CBP Air Interdiction Agent (Pilot)
10-02-2020, 04:26 AM
#673
New Hire
Joined APC: Oct 2020
Posts: 3
Been looking through this forum and I have a few questions if anyone is willing to answer (there's a lot of pages, I've been going through them to get most of mine answered but I haven't read every single page yet).
1) If you enter as an Agent for Fixed-Wing Aircraft can you later get dual rated (for helis) and use that (e.g. you're based at a location that has both helis and FW)? I've read that there has been some instances of CBP covering the cost of getting dual rated, is that still a thing?
2) How realistic is it to transfer to other locations that are not “in need”? How soon can that be done (I've seen answers typically state 3 or 5 years)? How long does it typically take to get transferred out if you file for it?
3) In Montana, Washington state, and Idaho what aircraft are flown? How realistic is it to get transferred there? I saw one post saying that Montana is not viable as there are few positions and they're unlikely to add more.
4) How often does CBP move Air Interdiction Agents around? From what I read it’s stated that it’s “based on the need of the agency” but how realistic is it that the agency could just come and tell you that you’re being transferred?
5) If you’re in the NG or ANG does it improve chances of being stationed at a location closer to base (e.g. if you’re in the ANG for Fresno does it improve chances of being stationed in SoCal)?
6) When not flying aircraft do you go out on patrol with BP? I've seen a post or two mentioning that but other posts mention that they just do on-base training.
7) If you're dual-rated but only want to fly helicopters (or only want to fly fixed-wing) will CBP work with you or will they just force you into an aircraft you're not willing to fly? Basically, I'm trying to find out if getting dual-rated might be to my disadvantage.
8) How does the flight hour waiver work? What's the criteria for getting 500 hours waived?
9) It seems like San Diego opened up? What is flown there?
10) Which locations fly the DHC-8 and P-3? I read that the P-3 is flown at JAX but it is highly unlikely you'll get to fly it any time soon.
FWIW soonest I'm going to be able to apply is 2 years from now so I'm taking into account that what is answered today might not be what it's like in two years. I've had my eyes set on CBP for years and figured it would be better than airlines so long as I don't stick at a middle-of-nowhere location for more than 3 - 5 years.
Thanks to whoever responds!
1) If you enter as an Agent for Fixed-Wing Aircraft can you later get dual rated (for helis) and use that (e.g. you're based at a location that has both helis and FW)? I've read that there has been some instances of CBP covering the cost of getting dual rated, is that still a thing?
2) How realistic is it to transfer to other locations that are not “in need”? How soon can that be done (I've seen answers typically state 3 or 5 years)? How long does it typically take to get transferred out if you file for it?
3) In Montana, Washington state, and Idaho what aircraft are flown? How realistic is it to get transferred there? I saw one post saying that Montana is not viable as there are few positions and they're unlikely to add more.
4) How often does CBP move Air Interdiction Agents around? From what I read it’s stated that it’s “based on the need of the agency” but how realistic is it that the agency could just come and tell you that you’re being transferred?
5) If you’re in the NG or ANG does it improve chances of being stationed at a location closer to base (e.g. if you’re in the ANG for Fresno does it improve chances of being stationed in SoCal)?
6) When not flying aircraft do you go out on patrol with BP? I've seen a post or two mentioning that but other posts mention that they just do on-base training.
7) If you're dual-rated but only want to fly helicopters (or only want to fly fixed-wing) will CBP work with you or will they just force you into an aircraft you're not willing to fly? Basically, I'm trying to find out if getting dual-rated might be to my disadvantage.
8) How does the flight hour waiver work? What's the criteria for getting 500 hours waived?
9) It seems like San Diego opened up? What is flown there?
10) Which locations fly the DHC-8 and P-3? I read that the P-3 is flown at JAX but it is highly unlikely you'll get to fly it any time soon.
FWIW soonest I'm going to be able to apply is 2 years from now so I'm taking into account that what is answered today might not be what it's like in two years. I've had my eyes set on CBP for years and figured it would be better than airlines so long as I don't stick at a middle-of-nowhere location for more than 3 - 5 years.
Thanks to whoever responds!
10-02-2020, 08:13 AM
#674
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2011
Posts: 515
Originally Posted by Diverb
1. Look at the latest job announcement on USAJobs, the agency has gone back to requiring being dual rated to apply, so short answer is NO AMO will not pay for a rotor add on or FW add on.
=10pt
10-02-2020, 08:20 AM
#675
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
Originally Posted by kaputt
I figured that might happen. Surprised they changed that requirement but kept the flight hour waivers and the ability to apply at 750 hours. Guess they still want to try and attract some mil guys who may have nowhere else to go.
Out of my companions who went (and there were a handful from the '08-10 time frame - only ONE was dual qual'ed. Requiring dual qual seems to be a huge LIMITING factor - not opening up the pool of applicants.
10-02-2020, 08:27 AM
#676
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
Originally Posted by Diverb
Yeah interesting it says 750 to apply, but you still need 1000hrs for the actual pre employment check ride. Honestly we are not hurting for applicants now and my guess is we wont be hiring anyone with less than a few thousand hours now. Last I heard was we have 700+ applicants who have applied since April
Doesn't sound like they need to OPEN up the pool; but if still targeting prior military, it will still be hard to get dual rated guys it would seem.
10-02-2020, 09:08 AM
#677
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2011
Posts: 515
Originally Posted by USMCFLYR
Well...there you go.
Doesn't sound like they need to OPEN up the pool; but if still targeting prior military, it will still be hard to get dual rated guys it would seem.
Doesn't sound like they need to OPEN up the pool; but if still targeting prior military, it will still be hard to get dual rated guys it would seem.
10-02-2020, 09:15 AM
#678
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
Originally Posted by kaputt
True, although I think technically the Navy, Marine, and Air Force helo guys can be “dual qualed” pretty easily if they take the FAA mil comp exam since they all start in the T-6, albeit they will only have single engine Commercial for the fixed wing side. But with the amount of 206s/210s and Preds at the new hire CBP locations, maybe that’s all you need.
You are correct - LOTS of helo guys who can be dual qual'ed into fixed wing.
I wasn't even thinking that way.
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