Finding pilots who won’t fly

By Teri Weaver, Stars and Stripes Pacific edition, Sunday, October 12, 2008 Wanna fly? Safely, from the ground? The Air Force is looking for non-pilot officers interested in piloting unmanned aircraft. Ten officers will be selected for a program beginning in January, followed by 10 more for a program beginning in April. To volunteer, officers must complete the basic aviation skills test by Oct. 31 and submit applications by Nov. 3. Officers who serve in combat systems, electronic warfare or weapons systems, or who serve as panel navigators or air battle managers are eligible to compete if not currently in training, awaiting training, or previously eliminated from undergraduate pilot training. Non-rated line officers are eligible. Other requirements include: Rank of captain with four to six years’ commissioned experience by... [read full story]