How to become an FE

[transpac]

"Don't quite agree with this quote"

Transpac

Some FSDO's specialize in particular areas. The SAN FSDO has little to do with air carrier/cargo ops and everything to do with GA and 135 operators. Other FSDO's (LAX for instance) are almost exclusively devoted to air carrier operations. That said I'm not surprised the FSDO in question is a bit behind on FE knowledge.

What you're saying was true in the old days when there were separate air carrier offices and general aviation offices. (ACDOs and GADOs) But, today all offices are FSDOs and are staffed and trained to perform both air carrier and general aviation functions. No one is saying that every Inspector is an expert in every subject. But, every Inspector in every FSDO attended basic indoctrination (about four months) in his or her duties and responsibilities, and he or she was subjected to a ton of OJT before being turned loose on the public. In addition to that, every Inspector has a handbook that lists step by step directions for every conceivable task he or she might perform. Might be some debate on this, but I believe reading comprehension is at least average in the Inspector ranks. Further, there are regional specialists available by phone to clear up matters that might be a little hazy. FE certification is a bit short of rocket science, so I remain doubtful that any FSDO Inspector would come up with an answer so comletely wrong.

 

[Russ]

I think you will find it holds true under the combined FSDO title.
I'm trying to get hired by a particular FSDO. All my air carrier time is of no use at this office as they don't do air carrier surveilence. Do they technically have the ability to inspect airlines, yes. Do they, when traveling to and from meetings, training, etc. Is it thrir bread and butter, no. As with anything if you don't use it, you start to lose it. Don't deal with technical issues such as FE requirements and you become rusty. I suppose the same could be said of an office that does mostly air carrier inspections. Ask them something about CFI initial and see the answer you get.

 

[transpac]

I think you will find it holds true under the combined FSDO title.
I'm trying to get hired by a particular FSDO. All my air carrier time is of no use at this office as they don't do air carrier surveilence. Do they technically have the ability to inspect airlines, yes. Do they, when traveling to and from meetings, training, etc. Is it thrir bread and butter, no. As with anything if you don't use it, you start to lose it. Don't deal with technical issues such as FE requirements and you become rusty. I suppose the same could be said of an office that does mostly air carrier inspections. Ask them something about CFI initial and see the answer you get.

There are exceptions to every plan, but the FSDO concept was envisioned to result in dual qualified offices. I'm sure there are others, but one FSDO in Ohio has never got past being a GADO. They farm out all the air carrier work in their district to other offices.

 

[metrodriver]

You can also get just your f/e written, and as part of your airline training do your checkride and get your license. That's how I got mine on the B727. My current company employs PFE's, most have a KC10 background, don't know how they did their conversion