The Pig Pen is relocating......

[Flying Pig]

......... to Punta Gorda, FL :clap:

I was hired as a helicopter and airplane pilot for the Sheriffs Office.  Huge move, and a lot to get done in the next two weeks!   When I was there a couple weeks ago I saw a couple CAP planes on the ramp at Charlotte Airport. 

[Fubar]

Hopefully not too personal: why the move from CA?

Congrats on finding the new job!

[SarDragon]

Hopefully not too personal: why the move from CA?

Congrats on finding the new job!

Probably money!

[RRLE]

A lot less taxes! Florida has no income tax.

[Spaceman3750]

Punta Gorda... Is that Lee County? Can I buy you an adult beverage next time I'm in town?

[stillamarine]

Little further south then I normally go. But if you go through Birmingham on your way through give me a shout!

[stillamarine]

And if you need an observer let me know! Although my plan right now when I retire is Disney security!

[Eclipse]

I hope it's a lot of money or a good opportunity, because you're trading relatively stable weather for
jungle humid with occasional sideways rain.

Not to mention the Trenta-sized crazy.

[EMT-83]

At least you'll be able to stay current with your mountain flying skills...

[JK657]

Were you 3 @ 50 at your previous department? How is the retirement at the new department?

[BillB]

Mountain flying skills? In that area of the state, the highest point may be an I-95 overpass.

[Critical AOA]

Congrats and good luck. 

[SarDragon]

Mountain flying skills? In that area of the state, the highest point may be an I-95 overpass.

Actually, much of the Miami skyline is higher than Britton Hill (345 ft), the highest natural point, out in the Panhandle.

Jacksonville also has six buildings higher than Britton Hill.

[RRLE]

you're trading relatively stable weather for
jungle humid with occasional sideways rain.

At least the earth doesn't move under your feet where he is going versus where he is coming from - trading unstable earth for stable earth as it were.

Hurricanes and weather are fairly predictable. Earthquakes are not. You can get out of the way of a hurricane, you can't get out of the way of an earthquake - unless you move to Florida. 

[Flying Pig]

Punta Gorda... Is that Lee County? Can I buy you an adult beverage next time I'm in town?

Charlotte County

[Flying Pig]

Were you 3 @ 50 at your previous department? How is the retirement at the new department?

Yes I am.   I will freeze my 16 years in CA and go into the FRS. When I hit 50 I can start drawing my 16 years in CA, and still keep working in FL. 

[Eclipse]

you're trading relatively stable weather for
jungle humid with occasional sideways rain.

At least the earth doesn't move under your feet where he is going versus where he is coming from - trading unstable earth for stable earth as it were.

Hurricanes and weather are fairly predictable. Earthquakes are not. You can get out of the way of a hurricane, you can't get out of the way of an earthquake - unless you move to Florida. 

Yeah, but you left out the crazy...

[Flying Pig]

Here are some examples....

Im taking a $15,000per year pay cut but taking home about $700 more per month.  Momma wants to live on the beach. Not possible in CA.  This agency has hueys and does fire fighting.  Not something that will happen with my department.  In this new unit I can have the possibility of promoting in the unit. I cant do that where I am now.
As far as mountain flying.......  yeah, those days will be over but i have a few hundred hours flying the Sierra Nevadas.  I will miss it, but life is all a give and take. Mountain flying has made me a much better pilot, maybe I can get back into CAP and pass on some of that knowledge.  Ive never really been concerned about earthquakes. When they do happen, 99% of the time people dont even care.  Ive been in 3 hurricanes, so I know what thats about.

The wife and kids are excited for their reasons and I am selfishly excited because I now get to have a dedicated "UH1H" column in my book.   All around it will be a good change for everyone.   Time for a new adventure!

[Private Investigator]

Were you 3 @ 50 at your previous department? How is the retirement at the new department?

Yes I am.   I will freeze my 16 years in CA and go into the FRS. When I hit 50 I can start drawing my 16 years in CA, and still keep working in FL.

I could not get my medical part until I turned 55. But then my cheap department was not CALPERS.

Congratulations sir   :clap:

[cap235629]

My mom lives in North Port. The next town over  there is a nice Irish Pub at the end of the pier in Punta Gorda