raimius
15-Year Member
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2006
- Messages
- 3,017
There would likely bit some odd pride/resentment if the RPA pilot positions were both Es and Os, from the E side.
The Os probably wouldn't care quite as much, since they'd be making more money for the same kind of job. They might resent the fact that they didn't get something manned out of UPT, if AFPC was already filling positions with non-pilots.
In my current unit, we can switch out co-pilots and Flight Engineers. The aircraft commander is always a pilot, and the FE is not allowed to be on the controls. As an AC, a good FE can be better than a new co-pilot in many situations. The only time it is annoying is when you need a dual-pilot crew for certain currencies or you need to fiddle with something in the cockpit but can't hand off the controls. There is some competition, and the FEs take a lot of pride in being excellent at up-front duties.
Bottom line: having mixed O and E crews in one crew position can work, as long as you design operations and training accordingly.
The Os probably wouldn't care quite as much, since they'd be making more money for the same kind of job. They might resent the fact that they didn't get something manned out of UPT, if AFPC was already filling positions with non-pilots.
In my current unit, we can switch out co-pilots and Flight Engineers. The aircraft commander is always a pilot, and the FE is not allowed to be on the controls. As an AC, a good FE can be better than a new co-pilot in many situations. The only time it is annoying is when you need a dual-pilot crew for certain currencies or you need to fiddle with something in the cockpit but can't hand off the controls. There is some competition, and the FEs take a lot of pride in being excellent at up-front duties.
Bottom line: having mixed O and E crews in one crew position can work, as long as you design operations and training accordingly.