AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR Job in Air Force Academy, CO

Vacancy No. 6W-AFPC-12759584-900302-HRP Department U.S. Air Force Academy
Salary $91,586.00 to $119,057.00 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/25/2025 Close Date 7/31/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Air Force Academy, CO


Summary

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

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to AETC personnel only.

Duties

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

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.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.

  1. Online Application: Questionnaire
  2. Resume: For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees should list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume.
  3. Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
  4. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".
  5. Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).
OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees
- Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/31/2025

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12759584

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your Resume (your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications). If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent (latest) version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."

  • It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
  • If your resume includes photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, or personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., you will not be considered for this vacancy.
  • For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., hours per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position.
2. A complete Application Questionnaire

3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Address
USAF Academy
5136 Eagle Drive
USAF Academy, CO 80840
US

Next steps

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.