mdt301

It all depends on the rules of the department, and the state in which you are trying to get hired.

mdt

8v8tr

Hey guys, though I would put in my 2 cents worth of info. I was furloughed from Airtran September 2008 and went to work for my local Sheriff's Office. Went through the academy at 33, and it was hard, sort of like boot camp. Recalled in january of 2009, but bypassed. bypassed again in feb, march and april. Recalled again this dec and seriously considering going back.

Here is why, pay sucks (28k), very, very very political. It is all who you know, dont try to give a suggestion or God forbid try to change something as the attitude is we have done it this way for 30 years and we are not going to change it now. Schedule is ok, depending on the shift. I have worked both the 1500-0100 and 2000-0600, both very hard on the family, yes, you are home everyday at some point, however you still dont see them much for four days (just like being gone).
After the glamour wears off, you wake up one day and realize that you are dealing with the 5%ers of society and most of your community contacts are turds who would just assume blow your head off then talk to you.
I too dont really miss the bs with the airline industry and the never ending furloughs, but I must admit that when you look at the long term as to pay and when you can retire, the airlines far outweigh the police life.
Just my humble opinion....hope it helps.,. If you have any questions let me know...

PerfInit

Hey AV8tr...

I can sympathize. It is diffficult for pilots to adjust to a bureaucracy,,,

I have another angle for you to consider, if you have not already. Perhaps combine your desire to fly airplanes with the job security and good retirement benefits of federal law enforcement? I know several that have gone to organizations like the CBP and really like it. They hire alot of folks that have LE experience.

G/L

8v8tr

Thanks Perfinit, I agree it is hard after spending so much time in the business world. Kind of a gut check!!

Actually I have tried to combine the two, however have not had much luck. I have appled to CBP Air Interdiction Agent and never seem to have enough "points" as I am not a vet or have not been in the military.

Also the local Sheriff's Office has a few helos, but it too is very political.

I am going to be 35 in Feb. so I am running out of time on the Fed window so I guess the best thing to do is go back to my first love! Even if I get furloughed again...this time i will be ready for it!

atpwannabe

I think that's called insanity.



atp

mdt301

I am still working as a police officer with the same company. Its odd sometimes when I think about having one employer for that amount of time. Back when I was flying it was nothing to have at least two different employers throughout the year. My quality of life has been very good. I work four days and I am off three not matter what. Unless I want to work some OT. We have a new addition to the family, which we would have never been able to do with my previous flying schedule. I must say looking back over the past four years, I made the right decision to leave the blue sky and beautiful sunrises. I haven't been flying in four years and I am now getting the urge to jump back in the cockpit and fly for fun. It should be interesting to get back into a 172 when I have been out of the game so long. I think I would feel more comfortable back in my MU-2 with two engines rather than a single engine. However, I am pretty sure my skills are not quite to that level anymore. Anyways, just wanted to post an update and hear from anyone who may have a question or two....

Fair winds,
mdt301

PermaFo

Yea but do you still pull a Bob Villa at 2am?

mdt301

Haha nope...by 2am I am headed to bed

Rnav

Nice to hear your doing well. Flying for fun is always better than having someone tell you where to be and what to do.

rickair7777

The younger generation doesn't care for jobs which involve things like punctuality, dress code, physical fitness, drug testing, and limited access to social media.