TSB Hiring

[JigglyBus]

I just noticed that the TSB has a posting for an investigator (operational/pilot) in BC.

ow.ly/NJAJ7

https://emploisfp-psjobs.cfp-psc.gc.ca/ ... anguage=en

Figured it was kinda relevant to the accident/incident page.

[AirFrame]

Does anyone know why it's necessary to have an ATPL or Commercial-Helicopter rating for this job? Do you actually do any flying in the role? It's not clear from the job posting that that would be one of the job duties.

Is it just so you have a knowledge of Commercial flight ops and procedures?

[switchflicker]

TSB, just like TC pilot employees do very little flying, but the job description includes ATPL fixed or rotor wing so that the investigator at least has a clue about cockpit things. Plus I know I would like my peers to be investigating any accident I might have. They also hire AMEs for the same reasons. From what I've seen though, the move is toward generalists who have some schooling and zero real life experience in the assigned job. Back to those horrid checklists I guess!

[Meatservo]

Does it seem like they are really trying to say that they are specifically looking for a helicopter pilot for this position? They say they want an ATPL-A with an instrument rating, but don't have a time requirement. But then they have all kinds of different requirements for a helicopter pilot, like various types, long-line, mountain, training pilots, etc.

Is this their way of saying they really really want a helicopter man/woman to apply for this job? I've always wanted to work for the TSB but I'm just an aeroplane man.

[2R]

I would have thought a strong stomach would be required. Having seen some of those crispy critters at crash sites ,the ability to not vomit when looking at the horror of some crashes might be a skill set requirement.

One of my best buds was a rov pilot that did some underwater crash investigations ,he drank himself to a stupor every night trying to get the pictures of the bloated body parts out of his head. That was before they called it PSTD .It took him years to get over it.

Not a job for those who take offence easily. Strong stomach ,thick skin, and a tenacious desire to find the truth might be high on the candidate requirements.

[Meatservo]

Maybe for the right person, having to witness such horrible things would strengthen their resolve to do what they can to prevent things like that from happening.

[lownslow]

I imagine the TSB may have quotas for the backgrounds of who they employ. A good friend of mine got on as an investigator a couple years ago and his background was maintenance. In this case, perhaps a 'helicopter guy' retired and they want to fill the position with someone of similar experience so that the next helicopter accident doesn't have a circle of fixed wing guys (or even boat/train guys) standing there and scratching their heads.

If the TSB is your dream job either apply for this spot anyways and hope you get lucky or wait until they post something you fit in.

[xsbank]

The TSB would be a great chance to have a meaningful career. Instead of just driving people about you would have a real mix of duties and you would be learning lots of interesting things. Just don't expect more flying than the bare minimum to stay current. Yes, there would be some exposure to death and lots of destruction, think of the year put in by the investigators at Peggy's Cove; not investigating a site, you would be home every night, out on a site, overtime! Then there is the pension...

I'd go if I had it all to do over again.

[AirFrame]

Just don't expect more flying than the bare minimum to stay current.

It's my understanding that TSB employees (investigators, anyway) don't fly themselves at all as part of their roles. The licensing requirement is to establish a background of experience, not something you'll be paid to maintain.

[xsbank]

When I looked at them nearly 20 years ago they still flew around in circles on the Citations and other junk they had, to keep their licenses.

I can't see how they could ask for licenses and just let them expire. Makes no sense.

I'm not current.

[Taiser]

Sounds like a "Tailor" made government application. Happens all the time. They have someone in mind and tailor make the requirements for who they want for the job... For example, I have 15 years of police forensic experience with traffic collision experience as well, I was an AME before that and have a pilot license (only private mind you) but couldn't apply for this job, according to their requirements... Happens all the time for government jobs...

[Meatservo]

You have a pretty impressive resume, but I guess if they are investigating why a helicopter with a sling load smacked into a hill... collision forensic experience will help you determine that the hill is what did him in.... but not what he did to make the hill mad at him!

[Taiser]

Learned a long time ago not to feed the trolls... especially sarcastic ones.

[Meatservo]

I'm not a troll! I'm agreeing with you- they were fishing for an experienced helicopter pilot to fill this position. I'm just pointing out that despite your background in forensics, if you're not a helicopter pilot you aren't going to qualify, and I don't think you ought to be surprised by that. Your post made it sound like you thought you might be a better candidate.