PerfInit

Talked with someone at HQ about the bids. Here's the scoop-
Agency is having difficulty filling vacancies at certain locations. Agency wants to be able to interview and "offer" positions as soon as they become available. Applicants need not "accept" a job offer to a location that they do not desire (no harm, no foul). If there are no "desired" locations currently available, you will go back "swimming" in the pool. The reason this was changed is because the "list" of applicants was "empty" at several locations. There may have been several hundred apps on file but nobody chose certain locations that had openings. Thus the "list" was pulled and had no names on it at those locations. The Agency is merely trying to fill vacancies with the broader pool of applicants. Nobody will be "forced" to accept a location they don't want... Hope this helps!

My advice- Get your foot in the door and then transfer asap to where you want to go. Also keep in mind there are lots of remotely sited positions available. My boss is located several states away and I telework a lot now. Agency realizes that not everyone wants to move to places like DC. Just like with the airlines, seniority means alot in Gubment.

Armypilotc12

Perfinit,

Thank you for writing all that! I will follow all of your advice.

That's great to know I am competitive in the industry. I was planning on doing the airline thing but I've just gotten to the point where I have grown tired of travelling and being a line pilot doesn't interest me.

Check rides at DFW....Is that an ASI gig, giving people their interview check rides? That would be cool.

Finally, I am choosing the FAA because I know how the government works as far as working for them and as cheesy as it sounds, I want to help people find solutions to their problems and help them build a pattern of good decision making and risk management. I currently do this at my military job and really love it. I want to be a GA Inspector. What is the typical life like for one of those positions? What can I really expect to be doing? Is their flying involved? Im ok with flying or not flying. My main priority is being around family to make up for being gone....

PS I'm pretty much a giant nerd with reg reading, research, and what not. Probably going to use GI Bill for night school to get a Law degree.

Armypilotc12

Also, just curious, is their any medical loss protection built in the FAA? In the military if I lose my medical I can transition into a position that does not require one, at least for the Army that is. Does the FAA do something similar? Do they modify your job as an ASI if that were to happen or could you move into another job? Just things I am trying to think about for the future. You know how paranoid us pilots are about our medicals....

ja2c

Hey guys, I have the check ride coming up in a few weeks down in Dallas. Anybody with recent experience? Shoot me a pm, thanks!

LearDude

This was probably answered many many times so I apologize for that but around how long did it take to get an interview after your application and resume were sent in on USAJOBS? And once the interview was completed when were you officially offered employment? Any insight would be much appreciated!

PerfInit

Took me 5 years.. That was 10 years ago. Now with the attrition the agency is experiencing, it is ALOT quicker now. The catch is, there needs to be an opening in the office you desire. If you are flexible and willing to move, there are many unfilled vacancies right now. They won't disclose where those vacancies are located. You should call prospective FSDO's and CMO's to find out more.

blulavboy

It took me about 6 months after submission to get a call. It was maybe 3 weeks after that for an interview. 2 weeks after that for the checkride in DAL and 10 days for a formal offer.

LearDude

Thanks for the feedback, were either of you guys willing to relocate anywhere that there was a need or did you have specific locations you wanted to be at? I currently have no ties to where I am now so I'm more than willing to relocate pretty much anywhere. I would assume that would be a positive and I would perhaps hear back faster once I apply....hopefully. If anyone is in the same boat I am I'd like to hear your feedback, thanks!

blulavboy

I only listed one locale, which was NY and i knew no one would be beating down a door to take it. With your flexibility in locales, that would be a big plus. Just make sure your KSAs are done correctly and thoroughly.

LearDude

I've heard different takes on how applicants have filled out their KSA's. Some have said they have kept it short and sweet while many others have said they practically used up all 10000 characters. What are your thoughts on that?