Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Pilot

What does the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Pilot career field do?

Operates specialized mission aircraft and commands flight crews to accomplish reconnaissance, surveillance, and other missions. Operates mission equipment, systems, and electronic protection (EP) equipment. Pilots conduct operations and procedures IAW Special Instructions (SPINS), Air Tasking Orders (ATO) and Rules of Engagement (ROE). Pilots continually monitor aircraft and weapons systems status to ensure lethal and non-lethal application of airpower. Related DoD Occupational Group: 220100.

Duties and responsibilities

• Plans and prepares for mission. Reviews mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information. Supervises mission planning, equipment configuration, and crew briefing. Ensures ground station and aircraft are preflighted, inspected, loaded, and equipped for mission.
• Operates aircraft and commands crew. Operates aircraft controls and equipment. Performs, supervises, or directs navigation, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and weapons employment operations.
• Conducts or supervises training of crewmembers. Ensures operational readiness of crew by conducting or supervising mission specific Training. Develops and reviews instructional methods and procedures used in Initial Qualification Training (IQT), Upgrade Training (UGT), and Continuation Training (CT). Reviews training status and recommends remedial Training. Evaluates aircrew academic, simulation, and in-flight performances. Reviews trend analysis of flight evaluations to identify training deficiencies. Supervises subordinates during the performance of their duties. Reviews training status and arranges additional, remedial, and continuation Training. Conducts periodic inspections of aircrew operations and unit activities.
• Develops plans and policies, monitors operations, and advises commanders. Plans and organizes apprentice/journeyman/craftsman activities Assists commanders and performs staff functions related to this specialty.

Specialty qualifications

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of theory of flight, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, aircraft operating procedures, and mission tactics.

Education. For entry into this specialty, courses specializing in physical sciences, mathematics, administration, or management are desirable.

Training. The following training is mandatory as indicated:

• For award of AFSC 1U131, completion of Air Force Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training (URT), completion of transition and operational training in the suffix specific aircraft.

Experience. For upgrade to AFSC, unit commander determines proficiency based on performance, experience, and completion of minimum training requirements.

• 1U151. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1U131.
• 1U171. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1U151.
• 1U191. Qualification in and possession of 1U171, and experience in managing RPA Operations.

Other. The following are mandatory as indicated:

• For entry of this AFSC, the following are mandatory.
• Minimum score of 10 on the Pilot Candidate Selection Method.
• For award and retention of this AFSC:
• Qualification for air vehicle operator duty according to AFI 48-123, Medical Examinations and Standards.
• Completion of a current T5 Investigation IAW DoDM 5200.02, AFMAN 16-1405, Air Force Personnel Security Program, is mandatory. NOTE: Award of the entry level without a completed T5 Investigation is authorized provided an interim Top Secret security clearance has been granted according to DoDM 5200.02, AFMAN 16-1405.
• For entry, award, and retention of AFSC 1U131/51/71/91/00,
• Qualification for aviation service according to AFI 11-402, Aviation and Parachutist Service, Aeronautical Ratings and Aviation Badges.
• Specialty requires routine access to Tier 5 (T5) information, systems, or similar classified environment.

Civilian career paths

Comparable civilian careers for this field pay roughly $59,800–$160,970 per year (median salaries; varies by role and location):

• Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers: $160,970
• Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians: $59,800