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Weekend Air Guard Pilot Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

LVC Planner SME

Des Moines, IA

$66K - $79K/yr

... Moines Air National Guard Base in Des Moines, Iowa. Why This Role Matters This role plays a ... aircraft instructor pilot with operational air-to-air experience Must have been current and ...

... Guard Base in Des Moines, Iowa. Why This Role Matters This role plays a critical part in shaping ... Air-to-air fighter aircraft instructor pilot with operational air-to-air experience * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR) * Air National Guard (ANG) * U.S. Air Force Reserve (USAFR ... Available for weekends and occasional weekdays * Passionate, friendly, and caring * Must have ...

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Weekend Air Guard Pilot information

What is a weekend air guard pilot?

Weekend Air Guard Pilots are members of the Air National Guard who serve as pilots, typically on a part-time basis, often during weekends or scheduled drill periods. They are trained military aviators responsible for flying a variety of aircraft, supporting both state and federal missions such as disaster response, homeland security, and combat operations. These pilots balance their civilian careers or studies with military service, providing vital capabilities to their communities and the nation. They undergo regular training to maintain readiness and may be called to active duty during emergencies or deployments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a weekend air guard pilot?

To thrive as a Weekend Air Guard Pilot, you need a commercial or military pilot's license, strong aviation knowledge, and completion of relevant Air National Guard training programs. Proficiency with advanced aircraft systems, flight navigation tools, and simulation software is typically required. Exceptional decision-making, situational awareness, teamwork, and communication skills help pilots effectively handle dynamic environments and mission demands. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, operational readiness, and successful mission execution in both training and real-world scenarios.

What challenges do weekend air guard pilots face, and how do they balance military duties with civilian employment?

Weekend Air Guard Pilots often face the challenge of balancing the demands of military training and missions with their civilian careers and personal lives. Effective time management, strong communication with both civilian employers and military supervisors, and careful planning are key to ensuring success in both roles. Additionally, adapting quickly to changes in schedules and maintaining proficiency in flying skills despite limited drill periods are important aspects of the role. Many pilots find that support from their families and understanding employers greatly helps in managing these dual commitments.

What is the difference between Weekend Air Guard Pilot vs Part-Time Commercial Pilot?

AspectWeekend Air Guard PilotPart-Time Commercial Pilot
Required CertificationsFAA Private Pilot License, Air Force or Air National Guard trainingFAA Commercial Pilot License, specific aircraft ratings
Work EnvironmentMilitary airbases, training exercises, occasional deploymentsCharter services, flight schools, private charters
Employer & IndustryMilitary, Air National GuardPrivate companies, flight operators

Weekend Air Guard Pilots typically hold military certifications and serve part-time in the Air National Guard, focusing on training and military missions. In contrast, Part-Time Commercial Pilots operate in the civilian sector, often flying for charter or private clients with commercial licenses. Both roles require FAA certifications but differ mainly in work environment and employer type.

Can you be a part-time Weekend Air Guard pilot?

Weekend Air Guard pilots typically serve as part-time members of the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve, participating in training and missions on weekends and during drills. These roles often require prior military or aviation experience, and pilots must meet specific certification and fitness standards. Part-time service allows pilots to balance civilian careers with military duties, but full-time positions are also available for those seeking a career in the Air Guard.

What are the most commonly searched types of Air Guard Pilot jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Air Guard Pilot jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Weekend Air Guard Pilot job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

LVC Mission Planner with Security Clearance

Insight Global, Inc.

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$80 - $90/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Required Skills & Experience -Tactical fixed‑wing aviation background with direct air‑to‑air mission experience
-Fighter experience strongly preferred; non‑tactical fixed‑wing backgrounds alone are not sufficient
-Hands‑on experience in military LVC / DMO environments, specifically supporting operational or air combat training
-Must have experience integrating manned simulators with live aircraft for real‑time training events
-Strong understanding of air‑to‑air tactics, training realism, and operational mission execution in a military context
-Working knowledge of communications systems, networking concepts, and system integration, with the ability to troubleshoot issues live during training events
-Experience translating operational training requirements into executable mission scenarios (CONOPS, mission plans, event execution)
-Ability to work directly with pilots, operational units, engineers, and technical teams in fast‑paced, real‑time environments
-Active Secret clearance required at start
TS or TS/SCI highly desired (re‑processing acceptable) Nice to Have Skills & Experience -Fighter aircraft background, with preference for:
-F-22 or F-35 (5th Generation)
-F/A-18 experience also acceptable (including qualified backseaters with strong resumes)
-Graduate of TOPGUN or Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI – USMC) course
-Prior experience designing or executing large-scale or distributed air combat training events
-Experience working with Air Force, Air National Guard, or joint aviation units Job Description Insight Global is seeking a highly skilled fixed-wing air-to-air tactics professional with a strong Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) simulation background to support advanced, distributed training operations. This role focuses on integrating manned simulators with live aircraft to execute realistic, real-time training scenarios for operational units across the United States.
This is a single-position role with high visibility and impact. The ideal candidate is a jack-of-all-trades, combining tactical aviation credibility, simulation expertise, and strong communications/networking skills, who can operate seamlessly between pilots, engineers, and technical teams. Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Integrating simulators with live aircraft for real‑time LVC training events
Working directly with operational units to execute air‑to‑air training scenarios
Supporting nationwide distributed training (CONUS, Hawaii, AF/ANG assets)
Creating realistic scenarios where simulator pilots play wingmen, adversaries, or C2/ATC roles
Troubleshooting communications, networking, and system integration issues during live events
Translating operational training needs into executable mission scenarios
Serving as the primary tactical + integration SME (single‑seat, high‑visibility role) Compensation: $80/hr to $90hr. Exact compensation may vary based on several factors, including skills, experience, and education. Benefit packages for this role will start on the 31st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.