View Full Version : UAV Operators to get RAF Pilots Wings
chinook240
15th Dec 2012, 08:03
Discuss:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/9746469/.html
Mach the Knife
15th Dec 2012, 08:08
I think they're to get something that looks very much like the RAF Flying Badge but is slightly different.
Probably because it is an RAF flying badge, the Army are looking at the same question for its WK. By the way, some look like RAF Brevets as they are - fully Q'd GR type chaps!!!
PS: are we starting this to have a go (petty) at them or support (correct) them?
Lima Juliet
15th Dec 2012, 09:05
I say "Bravo!" :D:D:D
And about time too! If they fly under IFR, which they do, then under ICAO rules they must be de facto rated pilots...
LJ
Ali Qadoo
15th Dec 2012, 09:39
Two very funny replies in the "comments" section below the DT article.
An Englishman has started his own business in Afghanistan !
He is making landMines that look like prayer mats!
Its doing well!
Prophets are going through
The roof !
Pass the Cornflakes there's a pair of wings in each box.
Fair made I chuckle, them did!
brakedwell
15th Dec 2012, 14:57
Will they display a microsoft logo?
CoffmanStarter
15th Dec 2012, 15:32
Something like this ? Or will it be the Half Winged Brevet :confused:
Either way ... this is the future ... and they are doing the Business for us :ok:
http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/Royal_Air_Force_ba_1556028a_zps040f324f.jpg
Fareastdriver
15th Dec 2012, 15:34
I wonder what the Civil Aviation Authority will say when they show them their log books with 1,000s of hours UAV experience with their licence applications.
All UAS SIs are interesting, regardless of beret!!!! (and it was a BM bod who parked a tractor that was impossible to move that caused a lot of the problems - maybe Bdr F should transfer to the BM as he seems far more receptive to change; are we?
He needs wings as he is a pilot and the ones who have left have had no trouble with the CAA (or equivalent!)(did you know UASs are accepted in the UK now and Bdr F will probably be highly sough after and paid a lot more than us, especial post redundancy.
Do I detect jobsworth trying to make themselves out as special people? or just frighted pilots looking over their shoulders? lets be nice children.
thing
15th Dec 2012, 22:48
I'm a pilot and don't wear wings. I might be a private pilot but I'm still a pilot. I can still fly IFR and shoot an instrument approach, fly at night, dodge around the minefield of airspace that is London, take some mates to France for the day...but I don't wear wings.
Personally if UAV operators are doing a good job out there wherever then they can wear a bowler hat with sleeves for all I care, good luck to them and let their particular skills be applauded by all.
P6 Driver
16th Dec 2012, 09:26
The AAC used to have the Theatre Qualification for Observers, where they undertook unit level training to crew (mainly) Sioux, Scout & Gazelle helicopters.
They were awarded the half-wing Observer badge, but to reflect the fact that it was a TQ rather than from a formal Middle Wallop course, it was worn on the cuff rather than on the chest. When employed on flying duties in this capacity, they received flying pay.
It seemed to work for many, many years. If a UAV operator/pilot had a specific badge I can't see a problem with it using this principle.
(Edited for spelling!)
Ahh, in the Military, the world revolves around stinking badges - as you can see in some of the comments here, jealous and petty people will know who to target if they wear badges!
I agree that specialist can do it with or without 'bowler-hats' but tradition should be upheld, maybe even the Army reverting Lt Col Trenchards baby to it's true home?????;)
Just be nice and get on - to promote the spirit of the season - I even agree with the 'civilian'!!!!:p
ColinB
16th Dec 2012, 13:53
Does this mean they will get Flying Pay and Aviators Glasses?
!!!! Many a true word said in jest - but no glasses I think !!!!! Consider retention as the civilian UAS market grows???
Mach the Knife
16th Dec 2012, 15:04
I have heard that the RPAS Stream wings are the same as the established wings except that the oak leaves are blue instead if brown. Also, pilots trained directly into this stream will not be able to cross over to traditional fixed or rotary winged jobs. Pilots with a tour or two completed can, as now, end up on a RPAS.
Correct on the crossover unless they are suitable, later on, and convert in the normal way (full course!) but the way things are, not very likley me thinks; like the RPAS as that is the new black.
MAD Boom
17th Dec 2012, 10:14
What will they come up with next?
Soon they'll be giving Fighter Controllers a flying badge....................
Ah that is what FC means - I always wondered if my interpretation was a bit course!!!
ChristianR354
17th Dec 2012, 11:05
Now that Fighter Controller is known as Aerospace Battle Manager, will the new ABMs who get to work on the E-3D wear the FC flying badge?
5 Forward 6 Back
17th Dec 2012, 16:47
Flying pay very probably a good bet for RPAS-only pilots in the future, as the civilian drone market is already paying handsome salaries for RPAS-qualified people. If it's truly a recruitment and retention measure, then they absolutely should get flying pay; maybe the rates need looking at, as I don't think the push/pull factors are the same as they are with manned pilots, but the whole point of FP seems to match the need here!
On that note, can anyone explain to me why fighter controllers in an E3 get flying pay? Genuine question. It can't be a recruitment measure, as there's no comparable civilian job they'd be tempted by otherwise. And it can't be a retention measure, because there's not a huge market for civilian ABMs who happen to have done the job in an E3 rather than on the ground.