Become an Elite Flight Engineer Instructor with the Army National Guard in Rochester, NY

Are you an experienced aviator with a passion for training and operational excellence? The Department of the Army is currently recruiting for a Flight Engineer (Instructor) to join the Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility 2 in Rochester, New York. Classified under the GS-10 federal grade, this position offers a salary range of $68,446 to $88,975 per year.

This is not just another job in aviation—it is a critical, high-impact training role where you will guide, evaluate, and mentor elite aircrew members on heavy multi-engine military aircraft. If you are ready to apply your technical expertise to shape the future of military flight crews, this guide provides everything you need to know about this career-defining opportunity.

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About the Agency: The Army National Guard

With roots tracing back to early American colonial militia defense units, the National Guard is the oldest military branch in the United States. Serving a unique dual mission, Guard units support both local state governors during domestic crises and the federal government during global contingencies.

As a Flight Engineer Instructor at the Army Aviation Support Facility 2 in Rochester, NY, you will represent this proud tradition. The facility plays an essential role in keeping the state’s aviation assets deployment-ready. By providing top-tier instructional program delivery, you ensure that flight crews can seamlessly execute search and rescue missions, disaster relief, aeromedical evacuations, and tactical troop transport operations.

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Job Responsibilities: Shaping Elite Aircrews

The responsibilities of a Flight Engineer Instructor span classroom instruction, ground operations, and live-flight training environments. You will be primary on heavy, multi-engine aircraft systems, including the CH-47 Chinook medium-lift transport helicopter, the UH-60A Black Hawk transport helicopter, and the CH-54 Tarbe medium-lift helicopter.

Key Duties and Areas of Instruction:

• Flight Training & Student Evaluation: Provide direct instruction, diagnostic examinations, and evaluations on training flights. You will design, adapt, and refine syllabus content based on the baseline proficiency of individual trainees.
• Systems Operations & Diagnostics: Train crews to manage complex primary and secondary systems, including fuel, electrical, hydraulic, environmental, pressurization, and fire suppression systems.
• In-Flight Flight Planning: Instruct on critical flight computations, including local temperature, altitude, barometric pressure, wind factors, and their direct impact on take-offs, landings, and engine performance.
• Weight, Balance & Load Master Management: Guide crews on the placement, securement, and execution of complex combined cargo loads, external sling operations, and passenger seating configurations within precise limits.
• Emergency and Safety Procedures: Walk trainees through normal operations, emergency checklists, hoist scenarios, system failure troubleshooting, and proper deployment of life support systems.
• Logistical Record Keeping: Coordinate with maintenance specialists regarding post-flight inspection logs, discrepancies requiring mechanical attention, and overall aircraft flight hour tracking.

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Position Qualifications & Military Grades

To qualify for this GS-10 position, applicants must meet specific service criteria and have a demonstrated background in heavy aviation.

Military Requirements

This is a Title 32 Excepted Service position, which means membership in the National Guard is a mandatory condition of employment. Applicants must hold an Enlisted grade to be considered.

General Experience

Candidates must show a foundational understanding of overall aircraft operations. This includes practical familiarity with aircraft records maintenance, weight and balance calculations, flight manual parameters, and essential mechanical systems.

Specialized Experience

• 36 Months of Experience: You must demonstrate at least three years of active experience performing duties as a Flight Engineer on multi-engine aircraft.
• Instructional Experience: Experience in assessing new crew members, building course outlines, conducting initial and refresher training, and using hand-and-arm signals or ground communications.
• Flight Instructor Certification: Ideally, you already hold a formal Flight Instructor qualification. If not, you must have the capability and willingness to attend and successfully complete the formal Flight Instructor Course within one year of your appointment.

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Salary and Compensation Overview

This position is structured under the federal General Schedule (GS) pay system. Below is an overview of the compensation and classification details for this opening:

Position Element	Details & Structure
Job Title	Flight Engineer (Instructor)
Grade Level	GS-10
Salary Range	$68,446 to $88,975 Per Year
Pay Rate Basis	Per Annum (PA)
Duty Location	Rochester, New York
Service Type	Title 32 Excepted Service

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Federal Benefits and Perks

As a federal Title 32 National Guard employee, you will receive a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and personal well-being:

• Comprehensive Health Plans: Choose from a wide selection of government-subsidized health, vision, and dental programs.
• Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which features a defined-benefit pension along with a matching Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) similar to a 401(k).
• Generous Time Off: Earn annual vacation hours, accumulate sick leave, and enjoy paid time off for all federal holidays.
• Continuing Education: Opportunities for professional civilian certifications and advanced military training paths to ensure your skills remain modern.

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Application Process and Tips for Success

Applying for a federal job requires strict attention to detail. Follow these steps and tips to ensure your package stands out and passes the initial Human Resources screening.

Step-by-Step Submission Instructions:

1. View the Questionnaire: Access and review the USAStaffing Occupational Questionnaire online to understand how your skills will be measured.
2. Optimize Your Resume: Write a targeted resume outlining your flight hours, specific aircraft models operated, instructional history, and leadership positions.
3. Assemble Supporting Documents: If you are a current or former federal worker, obtain your official SF-50. Ensure it lists your permanent, non-award career status.
4. Submit Online: Log in to your USAJobs account, upload all files, verify your contact details, and submit your application before the closing date.

Critical Application Tips:

• The 2-Page Resume Rule: Your federal resume must not exceed two pages. This is a strict threshold set by the New York National Guard staffing office; any submission exceeding two pages is automatically disqualified.
• Be Highly Specific with Dates: Do not use vague timelines. Format your employment blocks with precise "Month/Year to Month/Year" entries.
• Include Your Military Rank: Ensure your active or prior military rank and civilian grade are listed clearly on your resume.
• Validate Your SF-50: Ensure you submit a structural action SF-50 (e.g., demonstrating a step increase or promotion). Award SF-50 documents will not be accepted for grade verification.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can civilians apply for this position?

No. This is a Title 32 Excepted Service position that requires active enlistment in the Army National Guard. Only enlisted service members of the National Guard are eligible to apply.

2. What happens if I do not currently hold a Flight Instructor rating?

You can still apply. However, if you are selected, you will be required to successfully complete the formal Flight Instructor Course within one year of your appointment date as a condition of continued employment.

3. What forms of identification or documents must I submit?

You must submit an updated resume (under two pages) and, if applicable, your most recent, non-award SF-50 showing your permanent federal status.

4. Is telework or remote work an option for this position?

No. Because this position involves active flight instruction, ground simulator training, and direct physical inspection of aircraft systems, telework and remote arrangements are not eligible.

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The Flight Engineer (Instructor) opening in Rochester, NY, represents an exceptional career path for dedicated aviation professionals. Serving in this GS-10 position allows you to apply years of flight-line experience toward educating the next generation of National Guard aircrews.

To take advantage of this professional military opportunity, review your flight hours, trim your resume to the strict two-page limit, and submit your package before the application window closes. Your skills are vital to the mission—apply today!