There is an emerging industry out there right now, and it's in UAV's. the UAV is becoming a very prominent reality in the world of aviation. It's military applications are already applauded by most people, offering safety at little cost to manpower. Soon we may see the advent of UAV's into the civilian world also.
A google search will actually bring up a few hits, but a more detailed look into a site like Indeed will actually bring up a good amount of jobs for UAV's. A friend sent me a link to a company called General Atomics Aeronautical, and a look under jobs for pilots brings up several UAV jobs.
The requirements for just the entry level UAV pilot are rather light really: Must possess: (1) FAA Commercial Certificate with a current instrument rating and ability to maintain instrument currency; (2) three hundred (300) hours as PIC; (3) ability to obtain interim DOD secret clearance as well as customer specific clearance(s); (4) ability to travel on CONUS and ONCONUS six to eight months of the year on a rotating schedule; (5) good analytical, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to accurately interface with all levels of employees and military and civilian customers, contractors and aircrew; and (6) basic knowledge of computer operations and applications. The ability to work both independently and in a team environment is essential as is the ability to work extended hours and travel as required.
Truthfully, these requirements are not that bad at all, and any graduate from a flight program would have close to those requirements.
Oh,and I hear the pay is really good, to boot.
This is a very interesting path and, from our classroom discussion, it seems that many of your classmates find it interesting as well. Best of luck in this pursuit. I would love to have a UAV pilot as a guest speaker (although I imagine you may be limited in the information you could share). See you next semester!
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