Fixed-wing V. Helos

[phrogdriver]

I'm a Marine helicopter pilot interested in the possibility of flying for law enforcement at the conclusion of my obligation in about 2 1/2 years. I currently have about 1200 hours, 1000 in rotary wing and 100 in single-engine turboprop fixed wing (from primary flight training). I have my commercial and instrument tickets in rotocraft and SE airplanes.

I may have the opportunity to instruct in helicopters (for advance flight training) or single-engine fixed-wing (primary training, i.e. beginner training). In either, I would expect to get another 250-350 hours a year. Which would help me more in getting a job in law enforcement aviation on the outside? Any information or examples would be appreciated.

[parcellspost]

This has no relation to your post here but I read the last one you had. I live up here in Alaska and know the Troopers are always hiring single engine pilots. They even hire a helicopter pilot every now and then. Don't know what you think about Alaska but I can give you a website to get more info.
Have a good one and Semper Fi
Lance

[Tampa_#63]

My advice would be for you to go the helicopter route. The majority of LE agencies that have aviation assets, fly rotary-wing aircraft. Also, Toppdog is correct on the reasons he stated for going Helo's. 1500 hours of helicopter time seems to be a magic number that a lot of LE agencies like to see prospective police pilots have. Going with helicopters would put you very close, if not give you this magic number, and make you much more marketable for LE pilot positions, in my opinion.

I was a pilot in the Army, and have worked as an LE pilot for 6 years. I'm currently a police pilot with my department. Most LE agencies require you to work the street anywhere from 1 to 3 years before tranferring you to their aviation unit as a pilot. There are some that will hire you as a pilot first, then send you to their academy to become LE certified.

There are two websites that show want ads for LE pilots. One is at www.Justhelicopters.com, and the other is the site for the Airborne Law Enforcement Association at www.ALEA.org. Let me know if I can be of further assistance through this board or by sending me a PM. Stay safe and good luck.

[NAC7815]

Rotorheads forever! I have a friend that is a former USN Helo Pilot that currently works for CHP and is hoping to fly for them someday. As Tampa stated and in my friends’ case, you'll have to work the streets prior to jumping back in the seat. In this case I recommend staying in the reserves to get stick time.