emersonbiguns

What air to air RADAR is the KingAir using?

hgc223556

Man, sounds like no matter if you’re a helo dude, fixed wing dude, or dual, you’ll be riding the virtual skies in an MQ-9.

NattyBumppo

Only if you don't refuse the first offer of a UAS location. When you do this they'll cram you into Laredo or McAllen that's already overstaffed, but because that's what HQ wants that's what they get. Forget about going North, and even Southeast locations such as Houston and points East are difficult to get after you've done your time in the Southwest.

All in all, with the special salary rate + location bonus it's not a bad way to make a living. You'll just be stuck someplace along the Southern border between Laredo and McAllen. Hope you like eating at Whataburger.

hgc223556

Appreciate the feedback man, and as always, appreciate the candor on here. Always figured doing time on the border was mandatory, but curious if you’d be able to make it out to Houston or New Orleans after 3-5 years. Completely understand about needs of the agency, but curious how realistic it is for guys to get a way out after paying their dues for a few years. 3-5 on the border is a hardship. But 5-10 could be, well, a bit of a sentence. Thanks again!

emersonbiguns

Government HR contracts, agreements and policies aren't worth anything. Asking for speculation on what the environment will be like in 5-10 years is silly. You need to make your decision based upon the worst case scenario. Picture whatever that is for YOU and decide if the "benefits" for you out-weigh the risks. Period. If your worst case doesn't play out then life's good.

hgc223556

Thanks Emerson, understood. I didn’t mean to ask for speculation, just commenting on the limited mobility for hardship postings. As always, appreciate the feedback.

dasriac

I think the king air 350i uses synthetic aperture radar units developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.

NattyBumppo

"Needs of the service" is an often-used excuse. Right now the needs of the service is to have as many pilots on the Southwest border - just take a look at the most recent announcement on USAjobs.

Houston and New Orleans are both within the Southeast Region. It's not unheard of for a newhire who's done time in a Southwest branch to get New Orleans but it's been awhile. Houston used to be the most coveted branch to get transferred to because of COLA and no state income taxes, but with the special salary rate for AIA's now the salary table levels the playing field. It's still tough to get into Houston, and I would be surprised if someone with less than 8 years of AMO service got it.

McAllen and Laredo used to be hard-to-fill locations in that as long as someone from a higher priority location (Puerto Rico) didn't put in for the same location you wanted to transfer to, you'd get that location over anyone from a northern or south eastern location. Not the case anymore. The reality is if you're a helicopter or dual-rated pilot you're going to have a difficult time getting off the southwest border.

cpagdog

Looks like I've got an interview coming up soon in El Paso, Tx. Any advice or common errors pilots make during the process? Thanks

Shifty101

I was with the agency almost 6 years and was very involved. I started at a new hire location. The reality is, after 3-5 years you’re no longer blind to the problems within the agency, mainly management (almost No leaders). Once you get a top down perspective, you’ll be looking for other careers like many on this forum. Unless you are just one of those employees who works better being told what to do, even when it makes zero sense. That said, you can transfer after 3-5 years but plan on TDYing a lot. My last year I was tdy about 120-130 days. TDYs are not like the airlines, you’re gone longer, and when your home you’re working. I was tdy and worked thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and 4th of July, not by choice. The tdy mission I was on was one of the most worthless operations Ive been apart of, to include military.

Bottomline, I left for the airlines. I’m taking a 65% paycut (short term) and am completely ok with that, but I planned my escape for 1.5 years. I no longer have a job that’s secure, but neither do my Co workers in the airlines to include management.