To Do It Or Not......
01-10-2011, 09:14 AM
#11
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
Originally Posted by Wings and Water
I was born into the industry and left it on my own, to pursue my own goals. Here I am, already jaded from the corporate world and vowing to never return, to bust my @ZZ for the man.
If you want a State/Federal DOA Wildlife/Forest Service job then you are just leaving one man for another!Should I enter aviation, I do know how expensive it would be and how long of a road it would be. However, I do not want to get into 121. I thought perhaps I would go into 135 or 91, but I found out where I would want to be. My goal in aviation would be to fly for a state Game and Fish agency. I may never get rich doing it but flying on wildlife surveys, poaching stings, etc. would be my cup of tea.
Here is an example of the job that you are looking for. You would start out as a GS-9 (those pay scales plus locality pay can be found on-line. No secret there). Check out the flight time requirements for the entry requirements and then the times required for possible entry at GS-12.
Not all will be negative as you have seen, but most will be realistic.
Ski Patrol brought up an extremely important part of the prospect in these current times. You will need veteran's points or apply to an INTERNAL announcement (already in a federal job and looking to switch) in order to even get invited to an interview right now.
clipperskipper said:
There are some great state flying jobs along with fed jobs, but as mentioned above very difficult to get in the door. I recently applied for a National Park Service position, scored a 98 in fact. I received an email from the recruiting facility which read "not referred to selecting official". There's also a couple of people who got into the FSDO due to the fact that they had internal recs.
Now once you have made it to an interview and are sitting in front of the board (plus oral plus flight eval), I could see how having a few internal recs might be a good thing towards you getting the nod.
USMCFLYR
01-27-2011, 07:15 AM
#12
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2010
Posts: 16
So after some time, since starting this thread, some things have changed, as they always seem to do. Below is the following set of circumstances. Please offer your thoughts based on the information that is provided.
1. My current position is not in trouble, yet. The owner of the company is going through a divorce and the business may not last another 12 months. While I enjoy what I do, the pay just doesn't cut it.
2. I applied to, and hope to be interviewing for a non-flying position, with a state Game and Fish agency, in their aviation department. The position pays more than I make now, it provides government benefits and its a foot in the door to advance to other areas within Game and Fish. The position would also allow me to have face time at the airport and meet people and fly after work. Sounds like a decent opportunity, if it comes to be.
3. I have been offered a Sales/Design position with a very reputable swimming pool manufacturer. The realistic earning potential is pretty darn good. Possibly $45 to $50 the first year, $75 the second year and $100+ after year three. That being said, the position is as an independent contractor. I'd have to expense everything, pay my own health insurance, depreciate my vehicle, etc., and this is a commission only position.
Based on the above, what are the thoughts of those who are earning a living as a pilot currently, or used to? Thankx!
1. My current position is not in trouble, yet. The owner of the company is going through a divorce and the business may not last another 12 months. While I enjoy what I do, the pay just doesn't cut it.
2. I applied to, and hope to be interviewing for a non-flying position, with a state Game and Fish agency, in their aviation department. The position pays more than I make now, it provides government benefits and its a foot in the door to advance to other areas within Game and Fish. The position would also allow me to have face time at the airport and meet people and fly after work. Sounds like a decent opportunity, if it comes to be.
3. I have been offered a Sales/Design position with a very reputable swimming pool manufacturer. The realistic earning potential is pretty darn good. Possibly $45 to $50 the first year, $75 the second year and $100+ after year three. That being said, the position is as an independent contractor. I'd have to expense everything, pay my own health insurance, depreciate my vehicle, etc., and this is a commission only position.
Based on the above, what are the thoughts of those who are earning a living as a pilot currently, or used to? Thankx!
Last edited by Wings and Water; 01-27-2011 at 07:26 AM. Reason: text edit
