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Aircraft Attending
This standard is used to grade nonsupervisory work concerned with the servicing of military and civilian aircraft both foreign and domestic. The work involves meeting and guiding incoming aircraft to appropriate parking areas, directing aircraft into parking position through hand signals, securing aircraft (e.g., chock wheels, attach ground wires, and install lock pins and engine covers), refueling aircraft, obtaining and operating aircraft ground support equipment (e. g., gas turbine compressor
What WG-8862 pays
Federal Wage System pay is set by local prevailing wage surveys, so it moves with the wage area rather than a national table.
Wage Grade rates are published per wage area rather than nationally, so the number that matters is the one for the installation you are applying to.
Source: DoD Civilian Personnel Advisory Service wage schedules.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for WG-8862, as written.
Aircraft Attending
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard is used to grade nonsupervisory work concerned with the servicing of military and civilian aircraft both foreign and domestic. The work involves meeting and guiding incoming aircraft to appropriate parking areas, directing aircraft into parking position through hand signals, securing aircraft (e.g., chock wheels, attach ground wires, and install lock pins and engine covers), refueling aircraft, obtaining and operating aircraft ground support equipment (e. g., gas turbine compressors and auxiliary power units), and servicing (i.e., checking and replenishing) aircraft with oil, hydraulic fluid compressed air, nitrogen, liquid oxygen, demineralized water, and other consumable materials. Most work requires the incidental use of a variety of trade practices associated with occupations such as motor vehicle operating, tractor operating, and fuel distribution system operating.
Skill and Knowledge Requirements
as the grade 6 in meeting, guiding, directing, securing, refueling, operating ground support equipment (e.g., auxiliary power units), and servicing engine oil tanks and hydraulic fluid reservoirs. However, in addition, the grade 7 applies a greater level of knowledge in accomplishing more difficult and complex servicing operations involved in servicing components and systems such as hydraulic accumulators, landing gear struts, and oxygen and pneumatic systems. The grade 7 aircraft attendant must have a thorough knowledge of specific servicing requirements for each component and type of system according to the aircraft to be serviced (e.g., specialized hose adaptors for pneumatic systems on certain aircraft, type of gas, and refill and critical pressures), preservicing procedures on oxygen and pneumatic servicing carts (e.g., building up transfer pressure in liquid oxygen trailers and setting manifold control and regulator valves), and the effect of ambient temperatures on oxygen and pneumatic servicing procedures. The grade 7 aircraft attendant is also skilled in various techniques and procedures necessary to check and refill liquid oxygen converters, hydraulic accumulators, landing gear struts, pneumatic and gaseous oxygen systems on a variety of aircraft. The aircraft attendant at this level must have a practical understanding of the hydraulic and pneumatic principles governing the behavior of liquids and gases utilized in servicing equipment (e.g., gaseous servicing trailers) and the components and systems (e.g., liquid oxygen converters and hydraulic accumulators) being serviced to insure proper servicing. The grade 7 is skilled in the setup, adjustment, and operation of liquid oxygen and pneumatic servicing trailers.
Physical Effort
: Grade 6 aircraft attendants exert light to moderate physical effort while performing duties such as operating flightline vehicles (e.g., tugs and vans), uncoupling and making couplings between vehicles and towed equipment, and occasionally are required to lift objects in excess of 23 kilograms (50 pounds). The work requires frequent kneeling, stooping, bending, reaching, and climbing on and under aircraft.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for WG-8862
1Review Trade/Craft Requirements
WG positions require demonstrated skill in a specific trade or craft. Review the job announcement for required certifications, licenses, and hands-on experience.
2Document Your Experience
WG positions are experience-based, not grade-based. Document your years of hands-on trade experience, apprenticeships completed, and journeyman status if applicable.
3Gather Credentials
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages, the same USAJOBS limit that has applied since 27 September 2025. Lead with hands-on trade experience: the tools and equipment you ran, safety training, the projects you finished, and hours worked per week.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for WG positions in your trade specialty, carefully answer assessment questions about your skill level and experience, and submit before the closing date.
Typical duties
- Perform aircraft attending tasks as assigned
- Follow safety procedures and regulations
- Maintain and operate tools and equipment
- Complete work orders and documentation
- Coordinate with team members and supervisors
Key competencies
as the grade 6 in meeting, guiding, directing, securing, refueling, operating ground support equipment (e.g., auxiliary power units), and servicing engine oil tanks and hydraulic fluid reservoirs. How
Ability to follow safety procedures and regulations
Knowledge of tools and equipment for the trade
Skill in performing physical tasks requiring manual dexterity
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about WG-8862
What is an Aircraft Attendant?
An Aircraft Attendant (WG-8862) services military and civilian aircraft on flight lines and at airports. Work involves meeting and guiding incoming aircraft to parking areas, directing aircraft through hand signals, securing aircraft with chocks, ground wires, and lock pins, refueling operations, and operating ground support equipment like auxiliary power units and air conditioners.
How much does a federal Aircraft Attendant make?
Federal Aircraft Attendants are paid under the WG system with locality adjustments. WG-8862 positions typically range from WG-5 to WG-8 based on aircraft types serviced and operational complexity. Flight line positions at major air bases offer competitive wages plus potential shift differentials. Check DCPAS wage schedules for your locality.
What are the requirements for WG-8862 positions?
WG-8862 positions require knowledge of aircraft servicing procedures, ground support equipment operation, and flight line safety protocols. Candidates must communicate clearly with pilots and ground crews, operate refueling equipment, and follow strict safety procedures. Higher grades require proficiency with diverse aircraft types and complex servicing requirements.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-8862?
Absolutely. Military flight line experience transfers directly to WG-8862. Air Force 2A0X1 (Aerospace Ground Equipment), Army 15Y (AH-64 Armament/Electrical/Avionics Systems Repairer) with flight line duties, Navy ABF/ABE (Aviation Boatswain's Mate), and other aviation ground support specialists have ideal backgrounds. Your military flight line experience is exactly what federal aviation facilities need.
What is the career progression for Aircraft Attendants?
Aircraft Attendants advance from WG-5 through WG-8 based on aircraft expertise and operational scope. Senior attendants handle VIP aircraft and complex international operations. Related paths include WG-8852 Aircraft Mechanic for maintenance careers. Work Leader (WL) positions supervise flight line teams. Ground support equipment maintenance offers additional advancement.
How do I apply for WG-8862 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for "Aircraft Attending" or "8862" to find positions at military air bases, Coast Guard air stations, and federal airports. Emphasize your flight line experience, ground support equipment proficiency, and safety record. Include any refueling certifications and aircraft marshaling experience. Veterans' preference applies strongly to these positions.
Ready to apply for WG-8862?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.