Welcome to Police Helicopter Pilot.com.
Sacramento Sheriff's UH-1H "Huey" helicopter used for special purpose missions such as search & rescue, etc.
This website was founded for the specific purpose of providing accurate information to anyone who has a desire to become a police helicopter pilot, or anyone who has a curiosity or general interest in the field of police/law enforcement aviation.
I know that there are many different routes to landing a job in police aviation. There are many pilots coming out of the military, there are civilian pilots in flight school, there are law enforcement officers with 5 or 10 years of duty on their respective departments, and then there is the young boy or girl in high school who may already know that their dream is to become a police pilot. There are agencies who employ strictly civilian pilots with police observers. There are agencies who hire civilian pilots and swear them in as police officers. Many agencies take their trusted, veteran law enforcement officers and ship them off to flight school, as in my case. This website will endeavor to explore all such avenues into police aviation.
In my travels around the internet and in the police aviation field I discovered that first there was not a lot of information available on exactly how to become a police pilot, and second much of the information that was out there was not always accurate. It is my goal that this site become the #1 resource on this subject.
It is assured that for most, the goal of becoming a police pilot will be a long term goal, but one that is well worth the effort and journey. This website will be particularly useful for the young person just coming out of high school or college and who has the discipline the put together a plan, and then methodically work their plan!
WHAT IS THE REAL VALUE AND BENEFIT OF A POLICE AVIATION UNIT?
In some cities across America the police aviation unit can be very controversial among it's citizens, due to the costs vs. benefit argument. In other cities this discussion was settled years ago and the advantage of the police helicopter is rarely even questioned. In fact most cities and counties who have long running air units would not even think of trying to operate without them. Over time this website will try to highlight the work done by various air units and explore why they are a critical and important part of modern day law enforcement.
Just click the "Police Aviation Journal" button to get started or on a link below.
Recent articles in POLICE AVIATION JOURNAL
San Diego Police Helicopter FLIR suicide video
MD Factory Pilot Nick Page returns to ASTREA base
The San Diego Sheriff's Aviation Unit
The Tactical Flight Officer
Are Police Pilots Dangerous?
Anatomy of a Helicopter Rescue.
Why Most Police Pilots are Sworn Officers.
Quick Peak at Police Aviation.
Silver State Helicopters Dashes Student Pilot's Dreams.
Recent articles in HOW TO BECOME A POLICE HELICOPTER PILOT
Introduction- How to become a police helicopter pilot.
Civilian path to becoming a police helicopter pilot.
Sworn path to becoming a police helicopter pilot-part I
Sworn path to becoming a police helicopter pilot-part II
Sworn path to becoming a police helicopter pilot-part III
(part III is my catch all section, check out my latest tip in researching police helicopter units in this section)
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I have begun gathering agency specific information regarding minimum requirements for various Police/Sheriff Air Units. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is the first of hopefully many agencies to be added here.
Sacramento Sheriff's Dept. Air Unit:
Fresno County Sheriff's Dept. Air Unit:
San Diego County Sheriff's Dept. Air Unit:
Also check out-