Predator exchange/Living at nellis
The whole concept sounds like a lot of fun....interesting work...party town to live in...no rain to speak of...excellent travel destinations within driving distance...good food for very low cost....Hollywood entertainment....great place to start a fortnight holiday. If you have kids....a great opportunity for them to see some wide open spaces. Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, Moab, San Diego, the Grand Canyon, back roads Nevada, the Pacific Northwest.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: In Hyperspace...
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I have been asked by my desky if I'd be interested, and am giving it some serious consideration.
What kind of accomodation can you expect out there? I'd be doing it accompanied! (Yes I know, the words "Vegas" and "accompanied" in the same sentence conjures up some confusing thoughts!)
The info available to the deskys still seems to be quite thin on the ground, so if anybody out there has the 'inside story', feel free to PM me.
What kind of accomodation can you expect out there? I'd be doing it accompanied! (Yes I know, the words "Vegas" and "accompanied" in the same sentence conjures up some confusing thoughts!)
The info available to the deskys still seems to be quite thin on the ground, so if anybody out there has the 'inside story', feel free to PM me.
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: UK
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I have looked into this job quite a bit. For me, it comes down to a lifestyle choice. The chance to live in a foreign country (that doesn't have "stan" or "Ira" in its name) for 3 years, being paid a substantial extra whack and having all the opportunities that go with living in Nevada make it a no brainer.
You only live once and I reckon you should see/do as much as possible in the short time we have.
Sure, it's "flying" a UAV but if you know anything about the job this "toy" does, you will also know it's anything but a toy.
Work to live, don't live to work!
P.S. The accommodation out there is what you can find within the rental grant the government gives you!!!!
You only live once and I reckon you should see/do as much as possible in the short time we have.
Sure, it's "flying" a UAV but if you know anything about the job this "toy" does, you will also know it's anything but a toy.
Work to live, don't live to work!
P.S. The accommodation out there is what you can find within the rental grant the government gives you!!!!
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: UK
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CK,
I understand your argument in relation to wanting a “real” cockpit. However, if you are close to retirement, then I’m sure you are aware it is a very different air force than the one you joined. Exchange posts are folding faster than superman on laundry day due to lack of funding and the chance of back to back flying tours from entry to exit in the RAF are 0².
The reality is, a ground tour is inevitable and the way I see it, this is a fantastic option. I have spoken to a number of pilots from both ME and FJ backgrounds who have returned from flying predator. All have stated it has been some of the most rewarding and challenging “flying” they have done.
There is more to life than not flying for a few years.
I understand your argument in relation to wanting a “real” cockpit. However, if you are close to retirement, then I’m sure you are aware it is a very different air force than the one you joined. Exchange posts are folding faster than superman on laundry day due to lack of funding and the chance of back to back flying tours from entry to exit in the RAF are 0².
The reality is, a ground tour is inevitable and the way I see it, this is a fantastic option. I have spoken to a number of pilots from both ME and FJ backgrounds who have returned from flying predator. All have stated it has been some of the most rewarding and challenging “flying” they have done.
There is more to life than not flying for a few years.
I love the comment about "real pilots" wanting a cockpit....not a computer mouse!
A "Real Pilot" wants in on the "action" where what you do means something....not just swanning about the place telling people you are a pilot.
There may be little risk of harm on the UAV job....but it sure sounds like an "operational" assignment where one is involved in the fight. That sounds like "doing" rather than "talking" to me.
Perhaps some that are so opposed to such a tour prefer talking to doing.
A "Real Pilot" wants in on the "action" where what you do means something....not just swanning about the place telling people you are a pilot.
There may be little risk of harm on the UAV job....but it sure sounds like an "operational" assignment where one is involved in the fight. That sounds like "doing" rather than "talking" to me.
Perhaps some that are so opposed to such a tour prefer talking to doing.
