Interesting “debbie downer” perspective. Is your viewpoint from a FSDO, CMO, or HQ position? I have been around a limited time, just over a decade, but I think the agency still offers LOTS of options if you get bored or frustrated in your current position. The agency is changing, but still offers LOTS of opportunities. Want to excell in SMS? How about Simulator or Aircraft evaluations? NextGen implementation? Flight Inspection? Tons of great gigs.... Another very positive note is the benefits. Although the airline 401-K’s are doing well right now, they are not immune to market fluctuations. Very few companies offer pensions anymore. Most Feds will be able to retire SOONER and have a more secure future than many in industry, IMHO. Most people don’t look very far ahead, but check out the difference between retiree health care costs for govt vs industry retirees and you will be surprised. To me, this is invaluable and I feel fortunate to have that piece of mind that my family will be taken care of. Everyone is looking for their own piece of blue sky....

LOL! True!

I am a little concerned about the current proposals to reform pay and benefits. Hoping it won’t happen as that was the main attraction for me to sign on. Trump would like pay freeze for 2019, slow down step increases, bigger employee contribution to pension, doing away with annuity, extending probation to 2 years, etc. Already hard to lure people away from flying and this would be disastrous.


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Where are you getting that info from? Just curious.

I'll start as a GS-11. Which right now will almost double what I currently make at the airlines. I've been told I can update my app to see if I qualify for a 12 but HR in OKC said it's already set in stone. Yeah I could make 200k easily in a few years. But I hate being gone 6 months out of the year.

If the pay stays what it is I'll be happy. I'm home every night and doing interesting work.

FedSmith.com. Doesn’t mean any of it will happen but it is part of the budget proposal. Hopefully Congress will carve it all out of there. I wouldn’t worry too much about it but maybe go read the article.


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Interesting. Yeah most proposed budget items don't make it out of committee or vote.

I've heard that the FAA is extremely short on ASIs. Thankfully the office that's reviewing my application will be fully topped off if they hire me. The downside is since I'm a 11 I'll be doing the grunt work for about three years. If I understand the complexity points correctly. Which is fine. The other guys have been there a while and need to focus on oversight. My friend said they'll hand me all the other items like Mil-Comp certificates, public compliants and basic surveillance.

Even if you have to come onboard as an 11, it is better to get your foot in the door. A “good” FLM will promote you to a 12 within a year (have heard it can be less) based on “busting your hump” with OJT completion and other tasks. Shadow an expeienced ASI, treat them well and they will take care of you too. The sooner you reach 12 material, the more the office can use you. A good FLM knows that if he does not promote you, he cannot utilize you to your max potential and this creates a situation where chances are you will leave for something better/faster.

I was hired as a 12, promoted to 13 three days after returning from flight training(14 months from hire), promoted to 14 2.5 yrs from hire. And there is nothing special about me other than I was there, I was qualified, and there were openings. The opportunities are there for GA OPS inspectors.

11 is about 65K, half is 32.5K, that’s all you are making at airlines? I thought first year was closer to 40-50?

Be wary, getting past 12 could take longer than you think, but the overall trend is attrition, so that helps.

I had submitted my app Sept. 15 2018. Had first interview in DFW first week in Oct. I recieved a TOL first week Nov., background/finger print request etc. turned in two days later. My check ride was scheduled and completed in December and received my FOL before Christmas. Merry Christmas it was. I started in January, Your mileage may very.
So far so good. Waiting for a Strings date... to say there is plenty to learn is an understatement.

Short version: I do not think the background check should take too long or hold you up.