UAV Pilots....

[pilot_guy]

Anyone working as a contractor flying a UAV? Now or recently? Would especially like to hear from anyone who was flying one supporting the military in Iraq. I have a chance to go with a company, and told I will stay at the base there at the Baghdad Int'l Airport. I'm thinking that it sounds too good to be true, but I'd like someone else's input (who's been there) before I turn them down.

Thanks for the info.

 

[psysicx]

I heard the money is good can any confirm this.

 

[Foties]

Think Long and hard and then follow your heart

Dude it sounds like a great experience to serve and help your fellow brothers at arms on the ground over there. I bet the $$$ will be pretty dang good as well. Keep in mind that it still a very dangerous place. Probably not as dangerous as cruising near Falujah in a convoy, but stuff still happends at the airfield. I landed in Bagdhad 8 times , and almost every time we would hear stories of bad things happening. One night we were getting ready to taxi and we had to hold our position because the airfield came under a mortar attack (One hell of a fireworks show on Night Vission Goggles). It lasted a few minutes, we cleaned our shorts and then got the hell out of there. A day or so later we found out that some troops were killed from that attack because their tents were hit.

I guess my point is don't let a civilian company sugar coat the security situation just to get you over there and then when you get there you realize you were misled. Good luck and I would probably do it if I were you. I am a "When its my time to go, it my time" kinda guy. Later.

 

[BonesF15]

What are you thinking?

Stay the H*ll out of there no matter how much they are paying!

 

[pilot_guy]

thanks for the input

I appreciate the info. Like I said, I've been thinking long and hard about it. I've had my share of bohica...and I know that these contractors are looking for just about anyone to send over.

I've been in the service, and seen that side of it too. I guess one of the biggest reasons I'm considering going is to lend a hand and do my part in the current situation since my days in military are over.

Anyway, thanks again.

 

[Texan Driver]

So who does this kind of work? General Atomics or other companies?
Never flown the Predator, but I have flown the Pelican...which is a modified O-2 the we used as a surrogate for the Predator. Interesting work...