Originally Posted by wrxsteve
I'm looking into the US air force. How is the air force transitioning into the UAVs?
1. Are there a lot of slots open for the program?
2. How is the competition for them?
3. Is it worth my time? ( I just turned 25 years old, will I make the cut in time? )
4. Am I better off waiting for the civilian sector to pick up? ( if it ever does? )
I'll try to answer your questions:
First, forget about the aircraft in your picture, the AF is getting rid of them, too expensive.
I'm not sure if the UAV only pilot training track is up and running yet. But that may be worth keeping an eye on.
You are going to have to attend OTS so consider going to UPT and then decide what you want to do. You already have more flying experience than half the people who go to UPT. Don't sell yourself short.
Yes there are a lot of slots and competition would be minimal. However that is not the case for senior pilots trying to get in. People are realizing the UAVs are the future and a way into the civilian sector. I would not wait for the civilian sector to pick up.
Where do you live? The National Guard has a few bases that fly them and they may have slots.