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Posted: March 30, 2026 (0 days ago)

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AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

Air Education and Training Command

Department of the Air Force

Fresh

Location

Salary

$131,841 - $171,396

per year

Closes

GS-11 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $62,107 - $80,737

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-10. Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 years graduate study.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves teaching pilots how to fly airplanes through hands-on flight training, simulator sessions, and classroom instruction in the U.S. Air Force's training programs.

It's based in Texas and suits experienced pilots who enjoy mentoring others and have a strong background in aviation.

A good fit would be someone with military or civilian flying expertise who wants to contribute to preparing the next generation of aviators.

Key Requirements

  • Current Commercial Pilot Certificate with airplane, multi-engine, and instrument ratings, or equivalent military ratings
  • FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or military equivalent
  • Minimum 1500 total flight hours as pilot-in-command or copilot
  • At least 250 pilot-in-command flight hours
  • 75 hours of night flying experience
  • 100 hours of flying time in the last 12 months
  • Demonstrated knowledge and skills in aircraft piloting and instruction for Air Education and Training Command programs

Full Job Description

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

The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as an aircraft, simulator and academic instructor for AETC Flying Training programs.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: 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 Certification 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, including recent of flight experience.

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: Total Flight Time -- Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement.

For inservice placements actions, up to one-fourth of the total flight hours may by waived for candidates who have demonstrated possession of the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work, provided: They hold the certificates and ratings required; They have acquired the pilot-in-command hours and flight hours in other categories essential to performance of the work; They meet the requirements in terms of level and quality of experience; and Their flying history indicates they are qualified for the position.

Pilot-In-Command -- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.

Night Flying -- For inservice placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work.

Flying Time, Last 12 Months -- Required only for positions that involve flying. The flight hours specified apply to competitive appointments.

For inservice placement actions, up to one-half of the flight hours may be waived provided the individual's total background reflects the ability to perform the duties of the position safely.

For positions flying both helicopters and airplanes, at least one-fourth of the total hours must be in either category of aircraft. Requirements Category Flight Hours GS-11 and above 1.

Total Flight Time 1500 2. Pilot-In-Command 250 3. Night Flying 75 4.

Flying Time, Last 12 months 100 Instructor Time -- Must be related to the nature of the instruction work and the category of aircraft operated (i.e., airplane or helicopter) in the position to be filled.

If the purpose of the position is to provide instruction in instrument flight techniques, one-half of the flight time must have involved instrument instruction in either airplanes or helicopters.

Requirements Flight Hours- GS-11 and above: Instructor Time 500 Medical RequirementsAt 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 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-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

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 of aircraft systems and operating procedures, aerodynamics, flying fundamentals, aircraft instrumentation, aerobatic maneuvers, close formation flying, high-speed low-level flight, ground and flight emergency procedures, and instrument and visual flight rules, as well as knowledge of the operation, characteristics, and limitations of assigned aircraft.

Knowledge of the rules, concepts, techniques, procedures, and operations of flying training programs and objectives related to combat systems training.

Knowledge of effective training principles, techniques, and tools required to develop, instruct, evaluate, improve, and conduct training.

Skill in demonstrating flying procedures and maneuvers in a unit aircraft. Ability to formulate plans and courses pertaining to flying operations and unit flying training activities.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing, to include public speaking before large and small audiences.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS: The incumbent is required to complete a formal flight or simulator instructor course (including training on the spectrum of Immersive Training Devices) and continue to meet and maintain AF requirements to pilot training aircraft and provide formal flight and ground training instruction on a recurring and regular basis in support of the mission.

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. Major Duties:

Serves as an Instructor Pilot for student pilots in academic, flight and flight simulator flight training.

Serves as the Aircraft Commander/Instructor Pilot/Evaluator Pilot on training missions for Unit Instructor Pilots.

Orients newly assigned instructor pilots on mission profiles, flying areas and training flights in the local and non-local areas in which instruction will occur.

Performs other duties related to accomplishment of the unit operational and training mission.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 3/30/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/30/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: 9U-AFPC-12924200-191378-AMC