The US Air Force (USAF) is still solidifying its training regimens for remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) operators as trainers are seeking a safe and effective programme that can reduce training accidents.
The USAF hopes to reduce crashes caused by RPA trainees as it tighter budgets make replacing platforms more difficult. (US Department of Defense)
A USAF training officer noted during the annual Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) conference in Orlando, Florida, that in the past losing aircraft during training was less of an issue as the focus was on quickly preparing RPA pilots for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now, however, the service is working reduce training accident rates in order to save money and preserve aircraft.
Due to the high number of accidents, the service changed its RPA training syllabus, increased supervision, and targeted teaching instructing for specific areas of weakness, according to Major Jack Antedomenico, instructor in 11th Reconnaissance Squadron that teaches launch and recovery operations for MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper RPAs.
