AFRC pilot taking RPA assignment

[bs98]

In light of personal life changes… Is it possible for an AFRC pilot to take an assignment with an RPA unit for a few years and return to flying later down the road?

I understand this would require attending RPA training and mission qual and then further training if I ever want to fly manned aircraft again.

[brabus]

I know some guard dudes who went down that road - they never flew manned again, despite their best efforts to do so. Possible, yes, likely to work out, probably not. If you pursue a unit change and go RPA, do so being OK with never flying manned again.

[bs98]

@brabus do you know what the barrier was? Was it getting hired or getting a spot in the whatever refresher course is required etc.

Edited Sunday at 04:25 PM by bs98

[stlpilot11]

Probably would be easier to take a non-flying job all together rather than going RPA. Probably easier on your chances of flying again. 

[brabus]

4 hours ago, bs98 said:

@brabus do you know what the barrier was? Was it getting hired or getting a spot in the whatever refresher course is required etc.

Both things you mentioned - TX slots are not plentiful, so what’s the incentive for a unit to (re)hire a guy who’s already by choice stopped flying once before? Especially considering there are likely several other great candidates for that TX slot who haven’t quit flying before and are probably currently flying some other aircraft (recency). That is clearly subjective, but put yourself in a unit’s shoes - you may be a great dude, but it’s still a pretty hard sell to pick you over the other guys (in this hypothetical).

[StrikeOut312]

@bs98 Are you gate complete? If you need to take a break from flying, find a staff job or IMA job. I left Active Duty last summer and my mind is boggled by all the ways to serve/get paid as a Reservist. Should be way smoother to get back in a cockpit going that route than by switching to RPAs.