Airline Pilot Central Forums

Airline Pilot Central Forums (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/)
-   Military (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/military/)
-   -   CBP Air Interdiction Agent (Pilot) (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/military/108466-cbp-air-interdiction-agent-pilot.html)

jmd4j 03-28-2018 06:13 AM

I posed this question on a different forum but I haven't been approved as user yet, so I thought I'd throw it out here as well

Besides the SW border and PR, I notice St. Thomas V.I. is also listed on the announcement (Caribbean branch). Is that also a hard to fill locale or how difficult is that for newbies to get? I understand about the drastic tax situation PR poses and the like, but the wife has some job prospects there (both PR & St. Thomas), and wouldn't be bad for a few years I don't think.
I'm thinking about throwing my name into the hat. I'm a current DoD federal civilian (8 yrs) so I already understand a lot of the gov't BS a lot of people reference on forums (mandatory trainings, politics, and the like), so that wouldn't be a blindside for me, as I'm used to it by now �� Just trying to weigh some options at this time.

Shifty101 03-29-2018 08:41 AM


Originally Posted by RPAeyes (Post 2534349)
Wow, the hiring center called, I got the job, but WTF I have to start the training academy next week, that's not much time. 5 days notice, what kinda operation is this? The AF & GA has always given more notice than 5 days. The lady on the phone said they had a seat open up, and if I want the job to take it.

Gotta be honest, this isn't a great first impression, 4 days to get stuff squared away and then travel across country.

I am looking into this, can you please private message me.

pilotaz 04-05-2018 07:52 AM

Hi everyone,

I got some questions for the active AIA's here, I just applied for the AIA position and I am undergoing the starting process for this position.

What is the life of an AIA like a normal day of work?

About how many days are you out of home per year on assignment or on a mission?

Is family life good?

About how much time does the hiring process take?

ItnStln 04-14-2018 10:43 AM


Originally Posted by emersonbiguns (Post 2535316)
What office were you hired into? What position, AIA or AEA?

What’s the difference between AIA and AEA?

emersonbiguns 04-14-2018 11:34 AM


Originally Posted by ItnStln (Post 2572207)
What’s the difference between AIA and AEA?

AIA, Air Interdiction Agent (pilot)

AEA, Aviation Enforcement Agent (tactical officer)

ItnStln 04-14-2018 12:18 PM


Originally Posted by emersonbiguns (Post 2572247)
AIA, Air Interdiction Agent (pilot)

AEA, Aviation Enforcement Agent (tactical officer)

Thanks! Since the AIA position only requires a Commercial and 750 hours would it be a good way to build time for the airlines?

BarrySeal 04-14-2018 01:00 PM


Originally Posted by ItnStln (Post 2572277)
Thanks! Since the AIA position only requires a Commercial and 750 hours would it be a good way to build time for the airlines?

if you are "looking to build time for the airlines" you need to go somewhere else.

ItnStln 04-14-2018 02:08 PM


Originally Posted by BarrySeal (Post 2572296)
if you are "looking to build time for the airlines" you need to go somewhere else.

Why’s that?

ItnStln 04-26-2018 09:21 AM


Originally Posted by Diverb (Post 2572435)
We don't fly everyday, and most of our flights are all VFR since we are either pushing groups for the Border Patrol or conducting surveillance for other agencies, so your not going to build a ton of instrument time with us. Also most of what we fly is single engine and helicopters. I don't think the airlines care about rotor time. Also we are getting more MQ-9's and again that time counts for nothing, unless you want to to work for General Atomics doing UAS work overseas.

It's important to understand were a law enforcement agency who happens to use aircraft. A lot of our days are filled with LE duties and flying is just a vehicle for us.

On a side note, if your thinking you want to come here and get more hours then head to the airlines, during the 15 wks of the academy and 4wks of Spanish, you won't even touch a aircraft. That's time you could be flying or being a CFI to get you to your airline gig.

Thanks, that makes sense!

ItnStln 04-26-2018 09:21 AM


Originally Posted by Diverb (Post 2572439)
Also 750 TT is only to apply, you will need a 1000 TT before we will give you a check ride. They just dropped the hours to 750 to accommodate some of the military rotor only guys

Thanks, I wish the job announcement was more clear in this matter.

WheredWhoGo 05-18-2018 05:07 PM

This SHOULD be the best job ever!
 
This thread makes me laugh.
If we could get HQ to read through what the front line pilots really think about this organization maybe we could get something changed...
On second thought, no they would never admit there is a problem.

So here I am looking for an airline job! :cool:

P.S. The UAS (Pred) is a sucking hole that is consuming us from the inside out. Be warned.

pilotaz 05-23-2018 09:17 AM

Which are the hard to fill locations?

Also why is UAS a "sucking hole"?

pilotaz 05-23-2018 02:00 PM


Originally Posted by Diverb (Post 2600739)
Most of our hard to fill locations are along the southern border (except Grand Forks, ND...think -20 everyday in the winter) and Puerto Rico. I will say the agency is getting better on letting guys transfer out after 3-4 years. My buddy in McAllen was offered another location a few weeks ago and he has been in McAwesome for a little over 3yrs.

UAS is its own animal. Its really hard to find "real pilots" who want to operate it. Guys coming in from the military or airlines who have always flown real aircraft typically don't want to operate the pred. Those of us who do operate the pred kinda get stuck only operating the pred. There's guys in my office who have tried to transfer back to another non UAS location after a few years and have been unsuccessful since we cant fill the pred locations. Its kinda a catch 22. Bare in mind 95% of us are all dual rated, and not getting a chance to fly other platforms on a regular basis sucks.

Another bad thing about the UAS is the time counts for NOTHING, even though we operate the predator in the flight levels, file a IFR flight plan and talk with center all day, the flight hours count for nothing in the eyes of the FAA.

Oh well im eligible to retire in 5yrs, so that's my goal. Hopefully after that then I can fly something real on a regular basis

Thank you for the info! I am an Assistant Chief at a College and I want to apply for a UAS position in Sierra Vista, AZ. I am going through the application process which it is taking months, do you have any idea of how much time does it take to get hired? I would try to get my institution to keep me as a check airman so I will keep on flying (fingers crossed). Any info on how to get a certain base will help.

emersonbiguns 05-24-2018 05:43 AM


Originally Posted by Diverb (Post 2600334)
Does nothing for the guys at other locations

It convinces them that the organization is clueless and can't see that a pilot lost in any location, is a pilot that won't be around to contribute to the flying hour program. It's one more thing to push the guys on the edge, over.

emersonbiguns 05-24-2018 06:00 PM


Originally Posted by Diverb (Post 2601675)
...may be the straw that breaks his back too

Yup, just heard another +10 year guy got a Class I... for the life of me, can't figure out why. :confused:

pilotaz 05-29-2018 05:32 AM


Originally Posted by Diverb (Post 2600816)
Have you taken your polygraph yet? Once you pass that, I believe the hiring process is fairly fast. I have spoken with a few new hires in a past few months who stated their total time to get hired was within 6-7 months, which is fast.

Once you take your check ride in OK, City, and you get called, if you want Sierra Vista, all you have to do is ask for it. San Angelo, TX and Grand Forks, ND are also heavy UAS locations

Thanks for the info! I will try to get to Sierra Vista hopefully I can get it. I also hope they fix all of their problems which seem to be drawing people away from the job.

ROTORGUY 06-24-2018 05:49 PM

AIA
 
Any fairly new AIA Pilots hired in the last few years recall if they ask you about your flight hours in the polygraph? I’m a FW and RW commercial pilot with around 600hrs mostly in FW singles. There are a few days I’ve forgot to log flights and some days I round up my hours. I’m sure they are close but not 100% accurate. I can fly to commercial standards in both FW and RW. Just want to know if during the hiring process they are going to pick my log book apart. If I only have 100-150hrs in RW and they choose to hire me would they make me a Single engine fixed wing pilot or would I still get to fly RW? I have zero desire to fly a single engine cessna or fly UAS for 20 years. Thanks for any responses.

RCpilot2018 06-25-2018 06:22 PM


Originally Posted by ROTORGUY (Post 2621127)
Any fairly new AIA Pilots hired in the last few years recall if they ask you about your flight hours in the polygraph? I’m a FW and RW commercial pilot with around 600hrs mostly in FW singles. There are a few days I’ve forgot to log flights and some days I round up my hours. I’m sure they are close but not 100% accurate. I can fly to commercial standards in both FW and RW. Just want to know if during the hiring process they are going to pick my log book apart. If I only have 100-150hrs in RW and they choose to hire me would they make me a Single engine fixed wing pilot or would I still get to fly RW? I have zero desire to fly a single engine cessna or fly UAS for 20 years. Thanks for any responses.

You are going to be a GREAT pred pilot!

ROTORGUY 06-26-2018 06:48 PM

Not interested

Otterbox 06-27-2018 06:37 AM


Originally Posted by ROTORGUY (Post 2621127)
Any fairly new AIA Pilots hired in the last few years recall if they ask you about your flight hours in the polygraph? I’m a FW and RW commercial pilot with around 600hrs mostly in FW singles. There are a few days I’ve forgot to log flights and some days I round up my hours. I’m sure they are close but not 100% accurate. I can fly to commercial standards in both FW and RW. Just want to know if during the hiring process they are going to pick my log book apart. If I only have 100-150hrs in RW and they choose to hire me would they make me a Single engine fixed wing pilot or would I still get to fly RW? I have zero desire to fly a single engine cessna or fly UAS for 20 years. Thanks for any responses.

So you’re worried they’re going to ask you if and how you falsified your logbook and not give you the job?

Perhaps that’s good enough motivation to keep accurate records of your flights moving forwards... goodluck either way.

ROTORGUY 06-28-2018 06:07 PM

Not worried about “falsifying” my log books. They are pretty accurate if not I’m probably short hours. My first year flying I logged my time off the tach not the Hobbs in my partnerships 172. I now use the Hobbs when I log time. I’m now commercial rated in helicopters and planes. I fly the owner of a Cirrus 1 to 2 times a week, fly for the CAP, and I fly right seat with a friend trying to finish his ppl. I fly a lot and there are a few times I’ve forgot to log a flight or two. I’m sure I’m not the only one. Anyways I was just wondering if that was something brought up during the polygraph. I’m just kicking around the idea of applying in a few years when I’m up to 1000hrs. I’ve also got 6 years of Active Duty military experience but not as a pilot. If I were to be considered I would have no interest in flying UAV. I did not spend 60+ thousand dollars to fly a drone. Like most of you I have a love for flying and enjoy flying both helicopters and planes. Thanks again for any info on the hiring process. I’ll keep better track of my hours. 😉

USMCFLYR 06-29-2018 03:38 AM


Originally Posted by ROTORGUY (Post 2624175)
I now use the Hobbs when I log time. I’m now commercial rated in helicopters and planes. I fly the owner of a Cirrus 1 to 2 times a week, fly for the CAP, and I fly right seat with a friend trying to finish his ppl.

Meaning that you are NOT his CFI but riding along with him in the right seat during his PPL training? :confused:

flyerr 06-30-2018 08:28 PM

I think there's a word for that, somewhere... pell... pess... pessenga... passenger!


Originally Posted by USMCFLYR (Post 2624338)
Meaning that you are NOT his CFI but riding along with him in the right seat during his PPL training? :confused:


USMCFLYR 07-01-2018 04:01 AM


Originally Posted by flyerr (Post 2625369)
I think there's a word for that, somewhere... pell... pess... pessenga... passenger!

Yeah......a passenger riding along with the PPL trainee?
Ummmmm.:(

flyerr 07-02-2018 12:04 PM

But now that they're making those nifty plastic student certs, aren't they printing "carrying passengers encouraged" on limitations? I mean, it seems like a great way for two or maybe three people to all log some hours.... right?


Originally Posted by USMCFLYR (Post 2625433)
Yeah......a passenger riding along with the PPL trainee?
Ummmmm.:(


rickair7777 07-02-2018 02:29 PM


Originally Posted by flyerr (Post 2625369)
I think there's a word for that, somewhere... pell... pess... pessenga... passenger!


Originally Posted by USMCFLYR (Post 2625433)
Yeah......a passenger riding along with the PPL trainee?
Ummmmm.:(

Not at all. The guy with the CPL is the pilot and the student is the pax, or at least that's how the cookie will crumble if push comes to shove. And insurance would probably be a can of worms too.

Hopefully the student is not logging solo, but perfectly legal if he's just "practicing" with the flight controls, my kids are allowed to do that.

aeroengineer 07-02-2018 05:35 PM


Originally Posted by pilotaz (Post 2604431)
Thanks for the info! I will try to get to Sierra Vista hopefully I can get it. I also hope they fix all of their problems which seem to be drawing people away from the job.

Sierra Vista aka Ft Huachuca...there's a garden spot lol. No need to fly to catch illegals crossing the border just get a room in the BOQ and every other morning they'll walk out of the mountains and right by your window.:D

ROTORGUY 07-03-2018 07:31 PM


Originally Posted by USMCFLYR (Post 2624338)
Meaning that you are NOT his CFI but riding along with him in the right seat during his PPL training? :confused:

So your concerned that a dual commercial rated pilot is flying right seat in a cessna 172 with a friend giving him pointers and helping him build confidence? Really? This student owns a Cirrus, which I fly for him, and his family regularly. He’s a young business owner that admits he will probably never do long flights without me or another instrument rated pilot with him assuming he ever finishes his license. He has been soloed by a CFI in the 172 for over a year. (At this point he probably has close to 80hrs) He’s just never taken his written. His flying is good but he prefers to have me ride along with him from time to time for support, and to help sharpen him up. He is a friend, and i regularly fly his wife and daughters in their Cirrus. He may never get his ppl. He is your typical business owner that is consumed with work.

My original post was to learn more about the hiring process with custom and if I should be concerned if my log book is not 100% accurate. I would venture to say most people’s books are probably off by an hour or two after several years of flying. If you have nothing beneficial to offer to the conversation no need to respond. You pull a single statement out of a post and criticize it. Don’t be a tool. Relax, if you have a friend working on his ppl or just wanting to take the controls you don’t have to be a cfi to allow someone else to take the controls. I would still be PIC and responsible for the Aircraft. The owner of the Aircraft, and flight school is ok with it, not sure why you would care. Stay Classy.

BeatNavy 07-04-2018 04:34 AM


Originally Posted by ROTORGUY (Post 2627396)
So your concerned that a dual commercial rated pilot is flying right seat in a cessna 172 with a friend giving him pointers and helping him build confidence? Really? This student owns a Cirrus, which I fly for him, and his family regularly. He’s a young business owner that admits he will probably never do long flights without me or another instrument rated pilot with him assuming he ever finishes his license. He has been soloed by a CFI in the 172 for over a year. (At this point he probably has close to 80hrs) He’s just never taken his written. His flying is good but he prefers to have me ride along with him from time to time for support, and to help sharpen him up. He is a friend, and i regularly fly his wife and daughters in their Cirrus. He may never get his ppl. He is your typical business owner that is consumed with work.

My original post was to learn more about the hiring process with custom and if I should be concerned if my log book is not 100% accurate. I would venture to say most people’s books are probably off by an hour or two after several years of flying. If you have nothing beneficial to offer to the conversation no need to respond. You pull a single statement out of a post and criticize it. Don’t be a tool. Relax, if you have a friend working on his ppl or just wanting to take the controls you don’t have to be a cfi to allow someone else to take the controls. I would still be PIC and responsible for the Aircraft. The owner of the Aircraft, and flight school is ok with it, not sure why you would care. Stay Classy.

You said a few posts back that you fly a cirrus owner 1 or 2 times a week, and that you also fly right seat with a guy finishing up his ppl. Your intent was clearly two separate examples of when you fly. And the latter implies that since he’s trying to finish his PPL, it sounds like like he’s logging the time. Then in this post you claim when you fly the cirrus guy he brings you along bc he never finished his training and may not...not the same picture you painted a couple days ago. Sounds like you are backpedaling after getting called out, then counterattacking by name-calling for raising a legitimate point (one of the guys you called a tool works for the FAA by the way). Some of us keep accurate flight logs, especially when we were low time like you, and when people are logging stuff they shouldn’t, it doesn’t sit well with many people. Good luck in your aviation career.

USMCFLYR 07-04-2018 04:38 AM


Originally Posted by ROTORGUY (Post 2627396)
So your concerned that a dual commercial rated pilot is flying right seat in a cessna 172 with a friend giving him pointers and helping him build confidence? Really? This student owns a Cirrus, which I fly for him, and his family regularly. He’s a young business owner that admits he will probably never do long flights without me or another instrument rated pilot with him assuming he ever finishes his license. He has been soloed by a CFI in the 172 for over a year. (At this point he probably has close to 80hrs) He’s just never taken his written. His flying is good but he prefers to have me ride along with him from time to time for support, and to help sharpen him up. He is a friend, and i regularly fly his wife and daughters in their Cirrus. He may never get his ppl. He is your typical business owner that is consumed with work.

My original post was to learn more about the hiring process with custom and if I should be concerned if my log book is not 100% accurate. I would venture to say most people’s books are probably off by an hour or two after several years of flying. If you have nothing beneficial to offer to the conversation no need to respond. You pull a single statement out of a post and criticize it. Don’t be a tool. Relax, if you have a friend working on his ppl or just wanting to take the controls you don’t have to be a cfi to allow someone else to take the controls. I would still be PIC and responsible for the Aircraft. The owner of the Aircraft, and flight school is ok with it, not sure why you would care. Stay Classy.

Yes....I'd be very concerned if your friend is logging that time and you made it sound like if he was working toward finishing his PPL then he would be logging time towards that end. If this is not the case then a simple 'he doesn't log the time I fly with him' would have been sufficient.

As for your logbook not being correct - people who are serious in the business of aviation take a lot of time to make sure their logbooks are correct. Maybe you should put more into managing your future career.

I pull a single post of out of a post and ask a question because the content was confusing. You making such a defensive ride out of it even makes me wonder more if your 'friend training for his PPL' isn't logging the time. If he owns the plane - where does the flight school come into play that you say is 'ok with it'? Is the aircraft on lease back. Is he the one signing for the plane or are you?

If you are doing everything legal then it is good experience for this person; if not - you could setting him up for problems in the future if he continues in aviation.

ROTORGUY 07-05-2018 01:40 PM

The friend does not need the time, he needs to take his written and do a little checkride prep before his checkride. He has his hour requirements and meets all requirements for the checkride. He owns a Cirrus with another gentleman, but uses it for work and hires myself or other commercial pilots to fly for him. He trains in a 172 when he wants to which is few and far between. His problem is he is more involved with work than with flying. Your concern is with weather or not he’s logging time. That has nothing to do with my apprehension towards taking a pollygraphy and the fact that my logs will not be 100% accurate. I’m not suggesting I’m adding 100’s of hour to my log book. I’m stating I know my logs are not 100% accurate. I logged tach time my first year flying in my partnership because that’s how we billed ourselves for use toward the TBO fund. Yes it was dumb and I was a brand new Pilot. Since then I’ve gotten my Instrument, and Commercial Ratings in Fixed Wing. I also earned my Private and Commercial Add on in Helicopters. I’m not a military pilot or a wealthy person. I’m a Veteran that had some help with my Instrument and Commercial thanks to the GI Bill. Everything else I’ve paid for out of my own pocket. I’m CONSIDERING applying for a position with customs to be an AIA. I currently work in law enforcement, and I’ve taken a poloygraph before. I can stay right where I’m at and will likely end up in Air Support one day. But if there was a chance I could fly rotors sooner for CBP I might look into that. I’m just trying to get some info on that. My question was simply do they ask you about yours hours or log books during the pollygraph. Don’t assume my questions means I’m trying to hind something or that I’m lieing about my hours. I simply logged time off the tach vs Hobbs for a year or more. That and I know I forgot to log a few flights along the way. Im sure those missed flights don’t add up to more than 5hrs. I’m sure some of you are perfect and your log book times are perfect down to the 0.1hrs, congrats. Mine are not. I fly enough between Commercial Flights in the Cirrus, and my own personal plane that I will have the required hours needed in a year or less. Again just looking into the AIA Pilot position and was looking for feedback from someone doing the job and that’s been through the process. If you can’t offer any specific insite about that please don’t reply.

flyerr 07-06-2018 12:20 PM

FYI, a poly - which you said you've taken before - isn't about whether or not every document you've ever filled out is 100% accurate. It's the big pieces. Have you intentionally lied on your application? Were you truthful about your criminal history, drug use, etc? If you're honest during the application process, you should have no issues. The examiner asks about your logbook? "Yes, I gave the best numbers I could, given that I logged tach at first, etc. etc. etc." At the end of the day, the question is: did you say/do something with the intent to deceive? If the answer is no, then you're fine. If you're inflating hours and fabricating stuff, then that's a different answer. You're the only one who will know the truth, and it'll be up to the polygrapher to figure out whether your statements match the facts.

'Nuff said?

Grom1234 08-01-2018 06:51 PM

For the CBP AIA's out there, how are things going at AMO? Are things getting any better? Previous posts made it sound like things were trending in a rather unhealthy direction.

Does AMO have a large amount of retirements on the horizon, similar to the airlines? With the new UND - AMO Pathway, are open slots getting filled up with UND pathway grads?

Just Checking in and trying to get a feel how things are going.

kaputt 08-17-2018 10:08 AM

I'd be interested in hearing an update as well ^

RCpilot2018 08-17-2018 02:44 PM


Originally Posted by kaputt (Post 2657011)
I'd be interested in hearing an update as well ^

UPDATE UPDATE!!! If you come onboard you are going to fly the MQ9!

Tibhar87 08-20-2018 03:55 PM


Originally Posted by RCpilot2018 (Post 2657148)
UPDATE UPDATE!!! If you come onboard you are going to fly the MQ9!


Is this a new policy or a temporary measure to strengthen the MQ9 ranks?
I wonder How many qualified applicants would actually accept this position with only one option besides Drone pilots leaving active duty...

RCpilot2018 08-21-2018 02:48 PM


Originally Posted by Tibhar87 (Post 2658731)
Is this a new policy or a temporary measure to strengthen the MQ9 ranks?
I wonder How many qualified applicants would actually accept this position with only one option besides Drone pilots leaving active duty...

Not so much of a new policy. If you come in today you'll go to either Mcallen, Laredo, PR, Sierra Vista, San Angelo or Grand Forks. The latter 3 are UAS. The first 3 being heavy AS350.
The agency as a whole could absorb another 100 pilots today if they could get them. Best advice is to apply and let it run its course. If you are offered some place that you can't see yourself at for 3-5 years, then don't take the job! I was watching APTAP back in 03' pondering the same issues. Bottom line. If you are heavy fixed wing or just getting out of the Army, don't waste your time go 121!

Bannerpilot24 08-24-2018 12:41 PM

For a 23 year old female commercial pilot with 4500hrs TT (combo of pt 91 & 135 fixed wing) that loves flying fun planes, tailwheel/seaplanes etc. but needs stability now that I have a child and husband (I’d prefer to be the breadwinner), that doesn’t want to do 121 flying if avoidable, and likes the idea of something a little different than the typical Airline Pilot Career these days, would this be a good way to make a living? (Sorry for the run-on sentence). Or should I just bite the bullet and do the airline thing?
My goals with getting a stable job include:
1) Saving for retirement
2) Having enough off time/money for a yearly family trip
3) Maximizing time with my kid and husband (minimal overnights)
4) Buying a family airplane in the next 10 years
5) Ability to transfer to different bases

Is there even such a job as what I seek?
I’ll go where I can retire somewhat early and have enough life left in me to get back to my fun flying

airspeed1974 08-26-2018 07:23 PM

Just curious, why the age 40 limitation?

rickair7777 08-27-2018 02:04 PM


Originally Posted by airspeed1974 (Post 2662673)
Just curious, why the age 40 limitation?

Federal hiring age limits typically have to do with eligibility for the pension... they don't hire people who would hit the max service age before 20 years. That might be waiver-able for mil folks who can buy their years?


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:33 AM.


User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging v3.3.0 (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Website Copyright ©2000 - 2017 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands