Originally Posted by
Flopgun
It's happened! I think RPAS will also be moved into a stream of pilot, and will no longer be recruited or CBAT'd seperatley.
Pilot(ISR)RPAS will still be recruited separately, different CBAT (although they will do some of the manned CBAT), different med standard - however, for those that do pass the manned CBAT, do have the extra med standard and do prove themselves above the average then some will be given the chance to cross-over to manned aircraft types (and rightly so). Also, for those that don’t cross-over but do have the above-average assessment then they can promote to Sqn Ldr, Wg Cdr and beyond, thus having a full career like anyone else in the Flying Branch (which could include Flt Cdr, Sqn Cdr and Stn Cdr). So this is a big change, but rightly so, in that they are now truly a separate ‘stream’ within the Pilot sub-specialisation. Recruiting and Retention pay is next and this year’s Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB) report stated that they would look into this now - especially as there are £100-£150k/yr jobs out there waiting for MQ-1/MQ-9 experienced pilots and sensor operators.
In my opinion, the sub-branch is finally coming of age from the initial Trial DAEDALUS of 8 years ago. Good news.