot-in-command hours). Candidates may request waivers for certain flight hour requirements if they can demonstrate possession of the necessary knowledge and skills.

Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements (e.g., one year at the GS-12 level for GS-13 consideration). Advance in hire may be authorized with demonstrable proof on the resume, and leave accrual may be authorized upon request. The selection process evaluates knowledge, skills, and abilities related to aircraft systems, aerodynamics, training principles, and combat systems training operations.