Stimulus This>>>> Bat Boy!
 

So, TSA doesn't have enough FAM's for international flight and the stimulus package isn't quite done yet. While we all wait for Uncle Sam to figure out if this is a threat or a misguided youth our country sits holding it's breath. So here is my plan! All the furloughed pilots that need a job....probably thousands v.s. FAM's needed maybe 500 or so. Why doesn't the FAA/Dept of Transportation ask Obama to put the pilots to work. Most have military experience and have worked in aviation industry and could handle the international operations immediately. this gets us back to work, helps the country out until it can hire the right amount of FAMs and protects our country in the mean while. A win Win situation for everyone...... but who would second my opinion.... Anyone?:cool:

I'm game, you've got my vote

I dont mean to be critical of your idea but there are some problems with the FAM model. A lot of foreign countries have stiff restrictions that limit the effectiveness of those FAMs (on international flights) and while the program might be well intended it has its limitations. The funding just isnt there to have FAMS on every flight. Imagine you were to sit in the back of an airplane for 4 days a week, 5 hrs a day.... no thanks.

They cant get enough fams to stick around past the 1-2 yr mark. They get burned out, realize their are more lucrative branches of the government, or they just realize that traveling that much is ruining their home life. There is a reason they cant get FAMS to stay

I understand your reservations I really do. As a short term gig for the some of the thousands of furloughed pilots it still makes sense. The funding issue is a huge question I agree, however this administration has egg on its face after handling the latest attempted attack, a kneejerk reaction may yet come from DC. It may be the reassurance and kick-start the flying public needs, who knows.....

not a bad idea !

I had heard that FAMS have the highest divorce rates in the country...

And I am not knocking your idea. Sound like a good one!

At least this administration knows and can admit when they do have egg on their face. This can't be said about the previous one.

This idea has the added benefit of giving the public additional confidence over traditional FAMs.

Granted I personally think someone with a mil ground/law enforcement background would be better suited to the task - the public might see this option as even better because you have 'an extra pilot' hiding in the back.

Pilots don't hide well...most would be in the back getting their own coffee or chatting up the hot C fa "Yeah, no I'm a pilot too, but I just got this gig til the industry turns around, and I get to pack heat...wanna see it?" :)

I considered doing that right after 9/11, but decided (correctly) that I would be better off chasing the few aviation opportunities which remained.

It sounds like a good temporary gig for pilots, but federal law enforcement is very insular...they probably wouldn't like to hire people who are not "real" cops and don't want to stick around. FAM is a better gig for someone trying to break into a better federal LE job I think.

But if you need a job and don't mind dead-heading for a living, might as well apply...