Originally Posted by
FlyJay
Bummer. Lived in PR before for a previous job and don't have much interest in moving back. What's life like for the UAS folks? Ideally would like to get on with a true flying position within the contiguous U.S., not PR and not flying UAS.
I had a solid chat with a former UAS chap on the ups and downs (he may even reach out to you as he did me) and it's routine patrols, 99.9% automation, likely long, boring shifts with a somewhat possible chance of going to a new branch if the Director authorizes it.
I believe the majority of pilots for the agency are lifers with a ton of experience. Granted I don't know where you experience lies, but if it isn't X amount of years in the Navy or Air Force flying jets or multiple tours to the Middle East flying a UH-60, or already being with the agency and having something fall into your lap, I wouldn't hold your breath. I'm not.
BUT, I did speak with a former colleague who started his AIA journey in PR on the -8 and one year later transferred to Miami and is now living his best life.
And a final thought, come October there may not being any flying related jobs left. Therefore, the MQ9 could be the best thing ever. After all, its a job, pay, and benefits.