U.S. Air Force Can't Find Enough Drone Pilots

[Centurion40]

Why would the AF need fully qualified pilots to fly drones?  It seems like a bizarre bureaucratic regulation ensconced by Generals (probably pilots themselves) in order to maintain opportunities for other pilots.

Everyone knows that rank amateurs have no problem flying various types & sizes of remotely controlled aircraft.  I can't see why a group of non-pilots couldn't be trained to fly drones as well as an actual flight-qualified pilot.

A pack of high schools kids, coming out of basic, could probably be ready to go in a couple of weeks if they're just flying recon missions.  A couple of months of training would probably have them ready for strike missions.

[bayonetbrant]

The Air Force insists that "pilots" be officers, and they consider UAV pilots to be "real" pilots.

The Army has a shit-ton of warrant officers flying helicopters, and most of their UAV pilots are E5/E6 types.  One guy that used to fly for the Army got out as an E5 and is one of my best friends here in town.

[Centurion40]

The Army is making much more sense, in this instance.

Do you happen to know if USAF drones fill a different role than US Army drones?

[bayonetbrant]

The Army is making much more sense, in this instance.

Do you happen to know if USAF drones fill a different role than US Army drones?

they kill more people :)

seriously, tho - most of the Army UAVs are recon-focused.  They're for surveillance and either under control of the local CO/BN CDR or a supporting MI CO.  USAF ones take off from big runways and carried   Hellfire missiles.  We trust warrant officers on-site w/ Hellfires on our Apaches.  The USAF insists on officers in Nevada having control over them ;)

[Centurion40]

Pricey way to do business.  But I suppose that's command by fighter jock for ya.  I understand wanting experienced and mature "operators" flying drones carrying the ability to kill and level buildings, but....

[em2nought]

I'd make a "good" patriotic drone pilot.  ;)

[Toonces]

I suppose there are a few factors.

In a way a drone in just an RC plane and even a kid can do it.

On the other hand, a drone faces all of the same problems/difficulties a real airplane does and therefore requires a certain level of aeronautical knowledge to fly it effectively and safely.  And, as mentioned, many are carrying live weapons.

These aren't just vehicles that we can afford to lose for a bunch of reasons from publicity to opsec to cost.  So, an understanding of weather, a rigorous trial period of flight training to determine if you can handle something like an in-flight emergency, etc. are probably a good thing.  Also, the maturity of a few extra years of experience, whether in the service like a Warrant, or through an undergraduate degree program and a year or two of indoctrination in the service, are probably a good thing. 

It's easy to be cynical about the inner workings of the military, but in this case the expenditure in training and experience is likely a good thing.  These drones do some pretty extreme things and when the shit hits the fan over a hot spot you want to have a pro at the controls.

[LongBlade]

Good points, Toonces.

[Toonces]

Yeah, my post was a good thing. 

(Must start taking Longblade's signature picture to heart...)

[LongBlade]

Yeah, my post was a good thing. 

(Must start taking Longblade's signature picture to heart...)

Ha.

OK, your post was extraordinary.

[Boggit]

The problem with filling drone pilot roles I would guess is that it's not a desirable job for somebody that is fully qualified to fly manned aircraft.  Who would prefer flying a drone to flying almost anything manned?  Further, these guys know that it's career ending in a branch that identifies groups like "the fighter mafia".

If they want to get serious about filling drone slots they need to offer a hefty incentive.  An undergraduate pilot trainee who volunteers to go drones for his first tour gets his pick of any platform in the Air Force for his follow on tour.  Basically give the Air Force 3 years in drones and they'll guarantee you a shot at an F-15 cockpit, or whatever airplane you prefer.

After 18 years trying unsuccessfully to get into a jet cockpit myself, I would have gladly taken 3 years in a drone to be guaranteed a Super Hornet seat.

On the plus side, Drone piloting has a good survival record! ;)