Some go directly into the King Air.
Some go directly into the Challenger.
Some start in the King Air and then get dual qual'ed into both.
Some start in the Challenger and then get dual qual'ed into the King Air.

Some time you go into the office to plan, other times you telework from home and plan - maybe doing your briefing using TEAMS.
Sometimes you brief the morning that you leave for the itinerary.

I write all of that to say that there is no hard and fast rule.
It is very fluid.
If you don't like fluid, or at least don't want to work with it, this job is definitely not for you.

An announcement for Mission Specialists has been provided.
These are not the ASIP pilots upfront, but rather the technicians in back who are responsible for gathering the signals in space and analyzing them for proper tolerances.
Though I don't think that it is required now, but others have used this position in the past to get into the job and then either once qualified, or another position for the pilot position comes open, request a lateral transfer into a ASIP pilot position. A technical background is not required for this position, but it my personal opinion that it certainly helps in the job.
-------------------
Flight Program Operations, Flight Operations Group is recruiting for permanent Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Mission Specialist) positions at the GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13 levels in various locations. These positions are responsible for verifying the performance and reliability of multiple interrelated systems that provide a range of services essential to the operation of the National Airspace System (NAS).



The internal announcement will remain open until Monday, February 09, 2026. The external announcement will remain open through Friday, January 30, 2026. Please share this opportunity with colleagues in the aviation industry who may be interested in joining Flight Program Operations.



Eligibility Requirements

Prior to appointment, all selected candidates must obtain a Class III medical certificate. To be considered at the GS-12 and GS-13 levels, candidates must be a certified Flight Inspector and possess a valid Airway Transportation Systems Specialist credential issued by Flight Program Operations.



How to Apply



Internal applicants

To review the internal announcement and submit an application, please visit USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/854729600

· Announcement Number: AAC-ATO-26-AJF1200-96994

· Control Number: 854729600



External Applicants

Qualified external candidates may apply via USAJOBS at: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/855060200

· Announcement Number: AAC-ATO-26-AJF1200-97053

· Control Number: 855060200



Available Resource

Prior to the closing date, please contact AJF-4, Jeffrey Westlake at [email protected] or (405) 954-9854 to confirm that your required documentation has been received and properly submitted for verification. Do not assume your application is complete until you have confirmed that your documents have been submitted. Early submission helps prevent delays in qualification review and ensures your credentials are properly recorded.
-------------------

New ASIP (pilot) bid is out.

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/856925300