Originally Posted by
kaputt
Yep, understood. There are a couple defense contractor gigs flying ScanEagles deployed overseas doing ISR work (more of mid size drone, smaller than preds but bigger than the off the shelf amateur things). They require Comm/instrument pilot ratings to get hired to fly them (or military drone Quals). They’re still decently smaller than Preds and Global Hawks though so wasn’t sure if CBP would value that time from a drone perspective.
Whoever "they" is you're referring to, does not require a license to fly scaneagle, I was on the program for nearly 8 years, yes there are rated pilots but there were also everything from former mechanics, interpreters, aircrew, and everything in between flying the scaneagle. They, being Insitu, when I was hired, required operators to have at least PPL written exam done, and they provided it, but that went away. It is only a 50-55lb drone with a 28cc engine, nothing close to the GA products. Now, with ISR being a mature industry now, having a license may make you more competitive for hire, but like the other guys said, it doenst count for much other than "UAS experience."