The Aircraft Operation Series, series code 2181, covers federal jobs where the main duty is flying aircraft. People in these jobs fly as pilot or copilot on flights that support the programs and work of federal agencies.
The series also covers training other pilots on the ground and in the air, and judging how well a pilot flies during a flight. It covers test flying as well, both of aircraft still in development and of aircraft and components that have been changed. Some pilots fly to inspect air navigation facilities and to check the conditions that affect flying by instruments.
Staff jobs fall in the series too, such as planning an agency aviation program, studying how it runs, or managing it. These are included when the work depends mainly on a pilot's knowledge and skills.