U.S. Customs Aviation

[tyuwerty]

For what its worth I heard approximately 230 applicants before the January priority cut. 40 of those did not meet qualifications. leaving around 190 interviews, to start end of this month or next. Might be a little off with the numbers but they are in the ballpark.

 

[pilotmiller]

Customs

I have some info on the BICE hiring process. I have heard that the cutoff score for this round was 91. I have also heard that some guys are currentyly getting calls for interviews as of Friday, Feb 27. The guys I know that were called were ones that had VERY high scores, but I'm not sure that means anything. They are scheduling interviews for the week of March 8th, but one guy is interviewing March 15th. I understand that they are relatively flexible on the date. If I hear more, I will post.

Brent Miller

 

[Wang Chung]

Any News?

So.....anybody been called for an interview lately? My 93 score (Airplane/FW, all civ) hasn't earned me the call as of yet. Has anybody with a similar score heard anything?

Wang

 

[Hornetkid]

Interviews

Wang,

Interviews are going on this week through April. The first group of calls went out around 1 March and the next group of calls is going out now I believe.

I interview in a few weeks, my points and flight time are listed earlier in this thread

 

[Wang Chung]

Hornet:

Thanks for the reply. Good luck to you and everybody else going thru the process.

 

[USC***]

Any more new interviews? I scored a 94 Airplane, and still have not heard a thing about an interview. The rumor was everyone who scored above 91 would interview.

Thanks for any info.

 

[steveg]

Nothing for me yet either.

 

[lpilot]

Heard rumor that Customs hiring was on a hold due to a budget mess-up. I scored a 95 airplane in the early consideration deadline, no new news. Has anyone heard anything recently? Or does anyone who has interviewed have any additional info?

 

[AceCrackshot]

I have news from the famous source of a normally reliable type...

All people who are going to be interviewed from this vacancy have been interviewed. It looks like they went through the dual qualed apps first, then took a couple of airplane only interviewees. There may be few more interviews to get alternates, but I think that is it for this go around. S*cks, but there it is. Last interview I've heard about was early April.

 

[cvoav8r]

don't hold your breath...

I too was in the early consideration group, had multiple friends on the inside, and great rec's. However...I found out that myself and about forty other applicants were disqualified because the GS-5 employee's in DC, who were responsible for determining eligibility did not understand what an Airline Transport Pilot certificate is and failed to further read the photo copies of my licsenes. My friends in the agency said that I could fight it, but have decided not to waste time or energy on it. I would say that I question the ligitimacy of any organization which puts unqualified people in the position of sorting the very applications that would provide the staffing needed to maintain viability of that organization. I seriously doubt that I myself will waste my time with customs again. Best of luck to you!

 

[FracCapt]

It looks like they went through the dual qualed apps first, then took a couple of airplane only interviewees.

While it sucks for most of you, it's good news to hear for those of us that are already dual qualled and wanting to get into Customs. It does make sense, though - since they operate fixed and rotary wing aircraft, they want pilots qualified in both. I suggest that those of you that are REALLY interested in working for Customs go get your comm/inst helicopter(or airplane if you are only a rotary wing guy).

 

[AceCrackshot]

The only problem with that logic, as I see it Frac, is that I've heard of very qualified rotor guys buying multi time to get to the minima for fixed wing time with Customs (so as to be dual rated).

Anyone would see that 100 hours in a Apache is not exactly the most suitable training for going and hopping in a Cheyenne or Citation, especially with guys with thousands of hours of fixed wing turboprop or jet time on the outside looking in. Moreover, the dual rated thing perversely works against the high time guys, as at least 25% of your total time must be in the other type of aircraft. So to round down my time to 3000 tt, I'd need roughly 750 tt to even put down a potential helo ATP. And lets not even start with the L-188 type requirement for the dome aircraft. I guess its their airplanes and they can fly them as they see fit. Except when they allow 130 or E2 guys to apply anyways. But the whole thing smacks of requirements written to exclude civilian aviators.

This is not to denigrate the guys highly qualed in both aircraft. Or Customs pilots or ICE as a group. However, my point is simply to point a few inconsistances with the process. Or perhaps feel better by ranting.

 

[cvoav8r]

At least...

the mexican police can have business on the side...
I know good guys in the Agency, however having seen alittle of what goes on I think anyone who thinks they are going to make a real difference is probably in delusion. As far as the job, well don't forget that alot of those guys often fly a whopping 200hrs a year in a C206...whao hold me back...good luck

 

[jobear]

Customs just listed openings for more airplane pilots on the USAjobs website, Army is also looking for Fixed wing and rotary wing instructors.

Jobear

 

[Snapper]

There is a restriction for the current open customs jobs on usajobs:

WHO MAY APPLY:
All employees (with competitive status) of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

 

[jobear]

USA jobs website

Bafanguy PM'd me with several questions about the USAjobs website I figured I post the response here to help all who are looking. Hope thats ok Bguy.

1. When searching USAjobs use job code 2181 not a agency specific. 2181 is for Pilot positions fixed and rotary.

2. Fill out an online resume with the site and have the updates e-mailed to you, it saves hours of searching .

3. **IMPORTANT** If you are a VET or displaced federal worker make sure you check that box.

4. Fill out ahead of time an application and save it to your harddrive also, a vets preferance form,and an flight time form.All available from the OPM library.

5. The government will also contract pilot services for fire season; hiring usally finishes for those in early April but I have recieved bid proposals late into the summer.

6. I don't work or fly for the federal government. I started looking into this when I was furloughed post 9-11 and kinda kept looking for fun. And honestly some of those jobs look really fun(as my wife has heart failure )

Take care
Jobear