Rated Slots Going Out
- Thread starter Wishful
- Start date
ProudDad98
Member
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2015
- Messages
- 17
Congratulations to your DD!
USAFADAD2017
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2015
- Messages
- 44
My D was PQ'ed with Pilot listed as #1 and RPA #2. She was selected for RPA. My understanding is that RPA'ers still attend UPT??
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
- Messages
- 3,950
No. If the assigned AFSC is18X (RPA Pilot) then she will do IFS at Pueblo, then head to Randolph for basic RPA training, then on to Beale or Holloman depending on which airframe that she gets.
The only RPA pilots who go through UPT now are the ones who dropped RPAs from UPT.
Stealth_81
- Joined
- May 23, 2008
- Messages
- 338
The last UPT class to receive their assignments (a week ago) didn't drop any RPAs. The original memo that pulled two pilots per UPT class for an RPA assignment was supposedly just for fiscal year 2016, so it looks like the reaping may be over...
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2008
- Messages
- 809
A cadet just selected for UPT realistically won't be dropping an airframe until Oct/Nov 2018, at the earliest. We'd like to hope big AF can figure out how to solve RPA manning without drawing from UPT and from other airframes, but there's no guarantee of that by any means. So just as easily as the spigot was just turned off for UPT-directs, it can be turned back on if needed. Bottom line, who knows...
USAFADAD2017
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2015
- Messages
- 44
Thank you for your responses, everyone.. so, if she really wanted UPT can she trade with another cadet.. hahaa.. or does she stay in UPA and then reapply for UPT at some point in time ?
haleym
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2011
- Messages
- 417
An RPA select cannot trade for a Pilot Slot with another cadet. This is because there is an alternate list for rated slots, so if a cadet does not want their pilot slot and chooses not to take it, someone on the alternate list will be offered the slot. If she is on the alternate list, it is possible should could be picked up for a pilot slot.
I have heard of it being possible to go to UPT after spending some time in RPAs, but it's hard to say what that looks like a few years from now. Honestly, the RPA mission is an essential one. It's the future of the Air Force. She is in a good place as a 92T3, even if it is not what she had originally wanted. Best of luck to her and you!
Longliverockthewho
Member
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2015
- Messages
- 17
Haleym are you a firstie?
Did you go rated by chance? When is the non rated slate announced?
USAFADAD2017
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2015
- Messages
- 44
Another question from a friend:
Since our D had 1st choice pilot, 2nd RPA and received her 2nd choice - they went on a wait list to see if a slot comes up. Today is the deadline for waivers or to decline. Do you possibly know if they will offer pilot or when they might do that for those on the wait list?
Not sure about this question at all??
Since our D had 1st choice pilot, 2nd RPA and received her 2nd choice - they went on a wait list to see if a slot comes up. Today is the deadline for waivers or to decline. Do you possibly know if they will offer pilot or when they might do that for those on the wait list?
Not sure about this question at all??
haleym
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2011
- Messages
- 417
I am a firstie! I have heard that non rated AFSCs are dropping in two weeks, but we all know how rumors work. Only time will tell!
I did not request a rated slot, but am actually crossing into the green.
Additionally, something I should've specified: All of those that were placed on the alternate list after the initial drop were placed there after not receiving a rated slot at all.
As far as maintenance goes, not sure yet what the #'s are. We will find out when non rated drops. However, I would not say that it has been highly competitive in years past.
When it comes to your second question 2017Dad, I am not quite sure. Hopefully someone else can help us out!
Last edited: