Rotary-Wing Flight Test Pilot (GS-2181-14) 413 FLTS

Air Force Test Center; Eglin Village (FL); On-site; USD 126,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

The Air Force Test Center is seeking a Full-Time Rotary-Wing Flight Test Pilot (GS-2181-14) to operate at Hurlburt Field, FL. The incumbent conducts flight tests on new or modified aircraft and mentors aircrew in flight test techniques during missions.

Must have extensive rotary-wing flight test experience, be able to plan, coordinate, and supervise flight operations, and meet stringent USAF requirements including security clearances and DAWIA elements.

Qualifications

• Must be a current or former Instructor Pilot in rotary-wing or tilt-rotor aircraft.
• Graduate of a recognized long-course Test Pilot School.
• Ability to perform frequent and regular aerial flights in high performance military aircraft.
• Experience planning, executing, and reporting under USAF Test Center rules and procedures.
• Experience with aircrew training, standardization and evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct developmental flight tests evaluating aircraft flying qualities and performance envelopes.
• Direct test activities, plan objectives and mitigate risks in flight test missions.
• Secure flight planning information including weather, fuel, and aircrew data.
• Support leadership on flight operation policies and guidance.
• Coordinate with aircrew, maintenance, engineers and contractors to meet test objectives.

Skills

Instructor Pilot

Flight Test Planning

USAF Operations

Flight Testing

Flight Hours

Instrument Flight

Evaluator Pilot

DAWIA

Security Clearance

Job description

These listed job announcements are covered by Direct Hire Authorities (DHA), which are separate from the traditional recruitment job announcements found on USA Jobs.For more information on DHA, click the Air Force Civilian Service image linkon the right side of the page (or scroll to the bottom of your mobile device) and click “Find a Job.” You can also click the USA Jobs image linkto view additional job announcements. For further assistance, please contact AFTC Enterprise Recruitment at [e-mail] .

NO 6-MONTH WAIT! Recently retired and/or retiring from MILITARY service ARE eligible for immediate appointment for AFTC positions. The 180-day waiting period has been waived for AFTC to hire recently retired and/or retiring service members.

The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Position Rotary-Wing Flight Test Pilot (GS-2181-14) to work at the 96 Test Wing, 96th Operations Group, 413 Flight Test Squadron, at Hurlburt Field Air Force Base.

The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a rotary-wing flight test pilot for the 413 FLTS. The incumbent conducts flight tests of new or critically modified aircraft and instructs pilots in flight test techniques and responsibilities during flight test missions. The incumbent directs activities and manages resources and processes responsible for the effective employment and utilization of squadron aerospace vehicles and implements policy and procedures for aircrew personnel performing flight test operations and test support activities.

Announcement Closes: 10/16/2026

Location: Eglin and Hulburt Field AFB, FL

Typical 2026 salary range: $125,776 - $ 163,514 per year (includes locality)

Travel Requirements: Up to 25% travel possible

Areas of Consideration (AOC): Department – wide (DoD)

Incentives:

This position MAY be eligible for a recruitment/relocation incentive. Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official.

Must have requirements or may not be considered:

Conducts comprehensive developmental flight tests evaluating aircraft flying qualities, performance envelope expansion, and integrated mission systems across diverse rotary-wing configurations and operational regimes

Manages research, test and evaluation projects and programs. Works with program managers, engineers, aircrew members, maintenance crews, and contractors to plan and identify test objectives, test points, test procedures, safety considerations, risks and hazards as well as factors and actions to mitigate risks and hazards. Integrates test objectives, organizes and directs test activities, and supervises flight operations.

Secures flight planning information to include weather, route planning, aircraft status, fuel requirements, performance data, military flight releases and other planning items as dictated by mission requirements. Complies with all laws, regulatory requirements and directives applicable to the conduct of flight test missions.

Supports squadron leadership on matters regarding aircraft flight test operations and test support activities. Recommends and implements policies, procedures and guidance for unit flight operations required to meet mission needs.

Performs the functions of the Command Chief Pilot and/or Government Flight Representative (GFR). As a GFR, provides oversight for various aircraft acquisition, aircrew support, and maintenance contracts. Monitors the standardization program of the contractor and assigned government aircrews to ensure the standardization of maneuvers, procedures and operating criteria. Monitors and evaluates contractor and assigned military aircrews on flight activities.

The employee may be required to travel via military and/or commercial means to perform temporary duty assignments.

This position is Acquisition Category Professional Development Program (APDP) Test and Evaluation Level II. The employee must meet, or be capable of meeting, Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position. Employee is expected to meet Continuing Acquisition Education requirements..

Desired Skills:

Current or previously qualified military Instructor Pilot in the H-1, H-60, MH-139, or V-22

Experience planning, executing, and reporting under USAF Test Center rules and procedures. In-depth knowledge of USAF aircraft operations, aircrew training, aircrew standardization and evaluation, aerospace resource management, aerospace test and evaluation, and aircrew personnel equipment and survival training is required.

Ten years of military pilot rated officer experience with active military/government flight experience within the last 4 years is highly desired. A minimum of 2,000 flight hours in rotary-wing and/or tilt-rotor aircraft types is highly desired. At least 100 hours of instrument flying and a minimum of 100 hours instructor time is highly desired. Prior experience as an evaluator pilot is highly desired. Functional Check Flight/Maintenance Test Flight and/or Operational Test Flight experience is desired. Qualification and currency in the unit’s assigned aircraft is highly desired.

Major Duties:

• Current or previously qualified Instructor Pilot in a rotary-wing or tilt-rotor aircraft
• Graduate of a recognized long-course Test Pilot School (USAF TPS, USN TPS, National TPS, Empire TPS, EPNER, or International TPS)
• Ability to perform frequent and regular aerial flights in high performance military aircraft associated with training, evaluation, test, and test support military flight activity is required. Applicant must meet periodic USAF Class II medical standards as required by Air Force instructions. Applicant will have access to flight surgeons and must comply with AFI 48-123 requirements to see a flight surgeon for Duties Not Involving Flying (DNIF) and Return to Flying Status (RTFS) determinations. The medical role of the flight surgeon will be limited to “fitness for flight duty” determinations, i.e. DNIF and RTFS.
• Able to complete land and water survival training
• Knowledge of Expeditionary Air Force concepts, aircraft maintenance, flight safety, acquisition, force development and security regulations, practices, and procedures is required.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, to include public speaking before large and small audiences is required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with a broad range of contacts is require.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

This is a designated Drug Testing Position.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a “Top Secret” security clearance. DAWIA Certification: (if applicable) (Example: Must be able to obtain and maintain the required level of Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification within 9 months of assigned duties. Physical: (if applicable) Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical)

Ability to conduct developmental rotary-wing aircraft flight test at the most critical test conditions of loading, speed, maneuvering, and configuration. Ability to determine maximum limits of safe rotary-wing/tiltrotor operation and aerodynamic stability where a substantial degree of hazard exists.

In-depth knowledge of USAF aircraft operations, aircrew training, aircrew standardization and evaluation, aerospace resource management, aerospace test and evaluation, and aircrew personnel equipment and survival training is required.

Ability to perform frequent and regular aerial flights in high performance military aircraft associated with training, evaluation, test and test support military flight activity is required. Applicant must meet periodic USAF Class II medical standards as required by Air Force instructions. Applicant will have access to flight surgeons and must comply with AFI 48-123 requirements to see a flight surgeon for Duties Not Involving Flying (DNIF) and Return to Flying Status (RTFS) determinations. The medical role of the flight surgeon will be limited to “fitness for flight duty” determinations, i.e. DNIF and RTFS.

Knowledge of Expeditionary Air Force concepts, aircraft maintenance, flight safety, acquisition, force development and security regulations, practices, and procedures is required.

Ability to plan, organize, mentor, motivate, and direct the functions of and appraise subordinate personnel is required. Ability to analyze, plan, and adjust work operations to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources is required.

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.

Resumes limited to two pages. Federal agencies now only accept resumes up to two pages in length.

Learn more about the new resume requirements at:

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Classification & Qualifications for Federal Government Employees:

ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE HAF/AFMC/AFTC STRATEGIC HIRING GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED