Voski

For you military guys that got hired, how far out from leaving active duty can you apply for a job vacancy?

NotPart91

Well Sir,

The Old Customs Aviation Groups did some excellent work prior to the DHS fiasco.

Here's an example of the type of work USCS Pilots,(yes back then they were part of small group of very few Federal Agents that were both Pilots and Criminal Investigators). They did both CONUS and OCONUS flying and investigative work.

United States of America, Appellee, v. Billy Gene Little, Appellant.united States of America, Appellee, v. John Roger Sager, Appellant.united States of America, Appellee, v. Jay Houston Harmon, Appellant, 735 F.2d 1049 (8th Cir. 1984) :: Justia

DEA hated Customs because DEA lacked certain authorities that Customs was afforded and exercised and DEA couldn't do the same.

Not that Air Smuggling has subsided, but from what my friends say the CBP Air Program has their hands tied and have been told that their priority is solely to track;

a) Hose #1 and;
b) Hose #2 on the border.

NP

FlyTilIDie12

Hey all,
I was hoping a current CBP AIA (fixed wing) could message me. I have some general questions. Thanks!

FlyArmy11

Check out APTAP.org for the good, bad & ugly on CBP.

USMCFLYR

I work with a former CBP pilot and IP at the schoolhouse.

I could forward him the questions if you'd like to post them and see if he would take the time to answer your questions.

FlyTilIDie12

I recently applied as it kind of piqued my interest. I'm fixed wing only with experience in DHC8, B200, and CE550 so seems like I might be a good fit in that aspect. Also always been interested in LE and ISR type flying. My questions really are:
1.) general QoL
2.) due to my DHC8 experience, how likely would I be to be assigned to that airframe
3.) any general advice/thoughts

Clue32

I left a year ago and things are always subject to change. I do know the recruiter out of the MFE office and can put you in touch. As a FW only guy you will probably be limited to UAS positions in Corpus, Grand Forks, or Sierra Vista. You may be able to slide into a Dash 8 position in PR. However, your past experience has no bearing on where you get assigned or what you fly.

QOL depends on the branch. You could live in a town you and your family hate but work at a terrific branch with incredible people; going to work is enjoyable, the flight hours are seemingly bottomless, and the job fantastically rewarding. That was my experience. You could also live in an awesome location and have a terrific home life, but rarely fly and work for incompetent supervisors. Or any combination of that.

The pay was good, benefits were great, training was superior, and opportunities for additional courses and responsibilities were always available.

I will second the search on APTAP. The posting there has slowed significantly, but there is still good gouge there.

Gilligan13

What FW aircraft do they have now?

Clue32

P-3, B350/200, PC-12, Dash 8, C206/210, Citations. The CBP AMO web page should have a rundown on all the airframes.

The FW focus when I left was to continue to buy and field the B350 multi role enforcement aircraft and modify the 206 and 210's to carry better sensor packages. Most of the citations were parked pending sale. P-3 drivers will also fly the UAS, there are typically separate hiring announcements fore these positions. Dash 8 is a possibility for those going to PR, and I have seen separate hiring announcements in the past for PR only.

WacoQCF

Active AIA here, and previous input was spot on. I've been with the DHC8 for 6 years - quality of life has driven me to seek other employment.

Mostly good "line pilots" driven by incompetent management at all levels. New hires subject to polygraphs and almost all will be headed to Puerto Rico or UAVs, and most others to light single engine Cessna where quality flight time isn't available. King Airs and DHC8's are doing 5-6hr legs mandatory. Once you do 3 years at a location you can try to transfer.

Frankly the pilot industry is paying significantly better and providing a better quality of life if you have an ATP. Management is a big factor behind pay that lags the industry. Add in weapons training, defensive training, 5 on / 2 off schedule, having to do multiple time cards to account for every hour you worked or were available, etc ...I can not recommend it.