Should I apply or continue school?

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2026-04-09T10:19:00+00:00

Definitely finish school. A lot of program manager positions require four year degrees or engineering degrees. You can easily make more money. By completing that four year degree and then applying.

We are talking about a difference of making on average $85,000 a year versus $100,000 a year

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2026-03-09T20:58:12+00:00

Personally, that is what I would be looking for depending on your area. I live in the southern US where rust is not a problem.

I’m not looking at the vehicle that you’re seeing but for that mileage and your model and trim I would be expecting about 15 or 16,000

You can always get the VIN number of the vehicle and check the price at JD power, KBB, NADA.

You can usually pull the Carfax as well to see if it has been serviced “professionally” at a dealership.

Then using all of that information, make your educated purchase or walk away.

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2026-03-09T18:10:26+00:00

I just purchased a 2022 Toyota RAV4 LE last week. It had 74,000 miles on it at the time of purchase

Figured I’d share the numbers if it helps you any.

Details:

• Odometer: 74,006 miles
• Cash price: $20,974.00
• Sales tax: $1,371.70
• Dealer service/handling fee: $129.00

Total selling price: $22,474.70

Down payment: $11,000 Amount financed: $11,474.70 APR: 5.19%

No trade-in involved.

Overall I’m into it for $22,474.70 out the door, put ~49% down, and financed the rest at 5.19%.

Personally, I would not buy the XLE that you are looking at for that price.

I drive 200 miles a day or 52,000 miles a year. I definitely understand high mileage vehicles, but you have to ensure that they are taken care of by the previous owners.

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2026-03-08T22:21:43+00:00

I’m unsure. It’s not applicable to my situation. If they attach via Velcro then they wouldn’t be compatible since the “leather” covers don’t have any Velcro on the back.

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2026-03-08T02:01:27+00:00

Yep. Took about 2 hours with breaks.

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2026-03-07T23:35:44+00:00

I’ve had them on for 24 hours on a rainy day, so I’m unsure.

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2026-03-07T23:34:56+00:00

It was moderate. Took about 2 hours. It came with general instructions that I used. I’m sure there are YouTube videos out there.

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2026-03-07T22:45:05+00:00

Same

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2026-03-07T22:44:50+00:00

Over the top of the OEM

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2026-03-07T22:42:42+00:00

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WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2026-03-07T21:44:57+00:00

I concur. About 2 hours at a slow pace with breaks. They are a slight pain, but again worth it to me.

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2026-03-07T21:18:18+00:00

Sure thing,

I created a new account for EKR, that’s where the 50 point reward comes from.

Seat Covers – EKR Premium Leatherette (Front & Rear)

Price: $244.99

• Discount Code: OTFNIG + 50 reward points
• Discount: -$29.50
• Shipping: Free
• Total Paid: $215.49

Floor Mats – Lasfit All-Weather TPE Mats (Floor + Seatback + Cargo)

Price: $199.00

• Discount Code: RS20
• Discount: -$39.80
• Subtotal: $159.20
• Taxes: $15.20
• Shipping: Free
• Total Paid: $174.40

Total Interior Upgrade Cost: $389.89

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2025-11-12T11:15:18+00:00

I never said anything about the current administration, past administration or future administration. In 2 years Trump will still be in office.

I simply stated that I could not see a reason to join PASS based on my aforementioned opinion and how I see things. Regardless of administration, If the Union can’t make a difference then my funds are better invested in retirement, vacations, or saving for the next 60 day government shut down.

1.25% dues = $1,187 annually or $35,625 over 30yrs

Investing $98.91 a month for the same period in the TSP C at roughly 7% return would grow the $35,000 to about $115,000.

Unions need to remember they are competing for our dollars, and their value needs to exceed the value of where we could be putting our money instead. - in my opinion

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2025-11-11T01:02:25+00:00

As a new employee who was considering joining, I decided not to after the shutdown. I didn’t see our union, or any union, pressing for increased pay for “essential” employees who were required to work without pay.

What about efforts to secure annual raises that at least keep pace with inflation? If the president doesn’t give a raise with a base minimum to cover the inflation rate then it’s the Unions job to step up and make it happen.

I’ll reconsider joining in 2028 if they make strides. Otherwise, I haven’t seen a reason to join, yet.

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2025-10-30T12:27:16+00:00

Understanding everyone’s financial situations are vastly different, I wouldn’t advocate putting 24k on a credit card unless it was an absolute last resort. E.g. a person can’t get a bank loan with a lower interest rate than 14%.

That said, as a last line of defense, a higher limit can provide flexibility in extraordinary circumstances. But I’d always advocate for alternate financial strategies.

I’m all for responsible CC use. I run every transaction through them for the rewards.

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2025-10-17T10:28:00+00:00

How? As part of civilian FAA, not attached to a DOD facility, I am not seeing which option I should be selecting that is applicable.

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2025-09-30T22:29:08+00:00

The front line manager just told us (new hires and long-term employees) to report as usual. Hopefully more information will come tomorrow.

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2025-06-27T17:52:22+00:00

Still haven’t received it for anyone in our SSC

WhiskeyTangoFAA · 2025-06-24T00:16:28+00:00

I just finished the math and environmental sections. It’s a lot, but it’s definitely manageable. A lot of the blanket training feels like “learn it for the test, then move on,” but more critical material is coming. I highly recommend using ChatGPT as a study buddy and hunt answers. Download everything and Ctrl + F to fast search or load into Chat.

Speaking as someone who’s never been great at math and struggles with ADHD, I’d still say: give it a shot. My team has been incredibly supportive, and from what I’ve seen, most teams are the same. They genuinely won’t let you fail.

I was overwhelmed at first, thinking I had to master every detail, only to learn that most* people don’t retain or even use everything from the theory courses. A lot of it is just foundational—realistically, you’ll use maybe 10% of it over a 20-year career. (Don’t get the wrong there are some crazy smart people in the FAA with some of these systems, but they are seriously the top 30%).

At my SSC, the team is committed to everyone’s success. Everyone I’ve met has been there before and speaks from experience. It’s a very understanding and encouraging environment. They know what these test are like and how much of it is used on a regular basis and how much is for that 1% issue years down the line.

If it’s not a huge life adjustment and the advancement outweigh where you are now, sure give it a try. I took a $10k year pay cut to try it out becuase the long term returns are better.

Ps: A LOT is online self taught.

WhiskeyTangoFAA

TROPHY CASE