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Posted: March 26, 2026 (0 days ago)

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AIRPLANE PILOT (SIMULATOR INSTRUCTOR)

Air Education and Training Command

Department of the Air Force

Fresh

Location

Salary

$89,508 - $116,362

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 new Air Force pilots the basics of fighter flying using simulators and classroom lessons, focusing on skills like maneuvering, teamwork, and quick decision-making.

It's perfect for experienced pilots who enjoy instructing and have a strong background in military or commercial aviation.

The role is based in Texas and helps build foundational flying abilities for fighter aircraft.

Key Requirements

  • Current Commercial Pilot Certificate or equivalent military rating
  • FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or military equivalent
  • Minimum total flight hours as pilot-in-command or copilot (specific hours per OPM standards)
  • Instrument and multi-engine ratings appropriate to fighter training
  • Demonstrated proficiency in fighter maneuvers, situational awareness, and crew coordination
  • Recent flight experience, including night flying where applicable
  • Official documentation of military flight experience, such as logbooks or orders

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 students enrolled in the US Air Force Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals program designed to provide basic proficiency in fighter maneuvers, develop wingman responsibilities, situational awareness, judgment/decisions making, and crew coordination/flight integrity.

In order to qualify, you must meet the requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Aircraft Operations Series 2181.

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, including recency 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 in-service 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 in-service placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work.

Instrument -- At the GS-11 level and above, at least 10 of the required hours must have been logged in actual instrument weather.

The balance may have been acquired in a flight simulator or as other types of instrument flight time, e.g., hood instrument.

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.

Flight Hour Requirements: GS-11 and Above (Hours): Total Flight Time - 1500 Hours Pilot-In-Command - 250 Hours Night Flying - 75 Hours Multi-engine Airplane - 500 Hours Instrument - 75 Hours Instructor Time - 500 Instructor Hours Note: You must submit proof of Flight Hours Medical Requirements: 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 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-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 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.

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:

Applying aviator experience, serves as a simulator instructor for rated students in the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) Transition Course.

Monitors and evaluates student progress and performance. Performs other duties related to accomplishment of the unit operational and training mission.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 3/26/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/26/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: 9U-AFPC-12921447-172749-GAO