Originally Posted by
KaiGywer
So I realize this is a pilot's forum and many on here are looking for a pilot job. However, as current a local law enforcement officer and CFI in training, my perspective may be a little different on what I want from a job. I read the thread and realize you won't necessarily be flying a lot and there may be drone work only depending on where you get sent. That being said, if you aren't flying, do you ever go along with BP or work a border crossing or anything else? Or is it either fly or office work? The starting pay is definitely tempting, especially with hiring minimums much lower than an airline. How many hours of real airplane hours can one expect in a year?
The Border Patrol is definitely the southwest region’s biggest client of AMO, but not all branches will fly in support of the BP mission nation wide. In fact there is quite a bit you can do as a federal agent apart from whats happening on the border. That being said, when you first get hired you’ll be sent to one of the hard to fill locations on the SW border and will most likely work with the patrol agents on the ground in your area of operation for a week or two to learn the area before you’re signed off to fly the mission. You’ll have the opportunity to work with many other three letter agency’s as well, especially away from the SW border. AMO as a second career for someone with a law enforcement background is something this agency needs more of, I’m sure you have a lot to bring to the table. You may find yourself doing less law enforcement and more support in the first few years at the agency. You’ll fly a ton at one of the hard to fill locations, probably 3 to 5 hours a day in the night owl / c206 / uh60. About 4 a day in the Astar. It’s part 91 flying but we have limits somewhat like a 135 / 121 op. One could max out their flight time so you’ll have to keep track in accordance with AMO’s policies.
For clarification, it’s a wide misconception that Air and Marine Operations is part of the Border Patrol. The media messes it up all the time and AMO is trying to do a better job differentiating itself. There is plenty of work for an Air Interdiction Agent that has nothing to do with the Border Patrol.
Right now chances of transferring out to better locations are in your favor if you’re offered a place that you don’t like. You can probably tell from my earlier posts that I’m not a fan of the UAS but that is a possibility as well, but if you are a pilot and like to fly I don’t think it’s something you’ll enjoy long term since you’ll get to fly once in awhile to stay current in manned aircraft. I hope this helps !