Flying Rotocraft for Fun and Profit

March 22, 2024 by Eric Bradley

Helicopters in Law Enforcement

If you're considering a career in law enforcement, you'll first need to meet the basic qualifications required of all police officers. Once you’ve fulfilled these requirements and gained experience as a police officer, you may be eligible to apply for an Airborne Law Enforcement (ALE) role. This makes it one of the few aviation careers where a qualified pilot can't simply walk in off the street and be hired directly.

Why Pursue This Career?

Since you must already be serving as a police officer to be considered for an ALE position, your primary motivation should be a passion for law enforcement, with flying as a secondary interest. Additionally, competition for these positions is fierce. Even if you're selected, there’s a possibility you’ll end up piloting a drone rather than a manned aircraft. With these factors in mind, you may wonder if it’s worth pursuing.

While your chances of being selected may be slim, it’s still worth considering. As an ALE officer, you could earn additional compensation and gain access to state-of-the-art equipment and training. Some agencies may even subsidize your training, though policies vary from one department to another.

What to Expect

Like most law enforcement roles, the hours can be unpredictable, and your daily duties may change frequently. There’s also more risk involved compared to typical aviation careers. These factors, combined with the extra training you'll need, contribute to the potential for increased pay.

It’s a demanding career, but for those with the passion and determination to succeed, the rewards can make the journey worthwhile.