Originally Posted by
Lima Juliet
BEagle
Which they have - the RPAS Flying Training pipeline, which is different just like the Fast Jet, Multi-Engine and Rotary Wing ones?
Ha ha ha! Describing it as merely different is like saying a car is different to a boat, or a model aircraft is different to a manned aeroplane.
Seeing as the RPAS FT course consists of c. 40 hours on the Tutor, the graduates were lucky even to get 'Blue' RAF wings. Maybe the UAS 'Budgie' would be more appropriate! (This is not meant in any way to denigrate the important job RPAS operators do though... It is as important as IntOs, Targeteers, Armourers. One team etc...)
https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/r...tem-rpas-pilot:
SPECIALIST TRAINING
Your specialist training begins with a bespoke version of Elementary Flying Training (EFT), including ground school and then flying the Tutor aircraft. You will complete the Tutor training with an Instrument Flight Test and Final Handling Test before being awarded RPAS(P) wings. You will then go to the Reaper Formal Training Unit (FTU) in the USA to train on the aircraft you will be flying operationally.
The FTU is completed at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, USA. You will spend 6 months completing the ground school elements and learning how to operate the aircraft, including weapons.