PerfInit

The first year, a whole lotta sitting in the office, reading…. Seriously it takes at least a year to even start to figure out the job. Meanwhile, lots more training. Mostly self-paced CBTs. A ****-ton! And then you get even more training…. Like How to write up a good enforcement case. And then even more training on computer applications like the dreaded “SAS” which you will learn is the “tool” of tools to keep you chained literally to your desk. Actually going out in the field is the easy part. However it will take a month of Sunday’s to document what you just did in that few hours of observing whatever it was that you even forgot why you left the office for the day in the first place, because you end up daydreaming and wishing you had never left that cush flying gig, HA... If you are good with typing lots of narratives and savvy on computers, and like to be home just about every nite, its a decent gig once you find your niche and get thru the grind of the probationary year. Research APM Position, AEG work, and 142 FTPM or TCPM work. Those gigs will keep you in and around airplanes, airline or corporate/135 pilots and sims. GL, and YMMV…

DrainTheSwamp

This is a very accurate description. On the positive side, since there is for the most part no urgency to get things done and managers are exceedingly careful to not push or give negative criticism. The result in a pleasant workplace.

TransWorld

Sounds like some in common with the company Elon bought. But government agencies do not give complimentary lunches.

theonlyski

About how much of the first year is spent away from home? Is the agency still doing teleworking for new hires?

Thanks

KyberCrystal

Pre Covid you went to OKC for months son end for your initial training.
During Covid you did all of your initial training online from your home.
Right now initial training is being done with a hybrid system between the two. You'll go to OKC for a few weeks and do a couple of classes that work better in-person. Then you'll come home for a while and do some classes that work well online before going back to OKC for more in-person learning. It looks like about 3 months total of having to be in OKC these days versus the old system of having to be there for 8-9 months.

When you're not in class you'll need to be in the office or at an operator doing surveillance for at least 2 days during every 2 week pay period.

JohnBurke

A few do, but more importantly, where else in the aviation world includes as a component of the vacancy announcement a stipulation that the applicant can't have more than two aircraft accidents in the past few years, for which the applicant was the cause? It literally takes the unhireable and makes them marketable...to oversee your career.

frogger

How long after the tentative offer letter before a formal offer and start date? I've heard 5 to 6 months from one FSDO manager, and "it depends" but could be sooner from another. For those already in the job, how long did your background check, drug testing, and flight check take?

widespreadflyer

It depends on many factors. 1. Do you need a pre-employment check or do you have an acceptable industry check. Not having to take a pre-employment check shaves off a lot of time. 2. How long does it take you to fill out your e-QIP paperwork and get fingerprinted. Most security delays are due to applicants not completing their paperwork quickly. 3. Once your security paperwork is in, do you require a full OPM check. (Most don't but if you do, it can take 6-9 months). 4. How long does it take for your future manager to do reference checks. The entire process can vary between a few weeks and a few months.

theonlyski

Do ASIs get security clearances or is it just a background check?

widespreadflyer

They don't have it when they first on board. The new hires are brought on board with a temporary security waiver until their full OPM investigation is completed which can take any where from 6 months to a year. If anything is found during that full investigation that is bad, then the new hire is terminated. The clearance is a sensitivity code 5 which is considered moderate risk.