I was reading a previous post about a low time civilian pilot who interviewed and was eventually hired for a UAV operator position. Is there any demand for civ. UAV pilots out there? I'm not interested in doing that type of flying/work, just curious about the hiring. Thanks..

 

There were some entry-level and low-time civilians hired a few years ago, but now there are so many pilots available you probably need to be an ex-military pilot, have UAV experience, or know somebody involved. Also the USAF is ramping up their UAS pilot program.

But a lot of UAS people are sick of the 'Stan and the HOA...if you don't mind spending years of your life living in a CONEX box in the desert, there might be opportunities.

 

Yup, sounds like UAVs to me too.

 

I assumed that based on the lock-mart manned product line.

 

If so, it could involve some interesting flying. A standard protocol for UAV testing includes a photo/safety chase plane with emergency "assumption of control" capability. The chase plane could be anything from a small recip to a fighter, depending on the performance envelope of the test article.

 

To fly for skunk works to me would be a dream job. Unfortunately, I believe a masters in an engineering field would most certainly be a prerequisite. Ben Rich (former director of skunk works) has said little over the years about where they were technology wise, but remember that if the SR-71 was built and tested in the early '60's, then imagine where they are now. If only they were interested in heavy mil and 747 type's......

 

UAV's is where they're at, and where they're going. It's not the 1960's anymore, you're not missing out on much me thinks.

 

shacked...

 

I promised to provide an update on this if anything progressed. I was recently offered the position that I applied to in Nov. 2012. Background, clearance validation, drug test and a few other things are still pending, but I don't have any 'skeletons' that should trip me up. What I know at this point: the job is special access and it involves both manned/unmanned ops, but all efforts of the division support the unmanned aircraft. Location in central CA coastal area and I will be reporting to division leads in Palmdale. It does require travel and military officer type experience...briefing, liaison work and what not. Starting pay is on par with senior legacy FOs.

From the literature and such, thus far, it seems like a great company, very interesting work and a lifestyle I'm more accustomed to. I grew up in Northern CA, so the location and pay are definite positives, as well.

I retire from the AF this month and due to a non-flying position for the past 2 years, I starting training/flying for ExpressJet (ERJs) in April. Overall, I enjoy the flying and I really enjoy the people and seeing the airline ops side of things. With that said, the overall industry at the regional level and the pace of ops are a real bummer. I have a newfound respect for the guys and gals who've trekked this path for so long.

 

Congratulations! It sounds like a great job.