FAA inspector thread
#111
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2013
Position: Back on the "light" side...
Posts: 193
I'm a different LOB also.
Get sworn in ASAP. You never know what kind of incident can happen to trigger a hold or freeze. I know of a case where someone did not make the on-board date last year due to putting it off. Due to a strange set of circumstances, they then went beyond the freeze date due to sequestration. The referral list was terminated and the name went back in the pot. By the time the availability to hire came around, more qualified people in the pool, etc.
I know this is a remote possibility, but why take a chance on the last job you may ever need to accept!
Never put off a start date. Get sworn in, then work out leave with the new boss. Most of us are very accommodating to new hires w/r/t leave to get settled, as we all had to go through the same thing.
As for cell phone, those that need one get issued cell phones through the FAA NWP (National Wireless Program). You can choose a device from a limited number of what are mostly obsolete models. You can also choose the carrier (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint). Some managers qualify for blackberry or iPad. The large carriers also give government discounts on yr personal service. I get 20% (I think) on Verizon.
Our only medical is the drug/alcohol/hearing testing...that is on the house.
Get sworn in ASAP. You never know what kind of incident can happen to trigger a hold or freeze. I know of a case where someone did not make the on-board date last year due to putting it off. Due to a strange set of circumstances, they then went beyond the freeze date due to sequestration. The referral list was terminated and the name went back in the pot. By the time the availability to hire came around, more qualified people in the pool, etc.
I know this is a remote possibility, but why take a chance on the last job you may ever need to accept!
Never put off a start date. Get sworn in, then work out leave with the new boss. Most of us are very accommodating to new hires w/r/t leave to get settled, as we all had to go through the same thing.
As for cell phone, those that need one get issued cell phones through the FAA NWP (National Wireless Program). You can choose a device from a limited number of what are mostly obsolete models. You can also choose the carrier (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint). Some managers qualify for blackberry or iPad. The large carriers also give government discounts on yr personal service. I get 20% (I think) on Verizon.
Our only medical is the drug/alcohol/hearing testing...that is on the house.
#112
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2014
Position: Cubicle dweller
Posts: 106
I'm a different LOB also.
Get sworn in ASAP. You never know what kind of incident can happen to trigger a hold or freeze. I know of a case where someone did not make the on-board date last year due to putting it off. Due to a strange set of circumstances, they then went beyond the freeze date due to sequestration. The referral list was terminated and the name went back in the pot. By the time the availability to hire came around, more qualified people in the pool, etc.
I know this is a remote possibility, but why take a chance on the last job you may ever need to accept!
Never put off a start date. Get sworn in, then work out leave with the new boss. Most of us are very accommodating to new hires w/r/t leave to get settled, as we all had to go through the same thing.
As for cell phone, those that need one get issued cell phones through the FAA NWP (National Wireless Program). You can choose a device from a limited number of what are mostly obsolete models. You can also choose the carrier (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint). Some managers qualify for blackberry or iPad. The large carriers also give government discounts on yr personal service. I get 20% (I think) on Verizon.
Our only medical is the drug/alcohol/hearing testing...that is on the house.
Get sworn in ASAP. You never know what kind of incident can happen to trigger a hold or freeze. I know of a case where someone did not make the on-board date last year due to putting it off. Due to a strange set of circumstances, they then went beyond the freeze date due to sequestration. The referral list was terminated and the name went back in the pot. By the time the availability to hire came around, more qualified people in the pool, etc.
I know this is a remote possibility, but why take a chance on the last job you may ever need to accept!
Never put off a start date. Get sworn in, then work out leave with the new boss. Most of us are very accommodating to new hires w/r/t leave to get settled, as we all had to go through the same thing.
As for cell phone, those that need one get issued cell phones through the FAA NWP (National Wireless Program). You can choose a device from a limited number of what are mostly obsolete models. You can also choose the carrier (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint). Some managers qualify for blackberry or iPad. The large carriers also give government discounts on yr personal service. I get 20% (I think) on Verizon.
Our only medical is the drug/alcohol/hearing testing...that is on the house.
I appreciate the insight. I made a commitment to help start a new flight-department, as I haven't heard anything from HR. I'd like to help them as long as possible, but certainly don't want to jeopardize my employment. I'll see if/when they call and see what the hiring manager has to say. Thanks again.
#115
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Position: JAFO- First Observer
Posts: 997
Congrats!! Does the 91 op have a pension, matching 401-k, and good job security? Do you think they will NEVER sell the plane?
These are some things to ponder... Also consider this- You have the potential to be promoted to GS-14 within a few short years. That is 6 figures with an 18 year pay scale that tops out at $130K (2014 rate). Also, that does not include Cost of Living adjustments that "could" bump up your pay each year.
These are some things to ponder... Also consider this- You have the potential to be promoted to GS-14 within a few short years. That is 6 figures with an 18 year pay scale that tops out at $130K (2014 rate). Also, that does not include Cost of Living adjustments that "could" bump up your pay each year.
#116
Congrats.
Let us know which way you go and more details about the P91 job if you can share.
#117
#118
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2014
Position: Cubicle dweller
Posts: 106
Congrats!! Does the 91 op have a pension, matching 401-k, and good job security? Do you think they will NEVER sell the plane?
These are some things to ponder... Also consider this- You have the potential to be promoted to GS-14 within a few short years. That is 6 figures with an 18 year pay scale that tops out at $130K (2014 rate). Also, that does not include Cost of Living adjustments that "could" bump up your pay each year.
These are some things to ponder... Also consider this- You have the potential to be promoted to GS-14 within a few short years. That is 6 figures with an 18 year pay scale that tops out at $130K (2014 rate). Also, that does not include Cost of Living adjustments that "could" bump up your pay each year.
Appreciate the insights.
#119
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2014
Position: Cubicle dweller
Posts: 106
Corporate job paid well, working with a good friend (hardest part of the decision was telling him I wouldn't be joining him like we'd discussed for the past five years). It really was the perfect storm, in both offers coming to a head yesterday. Three person department, flying about 400 hours a year, ALL business, but a fair number of weekends a year.
I came to the realization this morning, after putting all the pros and cons on a ledger sheet, they were almost equal. I still like flying, still like traveling, but I've seen all 50 states, got enough t-shirts, and when I'm traveling, I'm sitting in a hotel room wishing my wife was with me. Being home every night will be strange, but I'm looking forward to being off when I'm off.
Scheduled the flight test today, hopefully it will all come together before the fiscal year rolls over.
Thanks for the answers/etc. The info was invaluable in helping make the decision.
#120
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2014
Position: Cubicle dweller
Posts: 106
So, spent a couple of hours filling out the background check info today.... Will send back fingerprints, etc, once I get the card. Any feedback on what/how quickly the rest happens? Wonder if black cars will start showing up at my friend's house? 8-)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post