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First unmanned systems pilots graduate

The Air Force on Sept. 25 graduated from initial qualification training its first eight pilot candidates who did not attend undergraduate pilot training.

The milestone reflected the service’s shift toward unmanned aerial vehicles to be used in concert with piloted aircraft.

During the ceremony at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz stressed the role the students will play in the evolution of unmanned systems.

“You are in the front row of history with the game-changing capabilities you provide,” Schwartz said, according to an Air Force press release.

The eight pilot candidates were part of a test class, a second of which is currently under way.

Air Force officials have been working to increase availability of unmanned aerial systems to meet high demand. There are currently 37 UAS combat air patrols supporting ongoing operations, and the service is working to achieve 50 combat air patrols over the next two years.

Air Force leaders said there are still fundamental questions to be answered regarding this new breed of airman, including career field title, aeronautical rating, active-duty service commitment and Air Force specialty code designation. Additionally, there are significant professional development issues to be addressed with regard to the high-operations tempo the UAS force maintains.

The eight officers without a flying background initially spent about two weeks in Pueblo, Colo., getting flight experience, including a solo flight. Then it was on to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, for instrument training, and finally arriving at Creech, where they actually flew the unmanned aircraft and worked alongside their enlisted counterparts.