FAA inspector thread
 

Would you leave a left seat position at a regional making 65k a year at 27 years old to take a job as a GA inspector for 90k a year with a pension?

Anyone know people who have done this and how they like working for the FAA?

I wouldn't do it. Inspectors are incredible well paid but the job is really boring. I really don't have very many good things to say about the FAA are far as job enjoyment. The FAA tends to hire many people that are not qualified for their jobs simply because of veteran’s preference points. So you will be surrounded by over paid, under qualified people. I was shocked to learn how many people here have little industry experience in many cases. Just like with anywhere else there are the good and poor employees.

The pay, vacation and benefits are unmatched; which is awesome.

Are you currently employed by the FAA?

Keep trying to land your dream job until at least 30 and then decide.

Well.......I think that statement is awfully broad brushed myself; but it is your opinion. At least in my area of the FAA(since you didn't seem to be limiting your comments to the Inspector corps), I'd say that you are well off the mark.

To the OP, I have heard from some acquaintances working in the area in which you are inquiring and they would agree with you about the "boring part" of the job - very heavy in the paperwork areas for instance, but it could open doors for you too. I'm pretty sure though you won't be starting out at $90k though.

The FAA seems alot like many other venues. A lot of great people who work hard and do their best in tough jobs in a variety of areas. Another group of fence sitters just plodding along on a daily routine. And a small group who slipped through the cracks and we'd all be better off if they got bored enough to leave (the bottom 10%) that you'll find in almost any large (especially governmental organization)

USMCFLYR

Couldn't you jump to a GA inspector directly from the right seat? That might be worth it.

A GS 11 base starts at about 50k.

With 25 percent locality pay the announcement stated starting pay is 91k

I would like to hit my 1000 pic mark before leaving too...

The highest locality pay is the 25% I'm pretty sure so you'd be moving to one of the highest cost of living areas too then.

The math still doesn't add up. I don't remember but like TW said - starting at GS-11 is something in the $50k range. I used $55k and then added the 25% locality pay ($13,750) and came up with $68,750 total.

Do you have a link to the announcement shady?

There is a Aviation Safety Inspector (Cabin Safety) job open in Miramar, FL currently on the USAJOBS.gov site. It shows that it starts at a GS-12 ($60,274)+(15,068 - 25% loc pay) = $75,342

Now I don't know how long you stay a GS-12. Maybe there are quick promotions with some training. For instance, I was hired at GS-11, but within 1.5 months and the P135 Indoc course under my belt I was a GS-12.

I hve a hard time believing that you start in the $90k range, BUT it is still a good pay check and steady work (except for that little burp sometime ago).
The benefits are good and there is a retirement check at the end of 20 - though nowhere near what it use to be with FERS vice CSRS.

There are lots of other jobs at the FAA shady if you are interested in other aspects of aviation, I'm interested in the safety realm if I lose my medical for instance. I have a long safety background and wouldn't mind putting it to work in any number of departments within the FAA (education, training, etc...) and like I said before - once on board - moving around inside the agency (not to mention the entire gov't GS wide) is much easier. Just something else to think about.

USMCFLYR

Shady - there are a few other threads with some information like this one:
http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/hi...7-job-faa.html

You can also search FAA+Safety in the titles and come up with a few other threads that might give you some answers.

"...and like I said before - once on board - moving around inside the agency (not to mention the entire gov't GS wide) is much easier. Just something else to think about.

USMCFLYR"

I agree with USMCFLYR, the hard part is getting in. Once you are in, moving around the system can be easy. A booming area in the future is UAVs. I was originally hired in at the J Band/ 13 Level for my position, UAV Safety Inspector. After being furloughed from UAL, it took me a year and half to find a job. This is not a bad place to be depending on your supervisor. I have heard some bad stories. I hear FSDO life can be tough the first year. Like they say, the grass is always greener on the other side. If UAL ever gets their act together, I may return. If it wasn't for the ability to continue flying with the Navy Reserve, I would be pulling out my hair.

USMCFLYR send me a PM. Would like to talk about Flight Check.

Pee-Wee

You'll have to get a few more posts before the PM siftware will kick in - but when you do drop me a line.
Have you read the long and informative FAA hiring.... thread.
I'll bet that thread alone (plus there are numerous others) will answer MOST questions - or at least give you some more ideas to ask specific questions.

USMCFLYR

SALARY RANGE:
$91,426.00 - $141,735.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD:
Friday, February 17, 2012 to
Friday, March 09, 2012
SERIES & GRADE:
FV-1825-J
POSITION INFORMATION:
Full Time - Permanent
DUTY LOCATIONS:
Washington, District of Columbia - Vacancies: Few
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
U.S. Citizens

AH......'J' Band position.
I'm thinking that you may be looking at a higher level position than entry level - possible manager for instance, especially with it being a DC position, but I can't be sure.

To compare, look at this position on the FAA's job site for ASI positions:
Job Description

Highlights:
Position: Aviation Safety Inspector - Air Carrier Operations
Announcement Number: AAC-AMH-11-ACO-003-20965
Opening Date: Jun 01, 2011
Close Date: Mar 26, 2012
Series: 1825
Business Component: FAA, Aviation Safety, Flight Standards Service
Duty Location(s): Flight Standards Locations - Vacancies: Many
Salary Range: $41,563 - $78,355
Grade(s): 9/11/12
Job Status: Full Time
Appointment Duration: Permanent

USMCFLYR

USMCFLYR or Pee Wee. I've applied several times over the past 5 years for an ASI GA or AC position. The application process has gone through a few changes and it's now on USAjobs, the KSA component was introduced a number of years back, and now resides inside the FAA AVIATOR add-on.

My question is about the KSA's and the responses that you are allowed to select.

1. Risk Management - The ability to assure that risk is identified, evaluated, documented, eliminated or controlled within defined program risk parameters.

The 1st response you can select is along the lines of "I do not have this skill acquired through a degree program, etc."

The 2nd is "I do have this skill acquired from program of study resulting in a degree, etc." Not exact but close to what is on line.

I you have a degree that did not include a course of study in the specific KSA, but flew the line as a professional pilot (military or civilian), how did you approach this? I searched and read what I could on the subject, any more info?

Thanks in advance.

My best guess would be to call the HR help line and ask them that question directly.
I did not have to approach that particular question when I applied, but I'd like to think that if you had training in Risk Management as part of any formal educational procress - military or civilian - then you could check the I DO block - but I hate the wording of '...resulting in a degree' which leads me to believe they are looking at some form of training acquired while participating in an aviation degree program which I can't believe they would actually care about in the end game.

Let me roll this question off of a former ASI who got a job a few years back and see what his experience tells him.

USMCFLYR

Just try to stay out of the air traffic side. i have been in a few years and want out bad but nothing has worked. i thought the same just get in and then move around. Im sure it worked for some, but i have found it easier said then done.

I would, and did just that almost 6 years ago. Most of my friends and co-workers thought I was nuts. However, now with my former employer in BK, I am sleeping well at night knowing that I made the right move. It takes a bit of patience to get a Govt. job. In my case, 5 years of patience and persistence. Started as a GS-12 G/A Ops ASI and now am a GS-14 with two more type ratings than I had before. I love what I do. Lots of great opportunities for those that are passionate about aviation safety!

Regarding the Risk Assessment questions on AVIATOR (online app) here is my recommendations:

Google and Study "Systems Safety; Safety Assurance System; and Safety Risk Management".

Input as many "Hazard Reports" to your company as possible. Follow up and get involved. Mention it in the Application! Those familiar with OF-25's, that is what I am talking about. For example, back when I was with my former employer, I submittted a report to the company and suggested that Crewmembers be provided with Orange/Yellow Safety Vests at each jetbridge for the Preflight "Walk Arounds" so that they won't get "run over" by ground vehicles. OSHA Canada requires them. It took several years, but that company is now doing so at the busy hubs.

Good Luck, follow your gut (and your heart) and you will make the right decision.

Some of those "essay" questions are tough. I've been applying for years without so much as a nibble. :(

I have been a GA ops inspector for 2.5 years now. I had 12 years 135 experience and a bit of 61 instruction.

It's a good job if you want stability and to be home every night.

I've worked in two different offices and am debating about going to a CMO. Each office is independently owned and operated. At one, the experience level of the average ops inspector was extremely high. At the other it was appallingly low.

It is probably not something I see myself doing as a career.

Any other question just PM me.

I have a very close friend who works as a GA inspector. It's a steady paycheck but he is bored to death. He wants to become an airspace system pilot but I guess those jobs are fairly hard to land even from inside the FAA.

They are because they are fairly few and far between, BUT, they are currently hiring for the KACY office. See the associated thread by searching 'FAA' in the title. I just posted the links open until the end of the week for external announcements and until the end of the month for internal announcements. Also, a few of the most recent new hires have been former ASIs.

I'm well qualified with 25+ years experience. And they never reply to my applications. Even with Veteran's points. They keep extending the closing window.

Who is "they" that never reply and for what job? ASI or ASIP?
How many vet's points and when did you last apply?

Heard from an inside source today that the FSDOs are looking at hiring for two positions in the Ashburn, VA office and for one position in the Anchorage AK office.
If I get further details I'll pass them on here.

It's all about the KSAs. If you aren't getting rejections that say you're not qualified, it's all about how you sell yourself and write the KSAs. Think about the simplest and shortest way to describe your biggest accomplishments that are "in line" with each KSA. You should have something substantial for EACH one, and do NOT re-use something you've just used. Writing is actually very important for this job, so your ability to effectively communicate is one of the most important parts. They want to know what you've done, what have you been able to accomplish and change?, how did you know you made a change?, how many people followed your lead?

Think about this: If you left the KSAs blank, checked the appropriate boxes that said you were qualified, and applied, you would get called in for an interview. Now think about all the people that did the same, and wrote something in the KSAs. They become much of the deciding factor. Years ago, they were forced to hire the "most qualified applicant", even if that applicant wasn't technically qualified. That rule has changed though, and they have no requirement to fill their open positions like that.

For many of us, it took a few years to get in. A few years of honing that resume, remembering accomplishments that better-fit the KSAs, remembering additional things to put in there, etc.

The job has so many possibilities and specialties that you can get into. Like 121? Go there. Like 135 and GA? Go there. Like doing checkrides most of the time? You can do that. Like flying around and giving type-rides? You can do that. Like analyzing safety data and suggesting fixes for systemic problems? You can do that. Like interacting with pilots and promoting safety? You can do that. So many possibilities and places where you can find something and make a difference. All this and you are treated like a human being.

I heard through the grapevine that because of budget issues Safety Inspector job openings have been pulled. This from a local FSDO guy. He also said that there may be some layoffs. Anyone else hear the same thing?

I've heard something similar.

FAA jobs...
 

Just as a point of reference, I was in the corporate world for over 10 years and was "let go" back in July and after having my paperwork in, I got a call from an air carrier office and here I am in OKC for a month. I came in as a GS-12 and hoping for my "13 bump" on my year anniversary. I've got 40 folks in my class with only 3 females. There is probably a 50/50 mix of civilian/military. I'm civilian with a 121,135,142 background.

There are around 6 guys that around the 30 age range having come from Mesa, Pinnacle and Compass. One of our instructors told us there was a recent new hire that came in at the ripe old age of 74!

The job so far is really boring, bascially because we're not trained and we've been sitting around doing out computer training and waiting for the OKC school house to start up.
I jumped at the chance for a few reasons....The major one being I needed a job. I needed a secure job. I wanted the ability to move to another location and from what I'm told it can be done. The fact that there are many other things to do within the FAA is also attractive. Like some of the other posters have mentioned, you can get in the UAV dept, NextGen, Flight Check. If you can get to DC, you can usually start at the GS-14 level. Another bonus is that you're compensated up to around 250-300 dollars per month for using mass-transit.
It's a different lifestyle no doubt, however from a stability standpoint, it's certainly the best in this business. I can try and answer any questions, since it looks like I'm the newest on board.

How long from the time you submitted your app to a phone call for an interview? Did you pick a specific region or not? What were you hired for; air carrier, general av, inspection pilot? Where are you going to be working once done with training?
Thanks

Well, I had my paperwork in for about 2 years. When they "merged" the FAA jobs and the USAJOBS site, I updated again last July and was notified that someone was looking at my app. within a few weeks. Within two months I was sitting in my new office, which is a large FSDO on the East Coast and I'm on the air carrier side. I can't go to the GA side, as I never got my CFI tickets. I picked the regions that had some sort of air carrier operations.

Thanks for the info bluelavboy. When working as an air carrier ASI do you have to get hired into a CMO or do some of the FSDO's have this job type?

As for everyone else, I've heard its a great or terrible job depending on who your supervisor is. Also my understanding is pay starts around 70k.

CMO does 121 stuff.

FSDO does literally everything else, which includes 135s that can be quite large and complex, like some 121s. Your exact role here depends largely on the office and what is in the area. It can be heavily orientated towards GA stuff and flight schools, to complex 135s, or a mix of both, etc. You might be doing a lot of the stuff an "air carrier" inspector would do, but you'll be a GA Operations Inspector by name.

There are a lot of variables as far as the job is concerned. There are a lot of FSDO offices with different stuff going on. The ASI job is also huge and spans a LOT more than FSDOs. You likely cut your teeth in the FSDO, but there's stuff from data analysis to accident investigation to type rides for rare stuff to teaching and flight training to going around the country to certify sims to rulemaking to a combination of all and many other things.

Starting pay depends on what you get hired as, which depends on what is available and your qualifications. I haven't heard of anyone getting hired less than a GS 11, but you never know with the budgets and everything.

I'm at a FSDO that is also air carrier, but not a CMO. I don't honestly know how many offices are like that, I'm thinking it's an unusual situation. The supervisor question is of course, just like everything else, whether it be at the FAA, your flight department or regional airline, there's always some difficult people to work with/for.

The starting pay could waiver anywhere from 3-5K depending on your geographical area. The NY/SFO area would be higher than say ATL. You can figure on the first year will be around 75-80K....2nd year would be 90-92K. The retirements that are coming within the next 18 months are gonna be staggering.

Does anybody know if there is a hiring freeze due to sequester?

Word is there WILL BE if it hits.

bluelavboy - - how goes the training?

USMC...It was ummm.....Entertaining? I come back through on March 4th for 25 days, unless the funds dry up.....:eek:

Btw...We have a mutual friend in the ASIP ranks....Young Jimmy O....:)

You don't say!?
Where do you know him from?

I didn't realize you were on a break from the training, or would this just be a different phase?

Yesssir, I do say! :D I've never actually "met" him YET.....One of these days I'm sure our paths will cross. He was actually instrumental in helping me decide whether or not to come on board. I'm actually in his old office, so to say that he's been an invaluable asset in just about ever area I need info on, would be an understatement. He's a hands down standup guy, that has taken all of my phone calls etc. when it comes the job and what he's seen on the inside and helping me with the transition from flying to driving my cubicle.:rolleyes:
I came back home from OKC on the 9th and scheduled to return on March 4th, unless the cash goes away. The next phase is 25 days, then a quick 4 days in July and that should finish me up.:confused:

Your a busy guy then in his old office I'd imagine.
Well it sounds like he did a good deal pay-forward then and that is great.

Too keep the thread a little on track here - can you give some details about what your training has consisted of to this point and where you se it going in the future.
Sequestration has certainly changed the game some with regard to stability, but I'd say it still doesn't hold a candle to the instability of the general airline industry.

Well, I wouldn't say its all that busy, just yet. This based mostly because the majority of my training hasn't been completed as yet and hence I'm unable to really sign off on anything and really deal with any issues from a regulatory standpoint. I would expect this to change when I come up on my one year anniversary and my training is complete and I recieve my 110A.
At that point, I will be probably assigned to a particular certificate and wind up going to school for a particular fleet type.

To pass the time whilst in between my OKC stints, there's plenty of E-learning and riding along with some of the other guys to certificate holders HQ and the airports.
It's a different way of life, no question to that! Coming from a flying background is a big adjustment, however I've gotten a few full passports and alot of boxes checked along the way. My point being is that the instability of many of the segments of the flying world and the possibility of moving around in the FAA is what really drove me here.

Who knows what's going to come from the sequestration deal, not like there's anything I can do about it anyway, so I'll just keep my head down for the time being until my proby time is up.....