Airline to law enforcement
06-19-2015, 02:02 PM
#71
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Posts: 144
Hello,
I just got done reading through all 7 pages of this thread. I hate to resurrect an old thread but I was thinking about some things recently.
I'm currently employed at state LE aviation unit as a fixed-wing pilot/TFO. While the job is stable, offers good retirement/pension, pretty much all the things a government job offer. I can't help but think about making the jump to 121 flying. I would have to go to a regional to start but with the quick upgrades and movement, the potentional for making a lot more money is likely.
I'm 34 and only have 5 years in so I could go in about 15 and get a pension, etc. so I would be 49 years old.
My question is with the current state of the industry, would the potential of making a lot more money at a major, LCC outweigh that of a government pension?
Naturally you are away from home more at an airline, but they seem to have more days off than an LE.
I know everyone's case is different, but I was just curious of everyone's opinion.
Thanks
I just got done reading through all 7 pages of this thread. I hate to resurrect an old thread but I was thinking about some things recently.
I'm currently employed at state LE aviation unit as a fixed-wing pilot/TFO. While the job is stable, offers good retirement/pension, pretty much all the things a government job offer. I can't help but think about making the jump to 121 flying. I would have to go to a regional to start but with the quick upgrades and movement, the potentional for making a lot more money is likely.
I'm 34 and only have 5 years in so I could go in about 15 and get a pension, etc. so I would be 49 years old.
My question is with the current state of the industry, would the potential of making a lot more money at a major, LCC outweigh that of a government pension?
Naturally you are away from home more at an airline, but they seem to have more days off than an LE.
I know everyone's case is different, but I was just curious of everyone's opinion.
Thanks
06-24-2015, 10:01 AM
#74
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jan 2014
Position: 747
Posts: 69
Originally Posted by kls81
Hello,
I just got done reading through all 7 pages of this thread. I hate to resurrect an old thread but I was thinking about some things recently.
I'm currently employed at state LE aviation unit as a fixed-wing pilot/TFO. While the job is stable, offers good retirement/pension, pretty much all the things a government job offer. I can't help but think about making the jump to 121 flying. I would have to go to a regional to start but with the quick upgrades and movement, the potentional for making a lot more money is likely.
I'm 34 and only have 5 years in so I could go in about 15 and get a pension, etc. so I would be 49 years old.
My question is with the current state of the industry, would the potential of making a lot more money at a major, LCC outweigh that of a government pension?
Naturally you are away from home more at an airline, but they seem to have more days off than an LE.
I know everyone's case is different, but I was just curious of everyone's opinion.
Thanks
I just got done reading through all 7 pages of this thread. I hate to resurrect an old thread but I was thinking about some things recently.
I'm currently employed at state LE aviation unit as a fixed-wing pilot/TFO. While the job is stable, offers good retirement/pension, pretty much all the things a government job offer. I can't help but think about making the jump to 121 flying. I would have to go to a regional to start but with the quick upgrades and movement, the potentional for making a lot more money is likely.
I'm 34 and only have 5 years in so I could go in about 15 and get a pension, etc. so I would be 49 years old.
My question is with the current state of the industry, would the potential of making a lot more money at a major, LCC outweigh that of a government pension?
Naturally you are away from home more at an airline, but they seem to have more days off than an LE.
I know everyone's case is different, but I was just curious of everyone's opinion.
Thanks
I am 32 and was 121 for a couple years, went into law enforcement (non aviation side) for 4 years and then back to 121. I don't regret my decision to go back to 121 at all, although there are days I do miss being a cop......until I think about dealing with the family fight or bs fraud call and the associated paperwork along with the political bs that is city government.
You could potentially do the 15 and get your retirement and then go 121 and be better off since you would have the retirement income, however as you already know, this and the coming 5-10 years is as good as anytime to get in while you can. While the state retirement is a nice thing to have, depending on what state your in it may not be there in 15 years but I digress, you could make more overal income and retirement going 121 and make it to a LCC or major.
What are your times and quals like by the way?
In the end it's all about being happy and making the decision that is best for you.
PM me if you want some more insight and I will give you my number and we can chat some more about it.
11-08-2015, 08:49 PM
#76
Line Holder
Joined APC: Aug 2008
Posts: 28
Originally Posted by NYBE20
Hey everyone. I'm new to the boards. Quick run down on me.... I flew 135 then on to the regionals and now I am in my 5th year as a full time Police Officer. My goal 5 years ago was simple, have a steady career as a police officer and return in 20 years at age 45. Collect a tax free pension with incredible medical benefits and return flying knowing that I had a stable financial background to support the up's and down's. I am happy with my job, but at the end of the day it is just that.... a job. I'm compensated well with overtime and have a strong union contract that supports me and my profession. However, looking back at my decision to leave aviation only to return later feels a little less realistic everyday. My currency of flying dwindles more and more every year. I keep my CFI certificate's unexpired but really do not have as much free time as I thought I would to fly. Sometimes I wish I did because it would be a nice escape from the busy city that I work in. If someone were to offer me a job right now back flying it would be hard to turn down. But since that won't happen my plan is to stay the course, finish out the next 15 years happy and safe, and hopefully get back into the saddle someday. If anyone has any law enforcement specific questions about the transition from flying to policing I'm more than happy to help.
11-20-2015, 10:01 AM
#78
Line Holder
Joined APC: Feb 2015
Posts: 33
I was at a 121 regional left due to commute and could not find anyone hiring at that time. I kepty currency flying teaching, ferry flying etc. Now I'm flying as a captain part time as well as LE. Building my time again. Once I can get back to a good 121 I would leave. I'm vested and in the calpers system. It can be done!
07-05-2016, 01:06 AM
#79
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2012
Position: Airplane
Posts: 683
Sorry for the old thread, even though it is only 5 down in this section...are there a lot of 121 pilots who also do LE on the side? I've always had an interest in policing and see that my city has a police reserve program to work major events, holidays, disasters, and etc.
09-25-2016, 07:18 PM
#80
Ref +8
Joined APC: Aug 2007
Position: North by Midwest
Posts: 383
Originally Posted by Fourpaw
Sorry for the old thread, even though it is only 5 down in this section...are there a lot of 121 pilots who also do LE on the side? I've always had an interest in policing and see that my city has a police reserve program to work major events, holidays, disasters, and etc.
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