LE Flying

[Five0]

I am a sworn police officer and have been one for the past nine years.  I have a Commercial R/W license and almost finished with my CFI.  I've got a pretty good opportunity to transfer to a department that has an air support unit (since mine does not), and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the usual process is for a rated pilot entering an ASU?

 

Do you mainly participate as an observer, or do you get to log stick time?  Also, do you have the opportunity to log very much PIC time?  

 

Any and all info is appreciated!

 

Thanks,

 

5-0

 

PS...Also, if any of you have done any GOM flying, can you tell me how it compares to LE (good or bad)?

[HeliMark]

Each department is different in how they handle you making pilot. There is some information on past posts in this forum, and the best web site would be ALEA's.

 

Now, just a general rule of thumb is that after being established in that department, you get picked up as an observer. After some time you then get to move to the pilot seat. Length of time can be up to 5-10 years. Most of the bigger departments are not as concerned about your license as your ability as a police officer and observer. Stick time is usually very minimal until you make pilot.

[Flying Pig]

Five0

 

 

Sounds like you and I are in the same boat.  Sucks being on the outside lookin in huh!?  I feel like a kid with my face glued to the toy store window!