For all the potential pilots...UAV?

Would you be satisfied with controlling a UAV over sitting in the cockpit of your fav

  • Yes, I would prefer flying UAV's

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    35

AFAplease

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So with the AF making an enormous shift from manned aircraft to UAV's, the question is...

Would you be satisfied with controlling a UAV over sitting in the cockpit of your favorite plane?

Thoughts?
 
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Maybe later on with a family and achy bones, but I'd rather be in the plane when I'm young.
 
i doubt most people would prefer to fly a UAV, but i am sure there are enough people who would be okay doing it if the AF needs it, with a promise to follow on with a manned aircraft
 
Just sat down and had dinner with my ALO after he presented my appointment to me at Honors Night. He is going to go fly UAVs in Nevada for a while. He's a major with 1000+ combat hours in transport aircraft. He's excited for the opportunity. He still flys for Southwest, so he does the real thing... but I think it is all perspective. I think UAVs would be an awesome experience, but I'd take an F-22 over it any day.
 
yeah, the context of the question, I have to say put me in the seat with the power behind me. But in truth, I don't think I would mind taking a UCAV (sorry, no global hawk for me) if it was what the AF told me to do.
 
Okay...from an "old fart"...

I have 6,800 hours...about 500 combat...I've flown T-38's, F-15s, and KC-135's mostly...got some time in B-52s, F-4s, and others.

At this point in my career, I'd give my left...well...you get the idea, to take a UAV position.

BUT..us old guys...they don't want. They are accepting up to Lt Col back on duty to fly these...but not me.

Oh well..it'd be nice!!!

Schwack the bad guy and then go to the club and have a cold one to celebrate???

It doesn't get any better than that!!!
 
for me....definitely manned aircraft. I honestly wouldnt mind UAV, but i have a hunch i would have a continuous "itch" to be in the air! But I'll do whatever the AF requests me to do.
 
It seems pretty unanimous, everyone would rather be in the air.

I feel the same way, but I used to really not want to be stuck with a UAV, but now i realize it wouldnt be too bad after all :thumb: still would rather be in the air
 
Wow! Some staggering results to my poll! I like many of you would prefer a manned aircraft, but I would still consider doing UAV's, especially if I could do UAV's later in my career.
 
I don't think there is anything staggering about the results. There's a big difference between flying a "REAL" plane and playing Nintendo. Now true cadets that have completed 4 years of the academy; got commissioned; went to UPT; and are almost going to become 1st Lt; understand and appreciate the needs of the Air Force. If they have to fly UAV's they will. And they will do it to the best of their ability. And after flying enough years as a pilot, some would even consider it pretty cool to play with the UAV because they're different. But there is no comparison between a UAV and flying a "Real" plane.
 
I have the joystick that the German AF uses for their UAVs...
My Xbox joystick is even more advanced...

UAV flying is not nintendo with real death and destruction, but many comparisons can be made.
 
i don't think its at all suprising. maybe if you had worded it differently, but most people who want to fly want to actually fly.
 
From what my son told me; he's back for a long weekend after finals; the Air Force is supposedly opening up UPT slots for Non-PQ applicants (Non Pilot Qualified); for the specific purpose of flying UAV. Not that other UPT students couldn't, but supposedly for those who want to pseudo fly but aren't qualified to be a pilot. At least this is what he heard from a couple of the profs. later... mike.....
 
Mike,

Once again -- spot on with your advice.

The AF IS looking at a new unmanned aerial vehicle career field. Shorter UPT is on the way for the few selected.

It comes down to getting the minimum requirements for FAA qualifications. Uncle Sam has some pretty strict rules if you want to operate in his airspace! Once the minimum knowledge and proficiencies are obtained, then they can work on operational flight tactics when they getto Creech.

Talking to guys who have either "been there" or "are there", there is interesting work going on. Real world missions being flown daily, with real world results. Satisfying, yes. Something they want to do for a career? Not so much...
 
the Air Force is supposedly opening up UPT slots for Non-PQ applicants (Non Pilot Qualified); for the specific purpose of flying UAV.
I would be a Non-PQ applicant that really wants to fly. I would definitely take this opportunity if it is offered to me.
 
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