Here’s What It’s Like to Fly With a State Patrol

Washington troopers protect and serve from the air.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, June 16, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Routine patrols for Washington state troopers are around three to five hours at an altitude of approximately 1,500 feet msl. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]

Key Takeaways:

State patrol pilots provide critical aerial support for ground law enforcement, engaging in missions such as traffic patrol, deterring dangerous driving, and tracking stolen vehicles using specialized aircraft and equipment like FLIR and LoJack.
A unique hiring requirement for these flying law enforcement officers is prior service as a state trooper on the ground, ensuring they deeply understand ground operations to effectively support their colleagues.
The Washington State Patrol's aviation division operates a fleet of Cessna aircraft with distinct roles for pilots (maintaining flight, ATC) and Tactical Flight Officers (operating cameras, coordinating with ground units, and establishing probable cause).

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Most pilots will tell you they enjoy their jobs. This is particularly true when the work involves making a positive difference in the community. Flying for state patrol is one of these flying jobs. These flying law enforcement officers pilot helicopters and airplanes in support of troopers on the ground.

But you don’t just walk off the street and get hired. For most flying LEOs, their career in the air division begins on the street as a state trooper.