Yakrobat

I has made me nearly a million bucks in the unmanned industry... traction indeed.

awax

The point you're going oblique on is that you've been "operating remote weapons systems" which is different than being an aircraft pilot. Brag all ya want, you've eared that apparently, but don't put the drone time on your pilot application.

rickair7777

Pilots don't want to hear that. An interview (or resume screening board), is not the place to fight that battle.

As you may know, the climate on this took a severe turn for the worse after a former SECDEF tried to create a high-precedence combat valor medal for drone operators in CONUS. That really poisoned the water on this topic for years to come. This occurred at the behest of UAS advocates (in industry) who were trying, in a very ill-advised manner, to force change on military aviation culture and enhance attitudes towards and acceptance of UAS. It blew up in their face, and unfortunately the operators got tarred with the same brush. You need to be aware of this and tread lightly.

Talk about it in the text, UAS is rare enough that any pilots in the interview process will want to hear about it so you'll have the opportunity to elaborate. Good conversation piece, better to run the clock talking about UAS than why you got a D- in college calculus or those speeding tickets. "Embedded" with SOF is not the same as "operated" with SOF, and mil people know that. Don't muddy those waters either, especially as a civilian. There will be pilots in the hiring process, good chance at least one will be mil.

PerfInit

Work is work, it's not supposed to be fun. If you look at "work" as an inconvenience that helps support your family and true passions when you are not working, I believe you will be much happier indeed. Most people hate their jobs but that is why it's called "work". There is no perfect job out there, period!

TonyC

You reported that you've reached the pinnacle of your current career path, you're unhappy, you want to fly. You asked for opinions, and you've received opinions, and most of them are consistent in how you should handle your remote pilot experience versus your real pilot experience.

The choice is yours.

If you choose to ignore the advice, please report back later to tell us how and why we were wrong. I'm always willing to learn, and I'll be happy to admit my mistake after congratulating you on your new flying gig.






.