<p>Are the qualifications to be a UAV pilot (medical, physical, etc.) the same as being a rated pilot? I noticed that UAV’s have their own badge now (as distinct from a pilot’s)</p>
<p>Yes, you have to go through UPT to get a UAV.</p>
<p>Currently, all UAV operators are rated pilots.
That may change in the next few years, but we really don’t know.</p>
<p>and now, it’s actually RPA. (Remote Piloted Aircraft). more appropriate name</p>
<p>Thanks guys for the info! I’m looking at other options just in case I can’t become a pilot or combat systems officer, and RPA’s looked interesting (assuming that I get in, of course…the wait is killing me!). Does anyone at AFA want to go into RPA’s?</p>
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<p>Not really.</p>
<p>actaully, yes. it’s mainly people who are not qualified to fly normally however. there is discussion about changing the standards, such as not having to have 20/20 vision or other things. and there are a few who jumped at the chance because there is a separate track now for RPAs. usually these people are people who want to be pilots though but are most likely not ranked high enough to get a spot.</p>
<p>talking outside of USAFA, however, there are a decent number of people who would love to fly RPAs over actual planes because of the mission and the family time.</p>
<p>Yeah, I can understand people wanting to fly them if they cannot fly, since I’m thinking along the same lines. What is the seperate track like for RPA flyers? I know that this isn’t relevant right now, but are those people who choose RPA’s hurting their military careers? i.e. the Air Force is dominated by pilots, and does choosing this path hurt promotion and the ablility to go the full 20?</p>
<p>I’m actually really surprised by the fact that there are people who want to fly RPA’s…From what I had read in magazines and online, pilots viewed it as a bad assignment.</p>
<p>The Air Force is “beta testing” an RPV only training program, instead of having RPV pilots go through standard Undergraduate Pilot Training.</p>
<p>Rumors have it (and we all know rumors are 100% true 
) that this may become a standard training route soon.</p>
<p>Maybe we run with different crowds, eagle, but I can’t think of anyone I know who would “jump at that chance.” Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.</p>
<p>Kind of reminds me when you get the interview question “why do you want to join the military/attend a SA/ROTC program?” “I want to serve my country blah, blah, blah…”</p>
<p>Yah we’ll see how many of those people are still happy when they get a RPV…</p>
<p>I actually know a couple people who like them.<br>
Predators/Reapers really do have some amazing uses and capabilities. They are doing a ton of work in the AOR.</p>
<p>…that said, they’re not my preference.</p>
<p>It’s really a matter of personal choice. I know of one cadet here who wants to fly RPAs.</p>
<p>Do you want to strap on a jet that goes 1,500 miles per hour, or do you want to sit at a TV screen and fly aircraft?</p>
<p>Do you want to be deployed away from your family 6 months at a time in a dangerous area, or do you want to take out bad guys, then go home to your wife and kids every night?</p>
<p>There are positives and negatives to both sides. For me personally, I want to fly in the aircraft, as it has always been a dream of mine. But I wouldn’t be too upset if I flew drones and got to go home each night after work. Everything is what you make of it.</p>
<p>I agree that there are positive and negative aspects to each side. Flying a jet would be exhilirating, but flying an RPA would be more convenient family wise…Does anyone know how long the RPA training pipeline would be? Thanks for all of the info guys!</p>
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<p>I’ve heard that UAV/UAS/RPV guys have the highest rate of PTSD in the military. The human brain just isn’t meant to handle that dichotomy.</p>
<p>I’ve heard that UAV/UAS/RPV guys have the highest rate of PTSD in the military. The human brain just isn’t meant to handle that dichotomy. </p>
<p>Is that supposed to be a joke?</p>
<p>no, that’s serious. men are going to work, watching tons of people die, and returning 30 min later to their families. people have trouble dealing with such a contrast</p>
<p>Not a joke at all. They say that when you deploy, your brain sort of shifts into “war mode.” You see death, you see horrible things, but you manage to cope. You have time to think about stuff and move past it. Try putting a 2,000 lb bomb through some guy’s window and then driving little Johnny to soccer practice 20 minutes later. It messes with you.</p>
<p>Really? Wow that is dysfunctional…are there any reports out yet that I would be able to access on this topic?</p>
<p>Oh, by the way, aren’t all of the RPV control station’s based in Nevada?</p>
<p>RAIMIUS SAID: "The Air Force is “beta testing” an RPV only training program, instead of having RPV pilots go through standard Undergraduate Pilot Training.</p>
<p>Rumors have it (and we all know rumors are 100% true ) that this may become a standard training route soon."</p>
<p>Okay, from a “guy out there” in the “RAF” (REAL Air Force)…</p>
<p>You can COUNT on this one!!</p>