CIA Aviation

[N5139]

Hi all -

I figured that this forum would be the most appropriate place to pose my question. I was wondering what kind of backgrounds CIA pilots have, as I am assuming that they have their own aviation assets (in fact, it came to light in the press several months ago). Does anyone have any gouge? Are they pipelining folks straight from active duty?

Just curious... thanks!
J.

 

[Huggyu2]

Backgrounds?: none. These pilots don't exist.
Shhhhhhh.... they're all spies!!!

 

[Pistlpetet]

Just because you might be a taxpayer or terrorist, does not mean you deserve to have a "need to know".

 

[N5139]

Just because you might be a taxpayer or terrorist, does not mean you deserve to have a "need to know".

I apologize, but I was inquiring due to career aspirations. I have local/federal law enforcement experience and an Ivy League degree focused on global terrorism. Just wanted to know if flying for such an organization is within my reach. For example, I could get on as a GS-1811 with a certain federal agency immediately and eventually fly, but am much more interested in the intelligence arena.

Sorry. I am too inexperienced to contest the OPSEC of knowing whether or not these guys are prior military, but I initially didn't think it was a big "secret squirrel" deal.

J.

 

[Pistlpetet]

With your degree, you should apply to the Agency, the majority of their positions are for people with education, and interested in intel. Their flying operations are all run through contractors, the military, and other gov agencies. The whole thing is not as black and white as you think it to be. It is not like joining customs to be a pilot. The FBI has pilots, but they are agents first.

If you want to fly...fly....if you want to be an Intel Geek...be one. It is all about specialization. Getting an OGA contractor pilot job is about connections, knowing people, and your background. Background meaining training, and experience, not what degree you got where.

 

[N5139]

Background meaining training, and experience, not what degree you got where.

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. After my time in law enforcement, it is evident that I just want to fly, so that's what I'll do...

J.

 

[Z-man]

While I don't know the exact process, I do know you need to apply online at the CIA website. Look under "Clandestine Service" and "Specialized Skills Officer". On your resume, put that you want to be a pilot. If they like/want you, they will call you. If you don't hear from them after several months, they're not interested. Plan on being gone a lot. That's what I've been told so hopefully it helps.

Z

 

[satpak77]

CIA does not have any direct hire "CIA employee" pilots.

All pilots are contractors working for a private company, with paychecks coming from that company. Small community, most people get hired only by being in the community or know someone. Say Jim Smith the Air Force C-12 pilot based at the Embassy/DAO/MAG is hitting military retirement, he knows Larry who flies the spook B-200. He gets hired. Etc.

"CIA Air Wing" is seperate organization from State Department Aviation/NAS, which flies a variety of airplanes also.

FYI

 

[Mamma]

You don't call them for an interview...they call you. That is how it works. If you get hired, you live with a STU-III next to your bed. You get a call and you kiss the wife goodbye. You have no idea where you are going or when you will be home. Huge sacrifice for someone with a family. As said before, you have to know someone...or actually, someone has to know you.

 

[GVFlyer]

Fortunately, none of you guys know what you're talking about.

GV