U.S. Customs Aviation

[Spartus]

Thanks

I've put my app in too and just wanted to say thanks to forrest and all those that put up all the good info.

One quick question where can I find information on the training process so in the event I'm offered a position a year down the road i'm prepared for the training, i.e. book work and physical training.

thanks guys

 

[steveg]

Go to www.FLETC.gov

Thats the school in GA, I believe it's 19 weeks. Anyone know if we will be told our points? Or do they just call/not call for interview.

Thanks and Good luck to all

 

[Forrest]

Sorry for the delayed replys, been out of town. The Navy uses Flight Safety in St Louis for C-9s, and Customs uses Flight Safety for the C-T210, C-12, and C-550. As far as the training it is a 19 now 21 week training course/police academy in GA. FLETC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center). It is nothing like boot camp, but you do wear somewhat of a uniform and go to class all day. Most of it is pretty cool, but South GA gets old after a while. Lots of shooting guns and studying the 4,5, and 6th amendment. As far as carrying a gun on and off the job. Well you have to wear it with your uniform, but there is a 50-50 split of folks that carry off duty. Most of the former cops do and the rest of us...well I guess the best answer is you can pack heat when ever you want to. Hey it helps when flying Southwest for the early bording.

 

[satpak77]

bring a car to FLETC

if thats one thing you remember to do, bring a car

 

[Spartus]

Does anyone know where we can find info on the interview process. In the event I get and interview I'd like to be as prepared as possible. Thanks

 

[IP076]

Quick Question...

What's the physical fitness part of the training like? Pretty intense or no? I'd imagine its not Navy SEAL style, but there has to be something right?

 

[donger]

deleted

 

[IP076]

OK, so, a little confused here...

On the USA Jobs site under 2181, is that the application packet they want or should I Look somewhere else?

Thanks in Advance

 

[Forrest]

Yes the job series is 2181
http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/jo...v&tm=30d&FedEmp=N&vw=d&brd=3876&ss=0&FedPub=Y
You have to supply all the info requested.
As far as locations the Non-P3s are in: San Diego, El Paso, Houston, San Antonio, Tuscon, Riverside, Phoenix, San Angelo, Albuquerque, New Orleans, Pensacola, Kansas City, Jacksonville FL, Miami, Ronkonkoma NY, Puerto Rico, Belingham WA, Sacremento CA.

 

[USC***]

Other than the letter saying they got your application package, has anyone heard from US Customs who applied? I know it's a long process, I was just curious.

 

[AceCrackshot]

As I stated eariler, standby to wait. Actually, I must say that dealing with the DEU up in Ft. Snelling has been very nice. Very responsive and friendly. I figure on hearing about a potential interview end of FEB/beginning of MAR.

Does anyone know about the rumor of BICE getting the mighty, mighty Dash? Will they go to the dome units or will the interdiction guys get them?

 

[calfo]

I flew for customs for ten years 1988 - 1998. I quit as soon as the opportunity presented itself - the same as about a third of the rest of the pilots did in the late 90's.

From what I hear from the guys that are still there, is that they still spend a lot of time away from home TDY. That's what made most of us quit years ago. We were being sent to Mexico, Panama and South America for up to four months a year - for thirty days at a time. Now, I hear, the foreign stuff has slowed, but domestic TDY is heavy. Plan for a lot of time at the DC air branch at DCA. You can hear them on ATC using call sign "Omaha". I guess they chase Cessna's, etc. out of P-56...

The pay was okay, but the overtime rules are inane and stupid - that is to say they are governmental.

As I recall, I flew about 200 hours, or so, per year... the rest of the time is spent doing busywork - collateral duties, standing by as part of the Blackhawk crew in nomex, putting up with the fitness program, etc..

There were a number of accidents - mostly caused by ineptness. A branch chief ran a Cessna 210 out of gas over the gulf - they fished him out after a swim. A Blackhawk hit the ocean off of Puerto Rico and a friend of mine never got out (George Saenz) - that was in the early 90's. Another in Tucson (where I was) a guy was racing the Citation for the runway at Davis-Monthan in a customs Cessna 404 with the throttles idled and the mixtures full rich - he fouled the plugs so badly that he ran out of airspeed, altitude and ideas on a quarter-mile final and wiped the airplane out.

If anybody would like answers to anything about customs, I'd be happy to answer.

--Phil Sasak ([email protected])

 

[2LT]

ICE Scores

Just answered the knock at the door -- got my score. I'll put myself out there: 91 for Airplane Pilot GS-11, and an IQ Rating for Aircraft Pilot w/ the explanation that I'm not qualified for such since I'm not licensed in choppers. This score was w/out a mil preference -- all civilian fixed wing. I also received a letter stating that I'm to notify them of my ability to RFD by 17Feb05. Inability to do so is declining further consideration. Well, who else got scores?

 

[Spartus]

93 all civ fixed wing no military. Does anyone know if its out of 100?

 

[2LT]

Yep, out of 100. 70 points if you're basically qualified -- the additional 30 come from the 'quality ranking factors.'

 

[AceCrackshot]

95 All civ fixed wing, no military flight time

 

[steveg]

94 same other stuff

Good luck to everyone!

 

[ChichiAV8B]

Two guys from my squadron got their scores today. One got 101 and the other 102. The highest I've seen. I wonder what the cutting score will be.

 

[Hornetkid]

Got mine also

Got my Points,

Same as LT about the IQ for rotor wing stuff and the reply card.

102 points fixed wing.

Military and some civilian

Kid

 

[USC***]

Any idea when interviews may be and what the interviews are like.

What type of plane do you fly for the interview and what maneuvers do we need to do. Also what type of questions are asked? Are there systems, FAR's, or just 'get to know you' type questions?