UAV Sensor Operator
07-10-2010 | 12:35 PM
#11
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 82
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Just make sure you're asking for the right job.
Sensor Operator - exactly that - operating and monitoring sensors. Most likely not pushing the button or "flying" the drone. Bulk of this force is Enlisted. Beware that a lot of this job will involve watching screens for hours, whether it's monitoring a target for activity, a convoy route for IED diggers, or a border crossing. Vital and important work, but like lots of jobs, don't get over-excited about the glamour aspect.
RPV Pilot - The guy/gal flying the drone, whether with a keyboard, cockpit simulator, or other controls. Under the USAF paradigm, this is the person who hits the pickle button.
Also realize that RPV pilot is looking more and more like a one-way door in the AF - once you get the stink, you're probably not going back to a live cockpit. Neither will the RPV pilot pipeline (currently 45-ish hours in the DA-20 at Pueblo followed by training at Randolph, in the future perhaps some T-6 flying also) be a doorway to pilot training. There will be exceptions, but it won't be the rule.
For RPV pilots, word just this week from 19AF/CC (the guy who knows) is that in addition to the new RPV pipeline, FY11 will see another 100 RPV slots assigned to USAF pilot training grads. This is in addition to other MWS pilots being assigned RPVs (as an example, a younger buddy of mine did one tour in fighters, one as an AETC IP, and is now off to Creech - likely never to strap into an ejection seat ever again).
Also, check out USAjobs.com - Homeland Security is starting to hire both pilots and operators.
Again, I'm not denigrating either career field. Both will have some highly rewarding aspects and real-world impact. Just walk in with your eyes open.
Sensor Operator - exactly that - operating and monitoring sensors. Most likely not pushing the button or "flying" the drone. Bulk of this force is Enlisted. Beware that a lot of this job will involve watching screens for hours, whether it's monitoring a target for activity, a convoy route for IED diggers, or a border crossing. Vital and important work, but like lots of jobs, don't get over-excited about the glamour aspect.
RPV Pilot - The guy/gal flying the drone, whether with a keyboard, cockpit simulator, or other controls. Under the USAF paradigm, this is the person who hits the pickle button.
Also realize that RPV pilot is looking more and more like a one-way door in the AF - once you get the stink, you're probably not going back to a live cockpit. Neither will the RPV pilot pipeline (currently 45-ish hours in the DA-20 at Pueblo followed by training at Randolph, in the future perhaps some T-6 flying also) be a doorway to pilot training. There will be exceptions, but it won't be the rule.
For RPV pilots, word just this week from 19AF/CC (the guy who knows) is that in addition to the new RPV pipeline, FY11 will see another 100 RPV slots assigned to USAF pilot training grads. This is in addition to other MWS pilots being assigned RPVs (as an example, a younger buddy of mine did one tour in fighters, one as an AETC IP, and is now off to Creech - likely never to strap into an ejection seat ever again).
Also, check out USAjobs.com - Homeland Security is starting to hire both pilots and operators.
Again, I'm not denigrating either career field. Both will have some highly rewarding aspects and real-world impact. Just walk in with your eyes open.
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