Predator pilots out there?

[RJP]

The Houston Air Guard has an ad on their web page offering UPT slots to potential Predator pilots.

UPT for a pred slot? There's a good use of tax money.

So, can someone elaborate on the Ellington thing. Are the "ace in the hole" gang dumping their porkers for predators or are they "gaining" a predator "squadron"?

Home of the "ACE IN THE HOLE" 111th Fighter Squadron and the Exciting New Predator Mission!

EXCITING.....

 

[dtfl]

Are the UAV 'pilot' slots still open to Navs with FAA Commerical pilot tickets?

I know of one that went to AFSOC predators in 2005. So...maybe?

 

[RIOtoPilot]

Ellington got their Vipers BRACed, so the Aces unit is going from F-16s to Predators by next March. They are a solid group of bros and doing a hell of a lot to support and defend. It`s comical to me to see them lampooned by a bunch of wannabees on this website. Most of this group has flown combat in another platform and continue to serve. Walk a mile before passing judgement. And yes, this unit accepts navigators with CMEL - and yes, I´m joining them this summer.

 

[RJP]

Wow, that's worse than the poor Sioux City guys (another good group) that went from 16s to E-model -135s. Sad state of affairs. What exactly is lampooned and what does it have to do with those poor ********************s getting preds?

Anyone know the name of the cajun (I think it was cajun--dang good food though) restaurant outside the gate at Ellington?

 

[pkober]

Why do they wear bags?

They are called "specialist" pilots or something like that.

 

[erj-145mech]

Anyone know the name of the cajun (I think it was cajun--dang good food though) restaurant outside the gate at Ellington?

PeeTees!

 

[RJP]

PeeTees!

Yeah, that's the one! Thanks. Loved their food. Makes wiping the humidity fog off your sunglasses worth the trip to Houston.

 

[mannyaplus11]

Okay, to address some of the comments on this thread:
I retired two years ago, my last job was as the GFR/DO for a small detachment at the Predator factory and at the factory flight test center. I worked with the greatest guys while I was there.

Yes, they are pilots, most with MAJOR weapon system backgrounds. Don't forget, this thing is launching weapons now. Most are F-15/16 experienced. Many assignments are short term, two or three years and back to the fighter.

The system does have its problems, mainly from a human factors/ ergonomics standpoint because the system was designed by an engineer, not a pilot.

The system isn't perfect by a long shot, but, if I can get the bad guys without risking the life of one of my squadron members, more power to that thing.

The Predator B, turboprop is one hell of a machine, much better than the predator A with the Rotax ultalight engine.

 

[RJP]

Why do they wear bags?

Probably for the same reason the silo-dwellers wear bags. Because they bitched when they felt left out and the kinder-gentler af gave them bags. At least the pred guys have a mission with aircraft.

I'm surprised that every shoe clerk in admin isn't wearing a bag by now.

 

[Scrapdog]

Probably for the same reason the silo-dwellers wear bags. Because they bitched when they felt left out and the kinder-gentler af gave them bags. At least the pred guys have a mission with aircraft.

I'm surprised that every shoe clerk in admin isn't wearing a bag by now.

RJP - How are you, you f**king clown? I haven't seen you in a while. Still thinking the Iraqi's should get a free pass if they use orange panels? Still throwing spears at the A-10 guys who were doing the job over in Iraq?

Listen buffoon, these predator guys are outstanding guys. Many come from the fighter community and are top notch individuals (yeah, even F-16's). I have personally flown with some of the NY ANG guys who will be getting a predator down the road, and I can garauntee you they're 100 times the aviator you are.