HELICOPTER PILOT (Title 32) Job in Kelly AFB, TX

Vacancy No. TX-12946466-AR Department Army National Guard Units
Salary $131,693.00 to $171,205.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/1/2026 Close Date 4/30/2027
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Kelly AFB, TX


Summary

This position is located at the Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF), Kelly AFB, San Antonio, TX. The position is responsible for providing instruction, evaluation and examination of rated pilots, instructor pilots, and aeroscout observers in flying techniques and methods of instruction, examination, and evaluation. Instruction involves basic and advanced techniques for flying aircraft using instruments.


Texas is one of 9 states with NO state income tax.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

National Guard and reserves

Current members, those who want to join or transitioning military members.

Clarification from the agency

Nationwide (see Areas of Consideration), Texas Army National Guard Membership is Required

Duties

***This is a Title 32 Excepted Service National Guard Employee Position Description Which Requires Military Membership***

As a HELICOPTER PILOT (Title 32) with the Texas Army National Guard, your duties will include, but will not be limited to:

Incumbent serves as a Unit Trainer/Evaluator (UT/E), instructor pilot, or pilot in command on one or more of the following helicopters: Attack Helicopter (AH-64); Cargo Helicopter (CH-47); Utility Helicopter (UH-60 series), (LUH-72 series) and others when assigned Also performs one or more duties in a specific functional area of aircraft operations.

  • Performs preflight weather analysis, route and altitude selections, alternate airport selection, fuel, cargo and passenger load computations, selection of refueling stops, preflight inspections, flight plan filing, and firing ranges route planning/coordination. Incorporates precision, non-precision, and GPS route navigation and instrument approaches in all mission planning and must be knowledgeable in all aspects of their operations. Maintains and studies current and complete files of aeronautical publications, navigation charts, instrument approach procedures, and air traffic control procedures.
  • Serves as rotary wing Unit Trainer/Evaluator (UT/E) or Instructor Pilot (IP): Trains and evaluates aviators on basic and advanced flight techniques. This includes the procedures to use in emergencies and malfunctions over rough terrain, e.g., hills and forests both day and night. Training includes instruction and evaluation for operating unique electronics equipment, such as precision, non-precision, and GPS route navigation and approaches. Conducts initial standardization flight evaluations for new air crew members and annual evaluations for assigned and attached pilots, including local aircraft transitions including refresher training. Serves as pilot-in-command while operating single and/or multi-engine rotary wing aircraft to perform airlift support for DOD personnel, emergency medical evacuations, aerial fire suppression support, paradrops, rescue, and Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations. May be required to transport classified, chemical, or other hazardous cargo. May be required to perform extended flights to and from a wide variety of points, with responsibility for safely transporting passengers and/or classified, chemical, or other hazardous cargo. Pilot will possess competency on all aviation matters that will encompass safety as the number one priority, demonstrate a consistent mature judgment and maintain a high degree of pilot proficiency for conducting flight missions under visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR). Flights may be performed with a combination of day, night, and night vision goggle (NVG) operations under both favorable and unfavorable environmental conditions (fog, sleet, ice, rain, snow, high winds, low ceilings) over both favorable and unfavorable terrain (mountains, water, desert, swamp, forest) which may require a transfer from IFR condition to marginal VFR condition for landing at remote locations. Locations may include a combination of confined areas with unfavorable terrain and obstacles and high altitude requiring an in-depth performance planning for take-off and landings under heavy load conditions. Flights could be conducted with a combination of unfavorable weather conditions, over unfavorable terrain or water at both low altitude and slow airspeed, at maximum gross weight, which are outside the recommended flight envelops for safe flight and/or involve the use of techniques employed as to avoid detection, and often entail prolonged periods of flying. Such flights, maintenance test flights, and low-level flights are such that a safe emergency landing would be difficult and would require a very high degree of pilot skill. Pilot will adhere to existing Army flight regulations and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
  • Serves as rotary wing Instrument Flight Examiner (IE): Conducts instrument flight qualifications and training which includes, instrument flight planning, precision handling and maneuvering of the aircraft, navigation using the aircraft navigation instruments and systems, air traffic control operations, approach, departure, and holding procedures, and use of the ILS.
  • Serves are Maintenance Test Pilot Examiner (ME)/Functional Check Pilot (FCP) Evaluator
  • Serves as Aviation Safety Officer (ASO): Serves as an Aviation Safety Officer (ASO) carrying out a variety of duties to provide a productive aviation safety program for the Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot (AVCRAD) or any Army Aviation Facility.
  • Serves as rotary wing Maintenance Test Pilot (MTP) and/or Functional Check Pilot (FCP)
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Appointment Factor(s): This is an Excepted Service position that requires active membership in a compatible military assignment in the Texas Army National Guard and wear of the military uniform.

Areas of Consideration: Nationwide Excepted. This includes:

  • All currently employed full-time permanent, indefinite and temporary personnel of the Texas Army National Guard.
  • All current members of the Texas National Guard and individuals eligible for membership in the Texas Army National Guard.


Remarks:
  • The Texas National Guard is an Equal Opportunity employer.
  • Veterans' preference is not applicable to this position.
  • Direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Trial period required (see additional information)
  • AH64E Airframe experience is preferred but not required

Military Requirements
A military skill set is determined by the applicable service classification and qualification requirements. Upon selection, individuals are assigned to a compatible military skill in accordance with Army or Air Force skill classification directives, statutes, and National Guard Bureau regulations. The Dual Status technician must obtain and maintain all military certifications OR Federal Aviation Administration certificates; current aeronautical ratings, medical and flight physical requirements, and qualifications for aviation service, military skill requirements in training, education, certifications, and experience.

Army National Guard Officer

Branch 15 - Aviation

Branch 67 - Medical Service Corps

Army National Guard Warrant Officer

Branch 15 - Aviation

Rank Spread:
Warrant Officer: WO1 Not to Exceed CW4
Officer: O-1 (2LT) Not to Exceed O-5 (LTC)

Applicants must:

1. Prior to appointment, an applicant's military medical record must indicate a completed and current medical physical, flight physical, medical profile, and completed/cleared drug test.

2. Possess a valid state driver's license to operate government motor vehicles, for the state in which they live or are principally employed, in accordance with Army and Air Force Vehicle Operations Directives.

3. Qualify to operate government motor vehicles and vehicular equipment for "Maintenance Purposes Only" according to Army or Air Force Vehicle Maintenance Operations Directives.

4. Aviation Officers/ Warrant Officers who are not qualified in the AH64E will be required to attend the AH64E qualification course.

5. Aviators who are branched 67J will be required to reclassify into 15 series aviation branch.

Qualifications

In describing your experience in your resume, please be clear and specific. Assumptions regarding your experience will not be made. To be considered for qualification, your resume must include relevant experience with beginning and ending dates of employment/experience reflecting the following:

Mandatory Qualification Requirements - Eligibility requirements for Dual Status technician positions in this occupation are based on the candidate's possession of Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificates -OR- appropriate military certifications, military ratings in the main-frame military aircraft of employment, and the required competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities).



Specialized Experience Required

Warrant Officers: Applicants must demonstrate the following specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, and abilities) to qualify for entry appointments to GS-2181-12 or GS-2181-13 Army National Guard Dual Status Warrant Officer positions. Qualification competencies are determined by three factors: The aircraft operated; the nature and purpose of assignments; and, the degree of hazard. For Army National Guard positions, must have working experiences in civilian aviation programs; or, in military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or, in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facilities; or, in Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Groups. To qualify, the applicant must have at least two years specialized experience competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation. Experienced in reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information. Experienced in filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings. Experienced in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments. Experienced in performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance. Competent in conducting or supervising the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks. Experienced in developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders. Knowledge is required in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures. Experienced in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, regulations, and directives.

Officers: Applicants must demonstrate the following specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, and abilities) to qualify for appointments to GS-2181-12 and GS-2181-13 Army National Guard Dual Status Officer positions. For Army National Guard positions, must have working experiences in civilian aviation programs; or, military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or, in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facilities; or, in the Air National Guard Operations Groups. Qualification competencies are determined by three factors in combination: The aircraft operated; the nature and purpose of assignments; and, the degree of hazard. Experienced in piloting and instructing pilot skills in one or more of the following main-frame/military aircraft: Fixed-wing, rotary, or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). Although a variety of piloting administrative tasks are performed in support of an Army National Guard aviation program, experiences include the abilities to train and instruct others in the piloting of a main-frame military aircraft. Experienced in mission tasking, intelligence reporting, and applying weather information. Experienced in supervising and/or filing of flight plans and conducting crew briefings. Experienced in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, equipment assessments, and mission manning. Experienced in operating aircraft controls and equipment. Experienced in performing or supervising the work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling; search and rescue operations; or surveillance and reconnaissance. Ability to conduct or supervise the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks. Experienced in developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders. Experienced in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, aircraft operating procedures, and mission tactics. Must have at least two years experiences in instructing others in a specific air-frame/military aircraft. Competent to complete various piloting administrative tasks performed in support of Army National Guard aviation programs. Skilled to instruct others to pilot military aircraft on a regular and recurring basis. Experienced in the aviation unit quality control management programs; plus, skilled in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration directives. Experienced in following directives, regulations, accident reports, safety data, and local operating conditions to determine unit safety program requirements. Experienced in coordinating with appropriate agencies to ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations and programs. Experienced in one or more missions such as, air-to-air; air-to- ground; mortar-to-arm escort; surveillance; reconnaissance; surface attack; killer-scout; target illumination; or laser targeting. Experienced in piloting manned or unmanned aircraft. Experiences may include the traditional "stick and rudder" type controls for piloting aircraft direction, altitude, and speed. Experienced in on-board aircraft instrumentation and aircraft mounted video cameras. Experienced in visual flight-rule type flying and aircraft instrument flying. Experienced in flying simulated "real world" combat and non-combat missions and terrain. Experienced in planning, scheduling, and conducting flights through Federal Aviation Administration controlled national airspace. Experienced in applying operational directives, training directives, instructions, standard operating procedures, and special instructions of National Guard Bureau, United States Army, and gaining commands. Experienced in working independently to plan and perform work assignments. Experienced in completing safe and efficient missions through the use of Operational Risk Management. Experienced in cancelling flying activities, diverting aircraft, dictating mission requirements, approving specific activities, coordinating for airport or airspace utilization with FAA, and/or, directing emergency actions involving unit support agencies. Experienced in using applicable Army aviation regulations, policies, requirements and standards, skills and practices; and, the applying instructional techniques to the training of other pilots in the Army National Guard flying facilities. Experienced in conducting particular combat tactics, missions, or specific main-frame aircraft; or, flying in mountainous terrain, performing tactical remote site evaluation, performing landings on remote sites, providing ground and flight training, and conducting night-vision operations and instruction. Experienced in standardization and evaluation programs, written ground examinations, emergency procedures, and aircrew performance standards in accordance with applicable directives and Federal Aviation Administration certification requirements. Experienced in reviewing and complying with applicable service flight publications and directives for accuracy and currency; and knowledgeable of weapons and tactics for applicable military aircraft. Experienced in maintaining detailed wartime and peacetime contingency plans and supplements for unit mobility, deployment, strange field operations/ employment, and redeployment.

Education

Minimum Education Requirements:

Second and First Lieutenants must be actively pursuing an undergraduate degree with at least 90 validated credit hours in a specified program.

Captains and above must already have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university.

Warrant Officers: Must have a high school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is optimum.

AND

You must have Federal Aviation Administration certifications awarded from an accredited civilian aviation program or aviation certifications from accredited military aviation schools.

Please ensure you upload a copy of your transcript(s) AND certificate(s). Failure to do so will result in automatic disqualification.
Only experience/education gained by closing date of this position will be considered.

Additional information

Applicants must have the following:

1. Must have the appropriate security clearance:

a. In regard to the aviator position's Series GS 2181 and the DoD criteria for the

technician position's compatible military skill classification security clearance requirements. NOTE: Refer to the military services' specific classification directives for the military skills' required security clearance levels;

OR

b. Awarded a current Single Scope Background Investigation according to Army or Air Force Personnel Security Program Management Directives. Award of entry level to the technician position's compatible military skill, without a completed SSBI, is authorized provided an interim Top Secret security clearance was granted. NOTE: Refer to the military service specific directives for various authorized interim clearance levels.

2. No record of claustrophobia or claustrophobic tendencies.3. To maintain the position - The incumbent must have a current Network License according to Army or Air Force Directives, Licensing Network Users and Certifying Network Professionals.

Trial Period:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to serve a 1- 2 trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

- your performance and conduct;

- the needs and interests of the agency;

- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and

- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & NOTES:

1. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The employee is subject to random drug testing. Pre-employment drug testing and participation in random drug testing is a condition of employment. Note: The caveat is that the states, territories, and the district cannot drug test until a drug free workplace policy has been established and approved by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
2. Incumbent must possess and continue to maintain a US Army Class II Flight Physical.
3. The employee may be required to travel in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
4. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
5. Incumbent is subject to uncommon tours of duty, rotational shift assignments and compensation and/or overtime duty.
6. Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
7. Employee will be required to wear and use personal protective equipment as required and provided by the employer.

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.

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.

Incentives: Acceptance of a military Federal technician position may result in termination and / or repayment of military incentives. Please check your contract and contact your servicing Education Services (Incentives) office or the Recruiting/Retention office.

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.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Required Documents

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

1. Resume which should include the following for related positions held:

  • Work schedule (ex. Full-time, part-time, intermittent)
  • Hours worked per week
  • To and From dates (ex. MM/YYYY - MM/YYYY)
  • Duties performed In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. Assumptions will not be made regarding your experience.
2. Transcripts:
  • Second and First Lieutenants must be actively pursuing an undergraduate degree with at least 90 validated credit hours in a specified program.
  • Captains and above must already have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university.
  • Warrant Officers: Must have a high school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is optimum.
3. FAA or Military Aviation Certificate(s)

4. Other supporting documents:
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • License
  • OF-306
  • Federal Aviation Administration certifications or military service aviation certifications
  • Individual Flight Record and Flight Certificate
  • DA Form 759
  • Current aeronautical ratings and aviation service qualifications
  • Other (5)
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12946466

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/.

Agency contact information

Rashay Liedecke
Phone
512-782-5000
Email
rashay.g.liedecke.civ@army.mil
Address
TX SAO
2200 West 35th St
Austin, TX 78703
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

Army National Guard Units

TEXAS MILITARY DEPARTMENT

DUTY:
Bear true faith and allegiance to the state and nation; cultivate an environment for all to excel; prepare mentally, physically and spiritually to deploy at home and abroad.

HONOR: Hold the public trust in the highest regard; exceed standards and expectations; act with understanding, innovation, resourcefulness, flexibility and urgency. Do all you can, where you are, with what you have and always place the welfare of those you lead first.

TEXAS: Embrace the courageous spirit of our people, history and culture.

Agency contact information

Rashay Liedecke
Phone
512-782-5000
Email
rashay.g.liedecke.civ@army.mil
Address
TX SAO
2200 West 35th St
Austin, TX 78703
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Army National Guard Units, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://tmd.texas.gov/tmd-jobs