state trooper flying jobs - state flying jobs
08-08-2008, 04:58 AM
#1
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Posts: 80
state trooper flying jobs - state flying jobs
Anyone know how to get a gig flying as a state trooper. I know here in ohio they fly around in 182s. Also, I know there was a thread before, but any idea on how to get into the flight ops for the state?
08-08-2008, 08:22 AM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,835
I looked into flying for the Oklahoma Sate Highway Patrol back in the late 80's. They flew a few Single engine types and a King Air for the Gov. When I was looking into it they told me that you had to be a trooper (like mentioned above) and that I would have to spend 5 YEARS on the ground in a patrol car before I could even look into the aviation unit - no matter what qualification you held.
USMCFLYR
USMCFLYR
08-08-2008, 08:45 AM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2007
Position: Whale FO
Posts: 265
When I was in North Carolina last winter there was a patrol helicopter and I spoke with them how they got their helicopter spot and they told me that all the flying they do is voluntary and on top of their normal police duties.
08-08-2008, 09:15 AM
#5
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2008
Posts: 59
What part of North Carolina? That's where I'm employed as an officer. Anyway- most law Enforcement flying jobs are very senior positions. I flew with the Miami-metro dade unit last month and all of those guys were 30+ years. A couple of the guys told me that if they had to go back to patrol they would retire.
08-08-2008, 05:21 PM
#8
Line Holder
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Posts: 33
Most LE jobs require you to be a cop first and a pilot second. Many officers assigned to the various units have been officers for 10 plus years before getting on the air units. So you better love being an officer. Because if all you want to do is fly, you will be very disappointed. Plus there is a very political side to getting in the units. May not be right, but that is just the way it is.
08-08-2008, 06:40 PM
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Posts: 117
Originally Posted by flyingfalcon401
Anyone know how to get a gig flying as a state trooper. I know here in ohio they fly around in 182s. Also, I know there was a thread before, but any idea on how to get into the flight ops for the state?
There are significant differences between flying jobs that are for State or local governments, and State or local law enforcement agency flying jobs. The former primarily use civilian pilots. But the vast majority of law enforcement flying jobs, whether for a State, City or County law enforcement agency, require you to be a cop first, and have "time on the street" before you can even apply for a position with the Aviation Unit. (Yes, there are exceptions to this; but not many.) On my Dept, the average cop has a minimum of 8 - 10 years on the job before they are even competitive applicants for assignment to the Aviation Unit. For more info, you might want to visit Airborne Law Enforcement Association - ALEA - Home Page
08-09-2008, 04:40 PM
#10
On Reserve
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Posts: 10
Originally Posted by flyingfalcon401
Anyone know how to get a gig flying as a state trooper. I know here in ohio they fly around in 182s. Also, I know there was a thread before, but any idea on how to get into the flight ops for the state?
In Ohio, you have to go to the academy at the fairgrounds in Columbus as a cadet, then drive a car for about 2 years before you can get a flying job.-- If you contact any OSP post, they can connect you with a recruiter.
