SkyHigh

I started my career in Alaska. Almost half the guys who I started with as a CFI are dead from plane crashes.

Just last summer I turned down a job to fly in Alaska. The guy who took it died during a training event along with another guy I knew from years back.

It depends on the job.

Skyhigh

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Pilots are paid for what they will do, not for what they can do.

celticpilot

I wish we did have an air unit where I worked. I was with the Glendale Police Department in Glendale, Az for 13 years. It is true that my favorite times where my first 3 years on graves as a Patrol Officer, my first year as a patrol Sergeant. I loved my people, my brother and sister officers. They were (still are) my family.

But I have always looked to the sky. I got my Commercial while working for the PD. And after alot of thought (not wanting to promote to Lt), a divorce, and much sleepless nights, I decided it was time for a change. I am a flight instructor now and have been for about a year and a half. I fly supercubs on dirt strips quite a bit and will be flying and teaching aerobatics by the end of summer.

For me this is a blast. I have been blessed to have lived a life of excitement. As a Police Officer and now as a pilot. And I miss my cop family more then most will ever know. But I am very happy at what I do now (though the money or lack there of sucks).

The grass is always greener. But it is all what you make of it. I left making about 80ish in Arizona with full benefits. And now make about 30 with nothing. But I am happier and much less stressed (Admin sucked).

To those thinking of Public Safety (Police or Fire) they are fantastic and I would highly recommend them. For me it was just time for a change.

SkyHigh

I liked this story about how a former police officer with a Husky was able to save a mans life. He went on to say that if he had been in his Mooney that day he would not have been able to help the guy.

It is great that he can afford two planes.

AOPA Online: Husky pilot helps rescue man dying in desert

SkyHigh

__________________
Pilots are paid for what they will do, not for what they can do.

vagabond

We have all been going around and around here. At the end of the day, where you are in life is a result of hard work, motivation, passion, influence, lots of luck and probably the alignment of the stars the day you were conceived. My father stayed with one career his entire life. He started out as an office boy, moved to foreign countries with his young wife and children when the company tapped him on the shoulder, and ended up Senior VP years later. Yet, he was very encouraging when I gave up a successful career to become a lawyer. It hadn't been easy, but with the support of my husband, family and friends, I am where I am today.

There is a place for each of us in this world. Some will enter aviation with hopes and dreams, only to see them dashed. Others will persevere and move from one airline to another, while others will change careers altogether. Nothing wrong with any of this. You make decisions based on research, inquiries and with the best information available to you at the time.

Because of my job, I meet all kinds of people - judges, police officers, doctors, ditch diggers, and everyone else in between. They are like you and me, who want to have a job that supports a comfortable lifestyle, raise good, moral children, work hard, live a good life, and have fun doing so. They are not always happy about their jobs, but overall, they made the best decision for themselves.

And now, I heard the Washington State Patrol is still desperate for a few good men (and women)!

ChinookDriver47

Sure, If you want to be AAA with a badge.

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Yeah, that's right baby...I'm a Hooker, too.

mswmsw

So, what is your other career, ChinookDriver47? Based on your post, I think I could hazard a pretty good guess! (In Calif, we used to say "AAA with a gun"; but they are very sensitive these days and get offended easily, and I am now Very Politically Correct and don't say such things anymore.)

ChinookDriver47

Sensitive, indeed. But, from my understanding, they have a pretty good working relationship with the counties (at least on their end). Most of the county guys I am buds with tell a variety of different stories.

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Yeah, that's right baby...I'm a Hooker, too.