AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (Title 32)
Department: Department of the Air Force
Location(s): Fort Smith, Arkansas
Salary Range: $131841 - $171396 Per Year
Job Summary: THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (Title 32), Position Description Number D2045P01 and is part of the AR ANG 188 OSS FT, National Guard. NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQURED- If you are not currently a member of any military service (Brach/Status), please provide a letter stating intent to join.
Major Duties:
- 1. Administers combat flight training to military aircrews. Instructs and evaluates pilots through a broad training spectrum, in addition to performing pilot duties. a. Initial Qualification Training (IQT): Training to qualify the aircrew in basic aircraft flying duties without specific regard to a unit operational mission. It is the minimum training requirement for Basic Aircraft Qualification (BAQ). Elements of instruction include: Basic and Advanced Handling Characteristics (throughout the full spectrum of the flight envelope), Instrument Flight, Instrument and Visual Traffic Patterns, Airborne Emergency Procedures and Patterns, Line of Sight (LOS C-Band) Fundamentals, KU Band Datalink Fundamentals, and Lost Link Logic/Profiles. b. Mission Qualification Training (MQT): Training required to achieve a basic level of competence in the unit's primary tasked missions. This training is a prerequisite for Basic Mission Capable (BMC) and Combat Mission Ready (CMR) status. Elements of instruction include, but are not limited to: Precision Strike; Close Air Support (CAS); Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR); Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR); Time Sensitive Targeting (TST); Armed Escort; and Killer Scout. c. Continuation Training (CT): Training to maintain proficiency and improve aircrew capabilities to perform unit missions and aircrew proficiency sorties not flown in formal syllabus missions, tests, or evaluations. It is applicable to CMR and BMC aircrew. CT is directed by the units' specific Ready Aircrew Program (RAP) tasking which is received from the Major Command (MAJCOM). CT is measured in number and types of sorties and events accomplished. All types of training mentioned in this section pertain to Readiness Aircrew Program (RAP) tasked training. d. Upgrade Training (UG): Training which is syllabus directed to qualify the aircrew in positions beyond that of the entry level. Elements of "Upgrade Training" include, but are not limited to: Instructor Pilot (IP), Flight Examiner (FE), Launch and Recovery Element (LRE) pilot, Mission Commander, and Functional Check Flight (FCF) pilot upgrades. e. Special Capability Training: Training which is designed for specific missions and/or special equipment types. Elements of "Special Capability" instruction include (but are not limited to): Forward Air Controller-Airborne (FAC-A), Multi-Aircraft Control (MAC), and Multi-Ship/Formation Operations. 2. Assesses instructors, CMR and BMC pilots, CMR and BMC Sensor Operators (SOs), and Mission Coordinators (MCs) both assigned and attached to the unit. Assesses newly acquired pilots, SOs, and MCs to determine capabilities/proficiency in the RPA, and train them to effectively employ in a combat mission. Plans, develops, and presents comprehensive academic courses of instruction for both ground and flight training to assist aircrew in maintaining Mission Ready (MR) status. Performs as instructor, and/or flight examiner for ground training which consists of classroom academics and/or aircrew training device (ATD) (simulator) training. Performs as an IP, and/or FE to continually examine rated aircrew to assure training standards are met in the following areas: mission planning, briefing, ground operations, takeoff and landings, in-flight control, cockpit resource management, mission execution, and debriefing. Ensures RPA aircrew gain and maintain the skills necessary to deploy and conduct worldwide operations that provide direct combat support to Combatant Commanders (COCOMs) to include all previously listed mission sets. Develops, validates, and instructs new Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and trains all aircrew on new and emerging combat capabilities of the RPA. Determines progress and proficiency levels of all aircrew; provides re-qualification evaluations and directs/provides specialized remedial or additional training as necessary. Evaluates formal training directives, and develops/recommends course changes, new material, new training systems and methods. 3. Projects unit training requirements and prepares required training records. Utilizes all available training aids to instruct airplane aerodynamics, aircraft systems, emergency procedures, and specific crew duties. Ensures that all applicable directives, instructions, and technical orders applicable to the aircraft and mission are current and adhered to. Reviews, analyzes, and disseminates accident reports, flying safety publications, and special interest items. 4. Maintains a thorough knowledge of airplane systems and procedures under normal, instrument, and emergency conditions. Flight will be conducted in both day and night missions in visual and instrument conditions. Maintains current knowledge of the theory of flight, air navigations, meteorology, flying directives, aircraft operating procedures and mission tactics. DUTIES CONTINUED UNDER EDUCATION:
Qualifications: GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Work in this series includes positions responsible for assisting the pilot in aircraft operations by determining, planning, and performing the navigational aspects of the flight. Positions in this series require knowledge of the various methods of air navigation, and skill in using navigational instruments, equipment, and systems in conjunction with flight instruments to direct the movement and positioning of the aircraft to accomplish a specific mission or assignment. Some positions may require knowledge of the use and deployment of fighter aircraft ordnance; skill to conduct preflight checks, recognize malfunctions, and coordinate delivery with the pilot; and knowledge of weapon ballistics and skill to operate related avionics systems for fighter aircraft. Also included are positions responsible for providing ground and flight instruction in air navigation. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must have at least 36 months experience, education or training that required obtaining information on type of mission, weather, and intelligence data, and special instructions; experience preparing navigation flight plans; experience that provided a knowledge of proper readings and operations of navigational systems. Validated ability to test and inspect the operation of compasses, navigation systems, or radio and radar equipment; experience utilizing various navigational methods and aids to accomplish flying missions. Experience computing the effect of various factors during flight to establish present course and project balance of course and ability to train, evaluate and certify proficiency and competency of lower graded personnel. Validated completion of the necessary hours required for applicants' current airframe. (ex. 1000 hours total navigation time which includes 200 hours' time in the C-130). GS-13 - Must have GS-12 experiences as listed above plus certification as a qualified Navigator Instructor.
How to Apply: To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Application Deadline: 2026-03-20