If you’re interested in becoming a drone pilot, the Air Force might be the right place. This military branch has been using drones for over 25 years and is now one of the most advanced branches in drone technology. If you’re serious about becoming a drone pilot, the Air Force has many requirements you need to meet. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to begin your journey to becoming a drone pilot in the Air Force.
How to become an Air force drone pilot?
Becoming an air force drone pilot is a challenging and rewarding career. The Air Force offers a wide range of opportunities for those who want to become pilots, including training as aerial observers, mission coordinators, aircraft commanders, or control officers. There are many different routes that you can take to becoming a pilot, so it’s essential to choose the one that best suits your skills and goals.
Some common paths include attending college on an aviation degree program, enlisting in the military service after high school graduation, or completing an accredited flight academy. Whichever route you pursue, ensure you are fully prepared for the rigorous requirements necessary for certification as a military pilot.
How hard is it to become a drone pilot in the Air Force?
Becoming a drone pilot in the Air Force is more accessible than some might think. It’s one of the more accessible military occupations to get into. Yes, rigorous physical and mental requirements must be met to be accepted into training, but everything else is pretty easy once you’re there.
Requirements for becoming a drone pilot include the following:
- Being between 18-34 years old (depending on what rating level you wish to enter).
- Having at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Meeting height/weight standards.
- Possessing normal vision and hearing abilities.
- You also need to pass a medical exam and psychological evaluation.
Once all these requirements have been met, trainees will begin their intensive Basic Combat Training program, which lasts 12 weeks (although this time may vary depending on your station). This program includes intense combat instruction using live ammunition and specialized courses such as UAS Operating Procedures & Systems (UOP&S) schooling for those who operate drones using remote pilots from other stations or bases worldwide.
After completing BCT, recruits will attend one of two Aviation Operations Specialties schools – Air Traffic Control System Operator School or Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integrated Pilot Production Course – where they will learn how to fly drones under actual operational conditions.
Once you have completed your training, becoming a certified drone pilot will be a fantastic experience you will never forget. You’ll be able to use your skills to carry out vital missions worldwide, and you’ll feel like a real-life superhero!
Where are Air Force drone pilots stationed?
There are several military and defense contractor command centers that house drone pilots. These centers are typically located in the United States, but there are a few in other countries.
The purpose of these command centers is to control and monitor all aspects of drone operations. This includes coordinating missions, issuing orders, and tracking the status of each task.
Many drone pilots who work at these command centers have advanced degrees in physics or engineering, along with years of experience flying drones from combat zones worldwide. They use their skills to make critical decisions that affect the safety and success of every mission undertaken by unmanned aircraft systems (UASs).
What is a drone pilot Air Force salary?
The Air Force offers qualified drone pilots a wide range of salaries and benefits. The starting salary for new drone pilots is around $39,000 per year, but the number of years of experience that affects pay can vary significantly. In general, however, experienced drone pilots earn more than new drone officers, reaching $68,000 or more annually.
Salary levels also depend on where you live in the United States. Drone pilots stationed at bases in major metropolitan areas often make more money than those stationed outside large cities or rural areas. And because this occupation is increasing, the Air Force expects salaries and benefits to continue rising over the next few years.
