Originally Posted by buffalopilot
How does it take 10 years to reach cop pay. Police make $38000 starting where i live. My uncle was a police lieutenant and made $80000 his last year after 30 years working with a hell of alot of overtime. You all are very misinformed on pay scales for other careers. A regional starting CA making 65000 year is more than most people make in the US. I dont know where you get this info, especially SKYHigh's info, but you need to come back to earth and face the reality of other careers. SkyHIgh, Just because flying was not what you expected dont ruin it for others. For every idiot who knocks the profession there are 10 guys who love it!! ALSO, I am a Physician Assistant with 8 years of college making 31 dollars an hour. $72000 year, wow!! Thats medicine too.,
A typical pilot career takes 1-3 years to get the ratings followed by 1-4 years as a CFI then on to 2-5 years as a regional FO before upgrade. Police and fire in my area start at around 36-50K and go up from there. An average regional captain starts at someplace between 38 and 44K and takes an average of ten years total investment in flight training and experience ergo the ten years. In addition most of the time a four year degree is required so if you choose you could tack on an additional 4 to 5 years. As a cop or fire candidate few are required to have a degree. Sometimes only a weekend of testing is required to get on the list.
In conclusion a few of my pilot friends have become cops and are much happier now. They own homes, travel trailers, take vacations, have real health insurance are raising families and enjoy opening their retirement statements and watch it grow every month.
SkyHigh