Air Force AFSC · Aviation
1U1X1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot
Overview
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilots fly specialized aircraft such as the MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-4 Global Hawk. They conduct close air support, intelligence gathering, and strategic air strike missions while guiding others as Air Force officers.
Minimum clearance: Top Secret
Skill levels: 1U111 helper · 1U131 apprentice · 1U151 journeyman · 1U171 craftsman
Core Skills
- remote systems operations
- sensor and payload management
- intelligence collection tasking
- situational awareness and battlespace management
- mission planning and execution
- data interpretation and reporting
- checklist and procedure compliance
- crew resource management
- leadership and supervision
- multi-system monitoring
Civilian Software & Tools
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Microsoft Office software
- Aeronautical charts
- AeroPlanner
- Airdata
- Airline Pilots Daily Aviation Log PPC
- AirSmith FlightPrompt
- ArduPilot Mission Planner
Civilian Career Paths
- Unmanned Systems
- Aviation Management
- Intelligence Analysis
- Project Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- GMDSS Radio Operator License (DO)
Career Growth
- GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License (DB)
- General Radiotelephone Operator License (PG)
- Private Pilot, Airplane Single Engine (ASE) Rating
- Remote Pilot
What the Work Involves
- Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.
- Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
- Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
Related Occupations
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Airfield Operations Specialists
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
Similar Specialties
V3
Aerial ISR (Intelligence Reconnaissance and Surveillance) Precision Guidance Operator
Army
8042
Colonel, Naval Aviator/Naval Flight Officer/Unmanned Aircraft System Officer
Marine Corps
150U
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Technician
Army
11UX
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot
Air Force
15W
Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (TUAS) Operator
Army
737X
Air Vehicle Pilot CWO
Navy
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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