General Atomics UAV Pilot

[FL420]

Company Description:
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is among the leading technology employers in the San Diego area. We offer a challenging and rewarding work environment, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:

Job Description:
Instrument Rated RPA Pilot (UAV Pilot) TJ611-2651 Pilot a Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) from a ground control station. Responsible for the operation of the vehicle including mission planning. Will also have additional flight related collateral duties. This position requires travel for six to eight months of the year on a two to three month rotation both within and outside the Continental United States. Operations will be conducted at the El Mirage Flight Operations Facility or overseas.

Experience Required:
Commercial pilot's license with instrument rating with a minimum of 300 hours Pilot In Command time. Applicants selected will be subject to a Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Desirable qualifications: CFI preferred. Prior experience in UAV operation, mission planning and actual control of aircraft is desired.

 

[flyf15]

Anyone have an idea on the pay for this position?

 

[BRIGADEAVIATOR]

I have two friends that are in that gig (well last time i talked to them) and its some pretty big bucks, near 100K range (so they said). Only a few months out of the year and thats becuase you're over seas in a war zone flying those things. Its not loggable as flight time although you're still talking to ATC, etc... The hardest thing they said is mastering the weapons systems etc... flying obviously is the easiest. Oh and you have to fly to El Mirage which sucks.

 

[Pugh]

This is a civilian position flying UAVs, correct? And they are allowed to engage in combat over in Iraq? Am I getting that right? Seems kind of odd.

 

[Ill Mitch]

This is a civilian position flying UAVs, correct? And they are allowed to engage in combat over in Iraq? Am I getting that right? Seems kind of odd.

Don't know about that yet, but I wouldn't be surprised. Just search around for "Air Scan" and "Occidental Petroleum" for their fun in Colombia in 1999 to see how privitized military companies do business.

 

[avbug]

The Airscan citation to which you refer wasn't military, nor on a military assignment. Airscan was acting as contractor to an agency to provide intelligence, command and control functions; they talked on the radio.

The DoD and many other government organizations do outsource various functions for both cost saving reasons, as well as other political purposes.

 

[bocefus]

AirScan never operated Citations

 

[avbug]

Claro: ADC Citation, Air Scan caravans.

In neither case were/are the flights military operations.

 

[bocefus]

Wrong again, Buckwheat. AirScan never operated Caravans. But your point regarding type of ops is well taken.

 

[Ill Mitch]

The Airscan citation to which you refer wasn't military, nor on a military assignment. Airscan was acting as contractor to an agency to provide intelligence, command and control functions; they talked on the radio.

The DoD and many other government organizations do outsource various functions for both cost saving reasons, as well as other political purposes.

1. Airscan doesn't operate Citations, or even Caravans (as you stated below).
2. Airscan is considered a PMC, and that is why I was pointing it out. I NEVER said they were on a military assignment when they were in Colombia. I was pointing out how they sometimes do business.

So hey, you never answered my PM from a while go. Was the co-pilot you flew with (The Caravan, Seneca, just does the mins) the guy I think it is?

 

[atr42flyer]

sent my resume in anyone else?

 

[avbug]

Airscan, inc., was founded on the use of the 0-2 (337), but the company has never limited itself.

Airscan has worked for numerous entities, including, but not limited to Occidental Petroleum Company, National Test Pilot School, US Forest Service, Department of Interior, NASA (range protection and control), and others.

Operations for various foriegn oil interests have included work for the government, and the companies themselves. Surveillance, Command, and Control operations are typical Airscan functions, including various direct and indirect support roles. The company has spent considerable time in Africa, Central America, South America, Europe, and other locations.

AirScan is one of numerous contracting companies that provide outsourced services to accomplish various aims for different companies, agencies, etc. Just one of a long list.

 

[bocefus]

That's a very comprehensive summary of what you found on the internet. The reason you couldn't find any references to them operating a C-208 is because it never happened.

 

[urflyingme?!]

I sent in my resume like a year ago, haven't heard much. I applied with a different company and was talking to them a lot but they lost their contract...

 

[avbug]

That's a very comprehensive summary of what you found on the internet.

No, it's a very brief, truncated summary, minus comprehensive information I elected not to post.

 

[bocefus]

Based on what you've posted thus far concerning the subject matter, I'd say whatever information you "elected not to post" would have been either incorrect or irrelevant.

 

[avbug]

No doubt you're quite right, and it will stay that way, too.

 

[DGdaPilot]

Got a phone interview with them coming up. Anyone else have any more details? Sounds like a pretty intriguing position.

 

[molson247]

Sorry to try and bring this back on topic...but more information on GENERAL ATOMICS would be appreciated!!!!! :beer:

 

[mannyaplus11]

This is a civilian position supporting a DoD contract. You will NOT be able to log this time, mainly because the FAA doesn't recognize UAV's as a typical aircraft, more of an experimental aircraft.
YOU WILL Deploy to glory spots all over the world, well, actually only one part of the world, lots of sand, NOT a beachfront property. You will make good money, but, you will not be home. I don't recommend this if you are married.