AF announces RPA pilot training pipeline
06-10-2010, 12:44 PM
#1
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AF announces RPA pilot training pipeline
06-10-2010, 01:32 PM
#2
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At least you will know what you are getting into. But I think this is the start of an intra-mural war for the future of the tactical air force...two camps who will compete to do the mission.
06-11-2010, 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by USAF Propoganda
After successful completion of the course, RPA pilots will become part of the 18X career field. Graduates will also receive RPA incentive pay equal to aviation career incentive pay and carry a six-year service commitment.
The 18X career field is a rated Air Force specialty code, and selection standards will be rigorous, to include physiological and academic requirements, said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Kwoka, the RPA career field manager.
Future RPA pilots will be selected from accession boards or from an undergraduate flying training board. Training includes initial flight training at Pueblo, Colo., RPA instrument qualification, and a fundamentals course at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, followed by training at one of the Air Force's RPA formal training units.
The 18X career field is a rated Air Force specialty code, and selection standards will be rigorous, to include physiological and academic requirements, said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Kwoka, the RPA career field manager.
Future RPA pilots will be selected from accession boards or from an undergraduate flying training board. Training includes initial flight training at Pueblo, Colo., RPA instrument qualification, and a fundamentals course at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, followed by training at one of the Air Force's RPA formal training units.
Second item. How rigorous is sitting in a box in that chair? I've been to Creech, I've watched them work. I'm not arguing any service member shouldn't be up to standards, but lets get real. SWO's (Surface Warfare, ship drivers) have a more physically demadning job than this.
I fully predict this will be a succesful program if they open it up to types that didn't get past the med screening for regular aviation. It gives a large group of applicants more options in a rapidly expanding field. But seriously, if they even make these guys get a flight physical I'm going to die laughing. I also agree that this sets the stage for a future power struggle between the UAV camp and everyone else in the Air Force.
06-13-2010, 04:35 AM
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I have no problem giving these guys some sort of incentive pay. Even give them space wings for all I care. Let's just not insult their fellow Pred and GH drivers that paid their dues in UPT by giving them pilot wings and pilot pay.
06-13-2010, 07:46 AM
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06-13-2010, 08:34 AM
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Space helmets, cowboy boots, silk scarves....
I'd say give them whatever is necessary to insure that all RPV requirements are filled by volunteers. That way, no pilots will be nabbed for console duty.
06-13-2010, 10:25 AM
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Well, they are still aviators - just as much as the mission guys in AWACS or RJ's (who get flight pay), they have a trigger under thier control and are in an aviation career field with the requisite career gates.
I'd think the "real pilot" community would see this as a good thing as it should reduce the non-vols.
Heck, the AF may find a couple outstanding leaders in the group who would have been shoved aside otherwise.
To quote a Navy two-star last week "if I can't give them flight pay, the only incentive they have is the notoriety of crashing a UAV".
Spongebob
I'd think the "real pilot" community would see this as a good thing as it should reduce the non-vols.
Heck, the AF may find a couple outstanding leaders in the group who would have been shoved aside otherwise.
To quote a Navy two-star last week "if I can't give them flight pay, the only incentive they have is the notoriety of crashing a UAV".
Spongebob
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