Become a Helicopter Flight Instructor and Evaluator with the Texas Army National Guard
Military aviation demands the highest levels of precision, tactical expertise, and instructional excellence. To maintain the combat readiness and safety of its aviators, the Texas Army National Guard is seeking an experienced, high-caliber aviation professional to fill the dual-status technician position of Helicopter Flight Instructor / Evaluator (GS-13). Located in the vibrant heart of Austin, Texas, at historic Camp Mabry, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of military aviation, mentor the next generation of aircrews, and command advanced military aircraft.
This role is a Dual-Status Title 32 position, blending civilian technician responsibilities with active service in the Texas Army National Guard. If you are a military pilot with a passion for teaching, a dedication to safety, and a desire to operate at the peak of tactical performance, this career path offers outstanding progression, premium compensation, and the unique lifestyle advantages of living and working in Central Texas.
About the Agency: The Texas Military Department
The Texas Military Department (TMD) is a premier state agency commanding the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard. TMD's guiding principles—Duty, Honor, and Texas—reflect a commitment to military excellence, community service, and operational readiness.
TMD is tasked with preparing forces for both domestic emergencies and overseas combat operations. By joining the State Aviation Office at Camp Mabry, you become part of a legacy of service, participating in critical missions ranging from federal deployments to regional disaster relief, search and rescue, and homeland security support. Camp Mabry itself is a beautiful, secure, and historic installation in Austin, offering modern amenities, a strong military community, and direct access to one of the most culturally vibrant, economically thriving cities in the United States.
Job Responsibilities: Training the Skies
As a GS-13 Helicopter Flight Instructor / Evaluator, your primary duty is to instruct, evaluate, and examine rated pilots, instructor pilots, and aeroscout observers. You are the ultimate gatekeeper of quality, safety, and capability for Texas Guard aviation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Advanced Flight Instruction & Evaluation: Provide detailed training on complex rotary-wing platforms, including night-vision goggle (NVG) instruction, terrain flying, tactical low-level navigation, and remote-site landing procedures.
- Instrument Flight Examiner (IE) Duties: Conduct initial and annual instrument flight training, checking pilots on precision and non-precision instrument approaches, holding procedures, air traffic control operations, and ILS systems under challenging weather conditions.
- Standardization Leadership: Serve as a Standardization Instructor Pilot (SIP) or Unit Trainer/Evaluator (UT/E), certifying other Instructor Pilots and maintaining meticulous records of crew proficiency, qualifications, and curriculum compliance.
- Maintenance & Functional Evaluation: Train and assess Maintenance Test Pilots (ME) and Functional Check Pilots (FCP), verifying that aircraft systems function within strict design parameters before entering active service.
- Tactical Command & Operations: Serve as Pilot-In-Command for single- and multi-engine rotary aircraft, conducting medical evacuations, disaster support, troop transport, and aerial firefighting missions under both Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
Mandatory Qualifications and Requirements
Dual-Status technician roles require candidates to satisfy both strict military enlistment criteria and rigorous technical aviation benchmarks. Eligibility is based on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certifications or equivalent military certificates and ratings.
General Military Demands:
- National Guard Membership: Applicants must possess or be eligible for active membership in the Texas Army National Guard.
- Rank Constraints: Open to Warrant Officers from W-3 (CW3) to CW5 and Commissioned Officers from O-3 (CPT) to O-5 (LTC).
- Military Branch/MOS: Must align with compatible military skills in Branch 67 (Medical Service Corps) or the 15 Series (Aviation).
- Medical & Physical Fitness: Must pass a comprehensive military medical review, obtain a current US Army Class II Flight Physical, and undergo regular random drug testing.
- Security Clearance: Must hold or be eligible for a Secret security clearance.
Specialized Experience Comparison
To qualify for this GS-13 role, candidates must demonstrate distinct specialized experience depending on their military track. The table below highlights the key requirements comparing the Warrant Officer and Commissioned Officer pathways:
| Assessment Factor | Warrant Officer Track (CW3 - CW5) | Commissioned Officer Track (CPT - LTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Education Standard | High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred. | Bachelor's degree required (or 90+ validated hours for LTs actively pursuing). |
| Aviation Experience | 2+ years of specialized experience in mainframe military aircraft, mission planning, and crew briefs. | 2+ years of regular, recurring experience instructing others in specific mainframe military airframes. |
| Key Technical Skills | Navigation, search & rescue, tactical execution, mission tasking, and weather analysis. | Instruction of combat tactics, quality control programs, and unit safety policies (OSHA/DoD). |
| Leadership Scope | Technical mastery, tactical execution, and aircrew mentoring. | Strategic planning, policy development, operations monitoring, and commanding officer advising. |
Salary Overview and Tax Benefits
The GS-13 Helicopter Flight Instructor / Evaluator position offers a highly competitive annual salary range of $131,841 to $171,396. This structured compensation is adjusted according to federal GS-13 guidelines and reflects the advanced specialization required of tactical military flight instructors.
Beyond the generous base salary, this position is located in Texas, which is one of only nine states with no state income tax. This financial benefit significantly increases your net take-home pay compared to equivalent federal positions located in states with high local income taxes, giving you and your family greater spending power and financial flexibility in the Austin metropolitan area.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Federal employment as a Dual-Status Technician includes a robust suite of benefits designed to support your long-term health, retirement, and work-life balance:
- Retirement Planning: Full access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with generous government matching contributions.
- Health, Dental, & Vision: High-quality healthcare options through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program with extensive coverage for families.
- Paid Time Off: Accrue hours for annual personal leave, sick leave, and enjoy all paid federal holidays off.
- Military Exchange & Facilities: Enjoy access to base commissaries, PX shopping, and military recreational facilities across Texas.
- Career Development: Benefit from world-class flight training, leadership academies, and tactical certifications sponsored by the National Guard Bureau.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Applying for a federal dual-status position requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to submit a complete and competitive application package:
- Prepare Your Profile: Log into or create your profile on USAJobs.
- Review the Questionnaire: Read through the online Occupational Questionnaire via the link provided in the announcement to understand the targeted evaluation questions.
- Tailor Your Resume: Write a highly descriptive resume detailing your flight hours, specific rotary airframes flown, and any supervisory or instructional duties. Include exact employment start/end dates (MM/YYYY) and weekly hours worked.
- Gather Documents: Collect and upload all mandatory paperwork, including:
- Accredited college transcripts.
- FAA or Military Pilot Certificates.
- DA Form 759 (Individual Flight Record) or civilian flight logs.
- Your latest approved US Army Class II Flight Physical.
- An SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) if you have prior federal service.
- Submit the Package: Complete the online application on USA Staffing before 11:59 PM EST on the closing date of the announcement.
Top Application Tips for Success
- Be Explicit About Airframe Experience: Federal HR representatives cannot make assumptions about your skills. If your resume does not explicitly state that you have instructed in specific airframes for at least two years, you may be disqualified.
- Verify Your Transcripts and Certificates: Ensure all uploaded PDFs are legible and complete. Missing transcripts for required degrees or missing pilot certificates will result in automatic disqualification.
- Do Not Inflate Questionnaire Responses: Be honest on your self-assessment. If your resume does not back up your claims of expert-level capabilities, the HR office will adjust your score downward, potentially removing you from consideration.
Q: Are there physical requirements for the role?
A: Yes. You must pass a standard military medical profile, have zero record of claustrophobia, and maintain a valid US Army Class II Flight Physical throughout your employment.
Q: Does this position require travel?
A: Occasional travel may be required to participate in training exercises, check-rides, or temporary duty assignments (TDY) utilizing military or commercial transport.
Q: Is there a trial period?
A: Yes, new appointees are subject to a 1 to 2-year trial period to assess performance, conduct, and suitability for long-term service.
Q: Is this position covered by the Lautenberg Amendment?
A: Yes. Because you must carry military firearms and perform tactical duties, anyone with a conviction of a qualifying crime of domestic violence is ineligible for this role under the Gun Control Act.
The role of a Helicopter Flight Instructor / Evaluator with the Texas Army National Guard is more than just a flying job; it is a vital leadership position that directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of military aviation. Operating out of Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, this position offers top-tier GS-13 compensation, outstanding federal benefits, and the financial advantage of zero state income tax. If you possess the required tactical experience, flight certifications, and leadership capabilities, take the next step in your aviation career and apply today.
Why This Helicopter Flight Instructor / Evaluator (Title 32) Job Matters
Take flight in your military career with the Texas Army National Guard! Elevate your civilian and tactical aviation expertise as a Helicopter Flight Instructor & Evaluator at Camp Mabry, and secure a premium GS-13 position with absolutely no state income tax.
Helicopter Flight Instructor / Evaluator (Title 32) Job Overview
The Texas Army National Guard is seeking an exceptional pilot and tactical leader to serve as a GS-13 Helicopter Flight Instructor / Evaluator (Title 32 Dual-Status Technician) at historic Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. In this role, you will lead advanced flight instruction, administer rigorous flight evaluations, and ensure flight-crew standardization across complex rotary-wing platforms. Ideal candidates will have a background in UH-60M/L or UH-72A operations, strong aviation safety principles, and a desire to serve in a dynamic military-technician role.
Requirements for Helicopter Flight Instructor / Evaluator (Title 32)
- Must maintain active military membership in the Texas Army National Guard as an Officer or Warrant Officer in a compatible unit.
- Must wear the military uniform and conform to military grooming and discipline standards.
- Warrant Officer rank requirement: CW3 up to CW5 (Medical Service Corps Branch 67 or 15 Series).
- Commissioned Officer rank requirement: CPT/O-3 up to LTC/O-5 (Medical Service Corps Branch 67 or 15 Series).
- Possess and maintain a current US Army Class II Flight Physical and clear a pre-employment drug screening.
- Possess a valid state driver's license and qualify to operate government military vehicles.
- Must have no record or history of claustrophobic tendencies.
- Must obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance or have an active Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI).
- Completed at least one of the following advanced courses: Maintenance Test Pilot, Instructor Pilot, Unit Trainer/Evaluator, Aviation Mission Survivability Officer, Aviation Safety Officer, Instrument Examiner, Maintenance Examiner, or Standardization Instructor Pilot.
- Willingness to serve a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and suitability.
Preferred Qualifications for Helicopter Flight Instructor / Evaluator (Title 32)
- Active aircraft qualification on the UH-60M/L or UH-72A rotary platform.
- Extensive experience conducting complex tactical flight instruction, night-vision goggle (NVG) operations, and low-level flight maneuvers.
- An undergraduate or advanced academic degree from an accredited institution.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal GS-13 salary ($131,841 to $171,396 annually).
- âś“No state income tax in the State of Texas, maximizing net take-home pay.
- âś“Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- âś“Enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension.
- âś“Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- âś“Generous paid annual vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- âś“Continued development through elite military schools and tactical aviation training programs.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Helicopter Flight Instructor / Evaluator (Title 32) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Helicopter Flight Instructor / Evaluator (Title 32) Job
- Access the official USAJobs job announcement to begin the application process.
- Log into your existing USAJobs profile or create a secure new account.
- Complete the mandatory online Occupational Questionnaire to evaluate your specific pilot training capabilities.
- Format and upload an in-depth resume clearly indicating job titles, start/end dates, average hours worked per week, and detailed aviation duties.
- Assemble and upload all required supporting documents, including transcripts, active FAA/Military pilot certificates, individual flight records (DA Form 759), and your latest Class II flight physical.
- Submit your complete application packet via USA Staffing before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on the closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be exceptionally detailed in your resume. Specify exact mainframe airframe flight hours, instruction times, and evaluation experience. The HR specialists will not make assumptions.
- Ensure all educational transcripts and flight certificates are clearly legible and uploaded. Omitting mandatory qualifications or official certifications results in automatic disqualification.
- Cross-reference your resume content directly with your answers in the Occupational Questionnaire to ensure complete alignment and prevent score downgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is active membership in the National Guard mandatory for this position?
Yes. This is a Title 32 Excepted Service Dual-Status Technician position. It requires active military service and membership in the Texas Army National Guard as a condition of employment.
Which specific helicopter platforms are preferred for this role?
While candidates with other military Mission, Design, Series (MDS) qualifications are encouraged to apply, preference is given to pilots with active qualifications in UH-60M/L or UH-72A aircraft.
Are there any rank restrictions for applying?
Yes. The rank range is restricted to Warrant Officers in grades W-3 (CW3) through CW5, and Commissioned Officers in grades O-3 (CPT) through O-5 (LTC).
Does this position qualify for Veterans' Preference?
No. Veterans' preference points and rules do not apply to dual-status National Guard military technician vacancies.
What is the work location like?
The primary duty station is at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, working under the State Aviation Office. It is a historic military installation in a highly desirable metropolitan area with zero state income tax.
Q: What airframe qualification is preferred?
While all rotary-wing Mission, Design, and Series (MDS) qualified pilots will be considered, active qualification in either the UH-60M/L or UH-72A platform is highly preferred.