Just read it's only open to applicants willing to work at ANY FSDO. Is that new?

I seen that as well. Yes it's new and unfortunate.

One must think outside the box a bit if interested. Just like gettng hired by an airline with less than desirable domiciles, one can "Get their foot in the door", pay their dues and then transfer (internally) to a more desirable facility once off probation. The industry is light on supply but heavy on demand for the foreseeable future. This affects the Agency's pool of candidates. Now is a great time to get involved in aviation safety, and there will be significant opportunities for advancement forthcoming.

Not really an option for those with kids in school and a spouse with a career. Got a FSDO 15 min from my house. I'm dual rated, and I heard that office just lost their r/w inspector. This is an example of the proverbial "round peg in the round hole.l," but lying and clicking the "why yes, I'd love to move to Orlando" box isn't happening.

It all boils down to priorities. How urgently do you want a govt job versus immediate family needs. I have seen several people temporarily give up significant family sacrifices to get that "dream job". It all seems to work out for most if they are patient.

Also - if the position is just for any open positions, then apply and then if offered a position - and you don't like it - then turn down the job.

Is there a way to find out the open positions?

As it has been said before, Your best intel could be obtained by calling the offices of interest directly. Also, the selecting official (usually the office manager) could pull your package off the list of candidates if he/she has an opening and is interested in hiring you. Otherwise, you could call HR (contact person listed on the job announcement).

When I was hired, it was about a year before everything was completed. That was in 07. Unfortunately after one day, i was furloughed. No kidding. I was brought on as an airmen inspector for helicopters. The next day was when Silverstate helicopters went bankrupt and closed dozens of operations all over the country. And my services were no longer needed. Never do that again..

I have a ride coming up for GA ASI position and am wondering if anyone has insight into the content/conduct of the ride. I've heard everything from "it's pass/fail, held to comm/instr PTS standards" to "it's mainly to verify you aren't an idiot and can still fly an airplane and they don't expect you to be proficient".

I've done a few practice flights recently in the Seminole to shake the rust off in that particular airplane but I have 8 years experience as a 135 PIC. On the other hand, I hadn't flown ME in a year and a half until this month. Maybe I'm just being paranoid/overly nervous. I've never failed a checkride but I really want this job so I'm pretty stressed out. Thoughts/input? Thanks very much!