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FAA inspector thread

Old 03-25-2017, 11:38 PM
  #681  
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Hey, y'all. I interviewed a few weeks ago in Denver and got a tentative offer as a GS-12, step 1 in the CMO for a major airline. My background is part 121/military.

I've read all kinds of posts, but I'm still trying to figure out what life is like working in the CMO. I know it depends on all kinds of factors. Is there anyone out there that loves their job?

I've also heard that GS-13 seems pretty easy to get after a year. How competitive is GS-14 (and what's that timeline) with lots of management experience and a masters degree? I don't mean to be presumptuous, I'm just trying to get some data to compare it to other federal govt jobs that I'm interested in.

Thanks!
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Old 03-29-2017, 12:30 PM
  #682  
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Originally Posted by Skibum1 View Post
Hey, y'all. I interviewed a few weeks ago in Denver and got a tentative offer as a GS-12, step 1 in the CMO for a major airline. My background is part 121/military.

I've read all kinds of posts, but I'm still trying to figure out what life is like working in the CMO. I know it depends on all kinds of factors. Is there anyone out there that loves their job?

I've also heard that GS-13 seems pretty easy to get after a year. How competitive is GS-14 (and what's that timeline) with lots of management experience and a masters degree? I don't mean to be presumptuous, I'm just trying to get some data to compare it to other federal govt jobs that I'm interested in.

Thanks!

GS-13 is not automatic after a year. Everyone in string will believe it is as well. GA folks might pull it off, but don't be disappointed. There are 14 opportunities out there. Your experience and degree mean nothing. They will get you referred. I'd share more, but would be labeled disgruntled. A day in the life of an air carrier inspector: you work in a cubicle. One can bid for a position on a fleet. This will get you in the 4040 program. That means simulator time quarterly by the MOU and cert work on the jumpseat. That's like watching porn: You know what to do, you just can't touch anything.
I spent three years spread over two CMOs. They were great offices with great coworkers. Very enjoyable, but I'm out!
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Old 03-29-2017, 10:37 PM
  #683  
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Thanks, deadbone. I appreciate the post. That's about what I expected as far as CMO life. I accepted the TO, but I'm dragging it out until the hiring freeze is over hoping that a GS-13 step 10 direct hire in DOD that I've been messaging frees up. Cheers.
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Old 03-30-2017, 06:57 PM
  #684  
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I'm GA Ops. I'm in the same office as a CMO. I'm thankful I'm not on that side of the fence. I don't spend much time at all in the cube. Those fellas live in it. I almost went to a CMO. I came from a 121. Whew.
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Old 03-31-2017, 05:47 AM
  #685  
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There are definitely differences between GAOP and ACOP positions. GA has alot more variety of work tasks but can be overwhelming most times. Imagine handling 10+ pilot deviations along with airshows, inspecting 135, 141, DPE's, Check Pilots, 91 RVSM, Noise Complaints, Initial CFI practicals, etc. The work keeps piling up, and you never catch up. The ACOP deals with one airline, and thats all. From a workload standpoint, GAOP works their tails off for the meager salary they make IMHO. That is why GAOP becomes (for most) a "burnout" career move. Once you realize you can make the same $$ for half the stress and workload, you won't want to go back to GAOP. I've done both and much prefer ACOP work.

As far as promotions go, alot depends on your initiative and motivation to get your OJT done. There is ALOT of OJT requirements, and get well familiar with FAA Order 8900.1. If you printed this order out, it would be Thousands of pages. Seek all the OJT opportunities you can, and do not " wait" for OJT opportunities to come to you. Once your FLM and MGR see you are motivated and well on your way with OJT, then the GS-13 should come along appx. At the 1 year mark. 14's are more difficult to come by.
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Old 04-01-2017, 11:01 PM
  #686  
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Thanks, Perf, I appreciate your insight. More ammunition to hold out for a higher paying DOD job.
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Old 04-07-2017, 02:09 PM
  #687  
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Received my TOL today , if anyone has details on the flight check please pm me!
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Old 04-07-2017, 03:21 PM
  #688  
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Default CMO Cube Life

Originally Posted by ja2c View Post
I'm GA Ops. I'm in the same office as a CMO. I'm thankful I'm not on that side of the fence. I don't spend much time at all in the cube. Those fellas live in it. I almost went to a CMO. I came from a 121. Whew.
Well, I guess I'll be the guy who sticks up for CMOs.
I sit in my cube when I'm in the office and need to work on some manuals or audit. Then I'll telework from home for a few days. Then I'll go over to the operator, do a little surveillance for a while. Do an en- route do a cabin. Go to the sim and watch a checkride or two. Be on the cert team for a new aircraft. And walk by the cube later in the week to check my email.

But, I don't have to put up with stupid, barely competent GA pilots day after day.

In a few years in GA, you're going to be begging for an ACO slot. I have five friends who started out in GA and they have all moved to the CMO as soon as they could.
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Old 04-07-2017, 03:47 PM
  #689  
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^^^^What He Said^^^

The only downside (my opinion) is that ACOP work can get boring after a while. How many times can you Review the same manual? All jobs get routine and unsatisfying over time in all honesty, but GAOPS at least has significant variety. When I did G/A work, I was never bored, more like stressed out & running around with my hair on fire most to the time. Some offices have slower pace and less work. I happened to work for one of the busiest FSDO's in the country for a while. Great experience! Some people really like that sort of work and thrive on it.

There is also regional and HQ work. I really enjoy the regional work myself, NextGen technical stuff. Good luck to all, you will find your niche eventually...
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Old 04-08-2017, 04:06 PM
  #690  
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Originally Posted by steamgauges View Post

In a few years in GA, you're going to be begging for an ACO slot. I have five friends who started out in GA and they have all moved to the CMO as soon as they could.
This is the realistic part. Air carrier operations is by far the better deal. But, everyone is hiring right now. Great time to move to the front seat.
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