Looking to be accepted as a worker at the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) as a Federal Air Marshal? This page will help you gain a deeper understanding of the FAM hiring process. It includes a detailed guide discussing the benefits of being a FAM, the main functions of the job, and the process of hiring.
Don’t leave your success up to chance practice for the TSA CBT assessment using free sample questions, today!
Your questions about modern-day air marshals answered
14 questions about working at Federal Air Marshal Service
What is the work environment and culture like at Federal Air Marshal Service?
It’s a toxic environment unless policy changes. FAM needs to move into more acceptance of people and remove those that stuck in old values and traditions with little to no growth mindset.
What is the best part of working at Federal Air Marshal Service?
Pay
How are the working hours at Federal Air Marshal Service?
Intermittent and very fluid.
If you were to leave Federal Air Marshal Service, what would be the reason?
Retirement
Is there and age limit?
37 unless you have previous LEO experience
How should I prepare for an interview at Federal Air Marshal Service?
Prepare yourself by being honest with yourself about your past experiences. Be able to identify your integrity.
What is the vacation policy like at Federal Air Marshal Service? How many vacation days do you get per year?
The same as all US Gov’t employees. It’s a sliding scale based upon years of service. 4 hours per pay period in the beginning (26 pay periods per year). 6 hours accrued per pay period after (?) 6 years, I believe. The last increase is to 8 hours per pay period.
How do you feel about the future of Federal Air Marshal Service?
With the political climate being what it is today, I feel strongly that the need for these professionals is as strong now as when the agency began.
What advice would you give the CEO of Federal Air Marshal Service about how to improve it?
Listen to the boots on the ground. Provide your employees with the equipment to do the job.
Interviews for Top Jobs at US Marshals Service
Investigative Analyst Interview
I applied online. I interviewed at US Marshals Service
Interview
It was very stiff, no feedback. The questions were directly related to the announcement and whether I had experience doing those things. None of the typical interview questions at all.
- So you have experience doing these specific things?
Criminal Program Specialist Interview
The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at US Marshals Service
Interview
In person panel interview with four interviewers. The interview offered a series of situational and behavioral questions. However questions were not formalized as interviewers did not have unilateral questions it appear that interviewers were making up questions as they went along with scratch paper. Interviewers were generally depressed . I was surprised to hear interviewers tell me that this is a dead-end job and why would you like to come here there is no career potential. Also interviewer said that this job is extremely stressful and high strung. What really surprised me was that the supervisory Special Agent had the unprofessional manner to ask me whether or not I have a criminal history apparently this individual has no experience in equal opportunity loss and what is authorizing policy in regards to questions you ask a potential candidate. more over this individual express that if I had a criminal history you have an opportunity to disclose it right now before we find out. Again this individual has no experience in the hiring process as this information is only privy to the OS 306 as well as only human resources the hiring managers are simply a collector of inforinformageneralistprofessionalaanalyzerjustcollectomind
- What would you do in a stressful situation
Example: “If there was an emergency on my flight, I would first make sure everyone’s safety was ensured. Then, I would assess the situation and determine what resources were available to me. If it was safe to do so, I would try to resolve the issue myself. However, if I needed help, I would ask other air marshals or crew members for assistance. In any case, I would ensure that all passengers were evacuated safely.”
Example: “I am an active member of my local police department’s SWAT team, where I’ve been trained in tactical maneuvers and weapons handling. This has given me valuable experience working with law enforcement officers and other security personnel. In addition, I have extensive knowledge of federal laws regarding air travel, which would help me perform my duties as an air marshal.”
Employers want to know that you’re going to be happy in the position they’re offering. They also want to make sure you’ll be satisfied with your work and how it impacts their company. When answering this question, show them that you care about your own happiness and satisfaction as well as the company’s success.
Example: “I know that air marshals have an important job to do, but I also know that we’re human and can make mistakes. However, I take my role seriously and always strive to uphold the best possible for the air marshal program. If I ever made a mistake, I would immediately apologize and try to make amends. I would also use the situation as a learning experience to help me improve my skills.”
Air marshals often face stressful situations, such as when they have to make a decision that could potentially endanger the lives of others. An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your ability to handle stress and remain calm in emergency situations. In your answer, try to describe how you handled the situation calmly while still making an effective decision.
What Is Involved in the Federal Air Marshal Service and Law Enforcement Hiring Process?
Find job opening that appeals to you and submit the online application. Take a look at this USAJobs site to see which jobs are open in your area. When filling out the application, take your time and answer the short questions in a thorough manner. Once the online application has been submitted, processes, and qualified a credit and criminal history check is conducted.
PILOT INTERVIEW Questions And Answers! (How to PASS an Airline Pilot Interview)
1. What is CRM process as Airline Pilot? The systematic and effective use of all available resources to ensure a desirable outcome and completion of the flight. Focusing on communication, teamwork, task allocation, decision-making and situational awareness. The major contributors in the CRM process are: Dispatchers, flight attendants, maintenance, ATC and of course the cockpit crew.
2. What is the MAP on a non-precision approach? Non-precision: MAP is usually visually identified by a capitol and bold “M” in the Jepps or at the end of the solid line on NOS. There are several ways to id the MAP: Published DME at the MAP, Navaid such as the middle marker (MM), or timing from the FAF
3. What is the importance of proficiency in several languages for a pilot? A private pilot may limit himself to knowledge of English good enough to understand control towers. Other pilots, being more publicly involved figures by necessity, greatly benefit from knowing more than one language.
4. What is your Proudest accomplishment? Becoming a pilot and graduating from college as to be the biggest accomplish so far.
5. What is the 1-2-3 rule? Requirements for filing an alternate. 1-2-3: 1hr before to 1hr after estimated time of arrival, the weather must be forecast to be 2000′ ceiling and 3SM vis.
6. What makes a good captain or what do you expect from a Captain? one that is knowledgeable, decisive, conservative and safety conscious, good people skills, superior communication skills, solid piloting skills, can manage stress and avoid confrontation
7. List your qualifications as a pilot? Besides relevant college degree(s), pilots graduate from flying school and participate in annual additional training.
8. What is GRID MORA? It’s an altitude derived by Jepp or provided by state authorities. If derived by Jepp, Grid MORA clear all terrain and structures by 1000′ in areas where highest elevations are 5000′ MSL or lower. MORA values clear all terrain and structures by 2000′ in areas where highest elevations are 5001′ MSL or higher. Grid MORA (State) altitude supplied by the State Authority provides 2000′ clearance in mountainous areas and 1000′ in non-mountainous areas. Also… a +/- denote doubtful accuracy but are believed to provide sufficient reference point clearance.
9. What is the definition of CRM? CRM is a system which allows optimum use of all available resources – equipment, procedures, interpersonal communication, team work – all to promote safety and enhance efficiency in operations
10. What is Vso of your most recent aircraft? Cessna 172 is 41Kts
11. What is the max distance from the runway if you were to circle to land? Depends on your speed
12. Have you applied anywhere else? Just be honest on this one. If you are in the job hunt, it’s normal to apply to several companies. It’s great to tell them that Cathay is your top choice, but it would be suspect to say Cathay is your only choice.
13. What is mach tuck? As the aircraft reaches critical mach the nose of the aircraft tends to pitch downwards due to the flow of air over the wing reaching supersonic speeds producing additional life and center of pressure moving rearward. As the center of pressure moves rearward the elevators become less effective, pushing the aircraft into a potentially unrecoverable dive.
14. What is tower’s NORDO signal to be cleared to land? Steady green
15. What is VMCG? minimum speed control in the ground
16. What is the difference between Blue, Green Airports? blue is IFR (has approaches) green is VFR (no approaches)
17. What is GRADIENT CLIMB? 3%
18. What is VMCA? Minimun Speed Control in the Air
19. What is windshear? its a change on direction and speed of the wind
20. What is MOCA? Minimum Obstacle Clearance that provides obstable clearance between Vor airways. It also ensures VOR coverage 22nm from the nearest VOR
21. What is hyperventilation? hyperventilation is when the body has too much Oxygen and not enough Co2
22. Ever had an emergency? yes, many over the years
23. Pilots have many simultaneous responsibilities during the flight. What can you tell me about this? Pilots navigate the flight, observe and direct the activities of the crew, check instruments, keep an eye on the weather, and monitor altitude and air traffic. Doing all these and more, often simultaneously, requires outstanding multi-tasking skills and power of concentration.
24. What are the max airspeeds in C airspace? 200 KIAS within 4 NM of Primary Class C Airport
25. How would you behave as the pilot of a plane during an emergency? Describe first what your emotional response would be. It is important to demonstrate, preferably through examples, that you can maintain your poise during such events, and that you possess enough presence of mind to activate emergency procedures and delegate duties among crew members as necessary.
26. Where do you see yourself in 6 months? with your company
27. Did you ever have to modify the flight course in the past? Pilots are able to modify the course in flight, if this is dictated by internal or external conditions. This is not a small responsibility and needs careful coordination with control towers and scrupulous attention to detail.
28. What Is V2? takeoff safety speed
29. What Is Max A/s In Class C? Airspeed maximum of 200 knots indicated within 4 nautical or 5 statute miles and 2500 feet above the ground of the primary airport.
30. What Are The Cdi/raim Sensitivities Of A Gps Outside 30nm? Inside 30nm? +- 5 mi +- 1 mi
31. What Is The Effect Of Aft Cg On Performance? rearward Cg gives better fuel efficiency
32. What Is An Lda? a precision approach that is offset from the runway, it may have GS
33. Where Is The Faf On A Vor/ils Approach? On a VOR approach, the FAP is whenever you are established on course inbound and the final decent may be started. For non-precision approaches, the FAF is the “Maltese Cross” and for precision, the arrow which identifies the GS intercept.
34. Why Cape Air? big airline paneer
35. What Kind Of Airspace Is Around Lax? Class B. Very congested airspace.
36. What Is V1? Take off decision speed
37. What is hypoxia? Lack of oxygen to body tissues
38. Why do you like Compass? I like the new modern equipment and I like the fact that it’s got flow through to/ is part of Northwest.
39. What is a squall line? It is a continuous narrow line active of thunderstorms ahead of cold front but can develop far removed of any front. May be too long to detour, too thick to penetrate. It forms very rapidly reach Max intensity in late afternoon or early evening. IT IS THE SINGLE MOST INTENSE WEATHER HAZARD FOR AIRCRAFT.
40. Why do you want to work for Allegiant? growing company, day trips, upgrade potential
41. Why Ameriflight? I’d like to fly cargo and gain the single-pilot IFR experience
42. Did you ever have a problem with an F/O? Yes
43. What is your clearance limit when cleared for the approach and then you loose coms? The published hold on the missed.
44. What is MEA? Minimum En Route Altitude, lowest altitude on that airway that assures obstacle clearance and acceptable navigational reception.
45. What is Definition of V2? Single engine climb speed until safe altitude or clear of obstacles
46. What is Definition of V1? on a balance runway it is the last chance for you to decide not to go if you have and emergency and still stop on the runway according to the air data
47. What is the definition of Hypoxia? Not enough Oxygen
48. What is the seating capacity of the Dash 8 100 and 300 and how many flight attendants you need? DA-100 (37) DA-300 (50) FA 1
49. Tell me the biggest factor as far as fuel conservation goes as it relates to a jet engine? TSFC thrust specific fuel consumption which directly inperpolates to power setting and altitude. Higher you climb the less fuel required. Throttle settings also have a say in conservation and relates more to maintenance issues which is why full throttle takeoffs are rarely done.
50. What qualities make a good captain? Confident, Diligent, Good CRM skills, Good Problem Solver
51. What’s your choice of base? PDX or Seattle
52. World Airways Pilot Interview Questions:
53. Flight Express Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
54. Lion Air Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
55. LAN Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
56. Miami Air International Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
57. Mokulele Airlines Pilot Interview Questions:
58. Ryan International Airlines Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
59. Seaborne Airlines Pilot Interview Questions:
60. XOJET Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
FAQ
Is it hard to be a federal air marshal?
This job requires quite a bit of training and the physical demands can be tough at times. You are required to travel routinely and spend a great deal of time away from home, essentially living out of a suitcase the job pays well and is quite rewarding if you don’t mind the travel.
How long does it take to get hired as a federal air marshal?
Do Federal air marshals fly on every plane?
Do air marshals have special guns?
