US Customs & Border Patrol Pilots
01-08-2009, 06:59 PM
#351
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Position: Airbus
Posts: 41
I would like to ask the opinion of you guys and girls on this site. I was hired by Continental in March, but not given a class date. Then all the problems with the fuel and economy hit and we obviously weren't brought aboard yet. I received an email from CAL recruiting today stating that they hope to start hiring in late 09. We wouldn't have to do the sim again but would have to come in for a "refresher" meeting. While waiting for the CAL job to come through, I got the job offer flying for Customs and Border Protection. I accepted the job as some of you know, but I have that little voice saying "take the CAL job." Your "what would you do" opinions would be appreciated. Thanks for any constructive opinions.
At age 38 I now look at my past which is full of layoffs, paycuts, pension loss, etc.
Then I look at the future and ask myself.
Do I want a more challenging career. Yes
Do I want to work in Law Enforcement. Yes
Do I enjoy flying. Yes
Do I want 20 more years of the Airline lifestyle and instability. No
I am fully prepared to walk away from my Major Airline Position if I get selected by CBP.
I do not know your full airline background, but Big Shiny Jet Syndrome wears off pretty fast if you have only flown smaller aircraft to date.
CAL is a very good company to get on with.
I can only recommend doing what you feel is best.
01-08-2009, 08:37 PM
#352
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,839
I would like to ask the opinion of you guys and girls on this site. I was hired by Continental in March, but not given a class date. Then all the problems with the fuel and economy hit and we obviously weren't brought aboard yet. I received an email from CAL recruiting today stating that they hope to start hiring in late 09. We wouldn't have to do the sim again but would have to come in for a "refresher" meeting. While waiting for the CAL job to come through, I got the job offer flying for Customs and Border Protection. I accepted the job as some of you know, but I have that little voice saying "take the CAL job." Your "what would you do" opinions would be appreciated. Thanks for any constructive opinions.
BUT I can easily tell you what I would do. I would work for the CBP.WHy? It is the type of work that I would be much happier doing - the law enforcement aspect.
Someone else said - if you want the ready room atmosphere and wear a bag (flight suit) and carry guns - then CBP is for you.
Easy choice for me - but you need to be sure. Btw - two of my friends were recetnly furloughed from CAL in that last round. Stability seems to play a large factor too.
USMCFLYR
01-09-2009, 09:33 AM
#353
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2008
Position: UALFO 737
Posts: 173
Thanks for your input guys. I have received some pm's also regarding the subject. I believe my best course of action is definately take the job and get out of the regionals. See if I like it and make an informed decision from that point. I know the airlines from a regional point of view and don't care for it much. Maybe CAL is much different, but I need to see how much I enjoy the Air Interdiction position to really have an idea from both sides. Thanks again. See you at FLETC!
01-15-2009, 01:43 PM
#355
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2008
Position: UALFO 737
Posts: 173
01-15-2009, 05:20 PM
#356
On Reserve
Joined APC: Dec 2008
Position: CA CRJ-200
Posts: 13
No, Not for either... Still have my stuff in with CAL... Rumor is they start hireing off the street again late this year. But my first choice is still CBP... just waiting on an interview... Seems like they are in no hurry for more pilots right now... UAV guys... I have some background in UAVs but am scared to get pegon holed with them and be stuck in AZ or up north... Was there an HSI in that 210 you did your check ride in, or was it the old school OBS?
01-15-2009, 06:52 PM
#358
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Posts: 141
If only there was a CBP unit where I live ... that would be my dream job coming from he military. If I were willing to move though I would have stayed active duty in the Navy. I can only hope that they open up a unit where I live.
01-15-2009, 09:16 PM
#360
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2008
Position: UALFO 737
Posts: 173
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