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AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

Department of the Air Force
U.S. Air Force Academy
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
07/25/2025 to 08/05/2025
Salary
$91,586 to - $119,057 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Air Force Academy, CO
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
6W-AFPC-12759584-900302-HRP
Control number
841603000

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This position is open to AETC personnel only.

Duties

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Primary purpose of this position is: To direct and oversee flight line operations for the 94 FTS Director of Operations (DO) which includes Operations Supervisor, Sailplane Control Officer (SCO), and Duty Desk Officer (DDO). This entails certification as instructor/evaluator of assigned rated and cadet instructor pilots (IP) and other Flight Examiners (FE) in the following: basic soring; IP/FE upgrade; Advanced Programs (Cross-Country, Aerobatics, Oxygen and Wave); and Functional Check Flight (FCF) programs. Provides, as USAF representative, a direct liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as Certified Flight Instructor, Glider (CFIG) and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) or candidate. The incumbent will also, on occasion, serve as the deployed commander (DETCO) during training and competition TDYs. Finally, the incumbent will plan and execute a weekly operations schedule that efficiently and effectively uses all squadron resources.

Duties:

  • Conducts instruction of fixed wing pilots in methods of instruction, evaluates their proficiency to engage in flight instruction, and recommends/certifies pilot flight evaluations/tests, in accordance with established USAF and FAA procedures, for USAFA/AETC personnel seeking USAF aircrew qualifications and FAA glider pilot certificates.
  • Oversees airworthiness tests of aircraft recently released from USAF/FAA required annual or periodic inspections, with substantially modified or altered systems or new aircraft testing.
  • As Ops Sup and SCO, incumbent is the focal point for all in-flight emergency situations involving soaring aircraft. Serves as the Group/Squadron Commander's representative to oversee the entire airfield's soaring operations.
  • Builds a weekly operations schedule to support up to 1000 glider sorties per week and tracks and reports the squadron Fling Hour Program (FHP) for all squadron possessed Mission Design Series (MDS).
  • Conducts a weekly squadron operations scheduling meeting with squadron supervisors to ensure proper manpower allocations and to de-conflict schedules.
  • Coordinates scheduling effort with MX/tow contractor to ensure aircraft and tows are available for 1000 sorties per week.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Must maintain a FAA Class II physical
  • Must maintain a current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certified Flight Instructor, Gliders (CFIG) rating/certificate
  • FAA Certified Private Pilot, single engine or dual engine land is highly desirable
  • FAA Designated Flight Examiner (or candidate) is highly desirable
  • Previous USAF Evaluator is highly desirable
  • Previous USAF Ops Sup and SCO is highly desirable
  • Must obtain and maintain an appropriate security clearance
  • May occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station and travel on military and/or commercial aircraft
  • May be required to work and uncommon tour of duty. Any 40 hour basic workweek schedule to include Saturday and Sunday, for four workdays or less but not more than six days of the administrative workweek
  • Overtime may be required
  • May be required to perform other duties in support of extended mission requirements based on the scope of the mission during times of conflict or staffing shortages
  • May have additional duties assigned
  • May be required to perform duties in support of the READY program including performing escort duties, ID checks, and other duties as required.
  • The incumbent will also serve as flightline Ops Sup, SCO, DDO, and, on occasion, serve as the deployed commander (DETCO) during training and competition TDYs.

Qualifications

Conditions of Employment Cont.

  • This position has been identified as a designated position under the Air Force Drug Testing Plan Incumbent(s) of this position is/are subject to the possibility of a random drug testing.
  • Periodically, as prescribed by regulations, must take and pass standardization/evaluation flight examinations which consist of both written tests and actual flight performance to demonstrate flight knowledge and abilities required by the position.
  • The incumbent is subject to the normal pressures, deadlines, and other conditions inherent in this position and others found in the aircrew occupations. May be exposed to high gravity forces.
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Aircraft Operation Series 2181

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
In order to qualify, you must meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements and the Minimum Flight Hour Requirements described below.
Note: Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements: Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.

AND
Certificates and Ratings: For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying a multi-engine airplane to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with the airplane, multi-engine, and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings. Positions that require flying or instructing in flying both airplanes and helicopters require a rating in both categories. Only those ratings necessary to perform the work are required.

Flight Experience: Candidates must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements. The categories in which candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency relate to (1) the general knowledge and skills to pilot the aircraft, and (2) the specific knowledge and skills related to the particular position being filled. Only that flight experience that is directly related to the work of the position is required for purposes of establishing minimum eligibility.

Minimum Flight Hour Requirements The following flight hour requirements apply to all applicants:
  1. Total Flight Time -- Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement.
  2. Pilot-In-Command -- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
  3. Night Flying
  4. Flying Time, Last 12 Months -- Required only for positions that involve flying.
Requirements:GS-11 and Above
  • Total Flight Time 1500
  • Pilot-In-Command 250
  • Night Flying 75
  • For Instructor Time, 500 Instructor hours is required
  • Instrument 75 hours
Medical Requirement: At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the second-class medical certificate, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position, and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. Staff specialists and Simulator Instructor not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test pilots, airspace system inspection pilots, and Customs pilots, all candidates must possess a current first class medical certificate at the time of appointment.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  • Knowledge or, and skill in applying, instructions, directives, and regulations affecting Flying Hour Programs, flight schedules, supervisory duties, and maintenance contracts.
  • Knowledge of, and ability to implement, procedures for safeguarding sensitive information and databases, computer security procedures, etc.
  • A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office 2003 and techniques to support office operations and produce a variety of documents, such as letters, reports, spreadsheets, databases, and graphs.
  • Ability to locate, assemble, and compose information for routine reports, inquires, and technical correspondence.
  • Ability to effectively communicate orally and legibly in writing; ability to gain cooperation from others through tact, courtesy, and diplomacy.
  • Ability to multi-task while planning and executing multiple schedules.
  • Skill in piloting basic and advanced glider aircraft and knowledge of effective flight/ground instruction procedures/techniques to evaluate and train all aerial maneuvers in a glider.
  • In-depth knowledge of cross-country and wave meteorology navigation and thermaling to teach instructors and cadets to discern terrain features and find wave meteorology to keep glider in the air.
  • In-depth knowledge of applicable Federal Aviation Administration and Air Force directives.
  • Knowledge of Federal Airspace Classification system and how pilots are authorized to use the various U.S. Airspace segments in a safe and efficient manner. In-depth knowledge of FAA Ground Schools, FAA Practical Testing Standards, Faa Written Test Standards, FAA instruction, and FAA DPE examination procedures.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

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