Considering Aviation Safety Inspector Career
Hello,
I'm interested in pursuing a career as an Aviation Safety Inspector. First off, thanks to the guys that I PM'd and offered some really great insight. I'm trying to cast the net a little wider with this post so I can have the full picture before I go making phone calls or obtaining certain credentials. Unfortunately the FAA doesn't have a recruiter. I'm 28, married. Part time C-130 pilot in the air guard. Most of my buddies are at the regionals/majors and they seem to be doing well, but honestly that lifestyle doesn't appeal to me. Granted I've never done it, but besides the money I don't think I would enjoy it. Enter FAA employee. I believe in the next couple years I could be qualified (based on the mins) to be hired for an ASI position. Probably AC but I am willing to get the certs to work in GA. more on that later. So here are some questions I have: Does this career allow for living in whatever location/FSDO I choose? (based on staffing obviously) I would like the capacity to move around the U.S. and live in different areas for 2-3 years then move if I desired. I've read that this career allows for working remotely, how does that work? how often are you required to go into the office? I saw the list of FSDO's in respect to GA and AC, GA has more offices. AC are still located in some of the states I'd like to live, if I can work remotely then this is an option all the same. What's the main difference in work between AC and GA? I've read that AC has more funding (higher pay?) while GA is really busy. As far as becoming qualified, In time ill have the hour minimum, has anyone seen a strictly military pilot get hired for AC? I understand I'll have to take an ATP check-ride. On the other hand, I was playing with the idea of working at the local flight school and get a CFI/II MEI to build time and make some extra coin, is that a smart move? I figure worse case scenario I'll be building flight time which you all know is good to have in this field, but it comes at a considerable financial and time cost. I've seen the pay scales, it looks like you can put in some time and pull over 100k with a few years of experience, is this a fair assessment? SYNOPSIS: Part-time military pilot with low hours is considering a career as an ASI for the work/life balance. Thanks for the help, I know these are newb/boarder line cringe questions but after being the military for 10 years I'm looking to salvage something for myself. |
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
I'm 28, married. Part time C-130 pilot in the air guard. Most of my buddies are at the regionals/majors and they seem to be doing well, but honestly that lifestyle doesn't appeal to me. Granted I've never done it, but besides the money I don't think I would enjoy it.
That's GA, AC is different. AC folks will be all around better on average. I've worked with both kinds over the course of my career. Since big money is at stake, politically the FAA cannot allow loose-cannon tools to run amuck at a CMO. No such proscription for GA.
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
Does this career allow for living in whatever location/FSDO I choose? (based on staffing obviously) I would like the capacity to move around the U.S. and live in different areas for 2-3 years then move if I desired.
GA jobs are fixed, but you can always apply for job openings in other towns.
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
I've read that this career allows for working remotely, how does that work? how often are you required to go into the office?
CMO folks will travel some obviously.
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
I saw the list of FSDO's in respect to GA and AC, GA has more offices. AC are still located in some of the states I'd like to live, if I can work remotely then this is an option all the same.
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
What's the main difference in work between AC and GA? I've read that AC has more funding (higher pay?) while GA is really busy.
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
As far as becoming qualified, In time ill have the hour minimum, has anyone seen a strictly military pilot get hired for AC? I understand I'll have to take an ATP check-ride.
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
On the other hand, I was playing with the idea of working at the local flight school and get a CFI/II MEI to build time and make some extra coin, is that a smart move? I figure worse case scenario I'll be building flight time which you all know is good to have in this field, but it comes at a considerable financial and time cost.
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
I've seen the pay scales, it looks like you can put in some time and pull over 100k with a few years of experience, is this a fair assessment?
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
SYNOPSIS: Part-time military pilot with low hours is considering a career as an ASI for the work/life balance.
AC ASIs spend a lot of time riding around on jumpseats. Getting paid far less than the other two guys in the cockpit. I'd recommend one of the more comfortable seats, and more comfortable paycheck. I've met a variety of ex-regional pilots working AC ASI, usually they got into that because their regional was going to PCS or furlough them. I considered it at one point myself (very new to civil aviation), and simply didn't know what I didn't know. Honestly I suspect what you might be really looking for would be found as an NTSB investigator. That's a job I could actually get excited about, money aside. |
Lol turnip truck.
That’s some really great information. I appreciate you leveling with me, I didn’t consider the work environment/QOL in that regard. |
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Originally Posted by rickair7777
(Post 2933398)
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Originally Posted by rickair7777
(Post 2933254)
Bro-to-Bro: I wouldn't recommend it in this climate, airline opportunities are unprecedented, and even if you don't "need" the money, do it for a while and save up. When you have an appropriate nest egg, THEN you have the freedom to do whatever you want. Federal retirement is not what it used to be either. AC ASIs spend a lot of time riding around on jumpseats. Getting paid far less than the other two guys in the cockpit. I'd recommend one of the more comfortable seats, and more comfortable paycheck. My question is, rickair, how did the FAA retirement change? If I go majors, I have about 14 years left. If I do FAA, I top out at about $130K...but there's the pension + 401K + health insurance forever (post-5 years)...at least that's the way I understand it. Herkyjerky, to maybe answer the question about remote work, I was told I might get one day working-from-home a week. That's at the ORD CMO. It also sounds like that varies from CMO to CMO, and it may not start the moment you get hired. Schedules appear to be somewhat flexible, making allowances for some people working an early shift, or a later shift: 0600-1400 and 0800-1600, that sort of thing. I'd highly recommend calling up your local office. Mine was really happy to answer any questions, and even invited me to get a tour. Sidenote: I understand that some flying is involved with GA, but that AC means you're done. Everything is a conflict of interest within 135 and 121. From fellow pilots, if you get in, and dislike it, getting out and continuing your career where you left off is a no. Plenty of opportunities, but not at the majors. SYNOPSIS: Part-time 135; Citation 500s; ex-airlines; once furloughed; tried to quit aviation and failed; 13 yo kid; spouse is a corporate pilot; unable to avoid the nagging ego that says I must fly until I can no longer fly.... |
Originally Posted by iamashark
(Post 2933755)
unable to avoid the nagging ego that says I must fly until I can no longer fly....
I didn’t realize, but it makes sense that you’re done flying with AC. To be honest, staying current as a CFI (in the case with GA ASI) while not flying that often sort of sounds like a pain. I think the thing that stands out to me the most about this thread is the thought of it being in a toxic/boring work environment. Okay, boring I get, but as a guy that’s worked for the government (DoD) for a while I can tell you that it’ll crush your soul. Being a G MAN is bad enough but if everyone hates it that’s another. So if that’s the popular opinion (although maybe others can stay otherwise) that’s sort of a show stopper. |
Originally Posted by rickair7777
(Post 2933254)
I've known several folks who left AD to work at local FSDO's, none lasted a year. They either quit in disgust, or were let go on probation (they weren't good cultural fits... the Navy culture they came from wasn't toxic enough enough to prepare them for the FAA). This is ground truth for my local FSDO, YMMV.
That's GA, AC is different. AC folks will be all around better on average. I've worked with both kinds over the course of my career. Since big money is at stake, politically the FAA cannot allow loose-cannon tools to run amuck at a CMO. No such proscription for GA. Hopefully an actual Fed will respond, but here's what I've gathered second-hand from talking to them... GA jobs are fixed, but you can always apply for job openings in other towns. Since inspections need to be performed at various airports within the territory, it makes sense that you have flexibility. Not sure how often in the office, I'd guess 1-2 days/week min. CMO folks will travel some obviously. I don't think it can be a telecommuting gig, as in living far away. For GA seems like you'd have to be local to the territory you'd be inspecting. GA has a lot of balls to juggle for sure. AC seems more professional and organized to me. Yes, they hire mil folks straight off the turnip truck. That will enhance your qualifications for sure. But with all of the pilot hiring right now, I'm not sure you'd need it for a FSDO job. Probably, should be the case with most white-collar GS jobs. Bro-to-Bro: I wouldn't recommend it in this climate, airline opportunities are unprecedented, and even if you don't "need" the money, do it for a while and save up. When you have an appropriate nest egg, THEN you have the freedom to do whatever you want. Federal retirement is not what it used to be either. AC ASIs spend a lot of time riding around on jumpseats. Getting paid far less than the other two guys in the cockpit. I'd recommend one of the more comfortable seats, and more comfortable paycheck. I've met a variety of ex-regional pilots working AC ASI, usually they got into that because their regional was going to PCS or furlough them. I considered it at one point myself (very new to civil aviation), and simply didn't know what I didn't know. Honestly I suspect what you might be really looking for would be found as an NTSB investigator. That's a job I could actually get excited about, money aside. A lot of misinformation being posted here. It's late and I'm not going to dissect all of this, but you are way off mark. And trust me, you wouldn't like being a NTSB guy, unless you like sitting at a computer filing stacks and stacks of accident files. I'll come back tomorrow and post more. |
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
Enter FAA employee. I believe in the next couple years I could be qualified (based on the mins) to be hired for an ASI position. Probably AC but I am willing to get the certs to work in GA. more on that later. So here are some questions I have: Does this career allow for living in whatever location/FSDO I choose? (based on staffing obviously) I would like the capacity to move around the U.S. and live in different areas for 2-3 years then move if I desired.
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
I've read that this career allows for working remotely, how does that work? how often are you required to go into the office?
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
I saw the list of FSDO's in respect to GA and AC, GA has more offices. AC are still located in some of the states I'd like to live, if I can work remotely then this is an option all the same.
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
What's the main difference in work between AC and GA? I've read that AC has more funding (higher pay?) while GA is really busy.
AC is easier as an Ops Inspector is usually assigned to one certificate, and that certificate can have multiple Ops positions (Aircrew Program Manager, Asst Aircrew Program Manager, Geographic, ASAP Manager, Partial Program Manager and a Asst Principal and a Principal Ops Inspector.
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
As far as becoming qualified, In time ill have the hour minimum, has anyone seen a strictly military pilot get hired for AC? I understand I'll have to take an ATP check-ride.
And yes, if interviewed and pass, then you will have to take a check ride in the simulator.
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
On the other hand, I was playing with the idea of working at the local flight school and get a CFI/II MEI to build time and make some extra coin, is that a smart move?
As a GA Inspector you will be required to pass a checkride (currently being given in a PA44). In the past year the washout rate has been high.
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
I've seen the pay scales, it looks like you can put in some time and pull over 100k with a few years of experience, is this a fair assessment?
https://www.federalpay.org/gs/locality So using "Rest of US" locality (15.67%) a GS-12 Step 5 starts at 85K. A GS-13 Step 1 goes to 88K If a -14 position pops up that will put you over $100k. Of course, go to a higher locality pay area and that amount increases.
Originally Posted by Herkyjerky
(Post 2933174)
SYNOPSIS: Part-time military pilot with low hours is considering a career as an ASI for the work/life balance.
Thanks for the help, I know these are newb/boarder line cringe questions but after being the military for 10 years I'm looking to salvage something for myself. FAA has FERS retirement and TSP. |
Originally Posted by rickair7777
(Post 2933254)
That's GA, AC is different. AC folks will be all around better on average. I've worked with both kinds over the course of my career. Since big money is at stake, politically the FAA cannot allow loose-cannon tools to run amuck at a CMO. No such proscription for GA.
Originally Posted by rickair7777
(Post 2933254)
Since inspections need to be performed at various airports within the territory, it makes sense that you have flexibility. Not sure how often in the office, I'd guess 1-2 days/week min.
Originally Posted by rickair7777
(Post 2933254)
CMO folks will travel some obviously.
Originally Posted by rickair7777
(Post 2933254)
I don't think it can be a telecommuting gig, as in living far away. For GA seems like you'd have to be local to the territory you'd be inspecting.
Originally Posted by rickair7777
(Post 2933254)
GA has a lot of balls to juggle for sure. AC seems more professional and organized to me.
Originally Posted by rickair7777
(Post 2933254)
Yes, they hire mil folks straight off the turnip truck.
Originally Posted by rickair7777
(Post 2933254)
. Honestly I suspect what you might be really looking for would be found as an NTSB investigator. That's a job I could actually get excited about, money aside.
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