RPA Training Courses

[UFTapplicant]

So I did receive a cancellation RIP for IFT.

[AirForceAg]

What was your class date? I'm in 16Jun RFT and can only assume they just haven't gotten around to formally canceling me yet.

22 minutes ago, UFTapplicant said:

So I did receive a cancellation RIP for IFT.

 

[JDubya08]

A "what are my chances" and more RFIs:

-USMC Captain who's MOS (5803 - MP) is being cut in half looking to LATMOVE. Came into USMC as a SNA and Fallen Angel (DOR due to command reasons), LATMOVED to 5803, given the opportunity to LATMOVE out again but they decided to nix that.. So putting in flight package for UAS. So I already have cutting scores, career des'd, and my 14 hours of Naval IFS.

But, they are now cutting out the Pueblo part and I would go straight to Randolph? (Would be hearing about my selection in July and moving back stateside from Japan). If anyone has more information/gouge on what to expect so I can start studying now while COVID is keeping things to a low operation flow, that'd be great!

Semper. Fi.

[theoriginalturk]

Good read with a lot of the current info about the state of the enterprise. Also confirms the 19th AF putting the axe on IFT for 18xers

https://taskandpurpose.com/news/air-force-drone-school-falling-apart?fbclid=IwAR1i_EI5qXk-cF2YAe3XZ0Yaz2KY6heHOpE3NfofK-VN2vkvWruNLf1452A

[AdamR]

Anyone able to shed any light on this new program (RPAC / RPA Training NEXT) they are looking to roll out in the near future (i.e. timeline, requirements, etc...)? Any insight from someone "in the know" would be appreciated. 

https://www.airforcemag.com/rpa-training-next-looks-to-personalize-pilot-sensor-operator-training/

[URTHopeful2021]

Can anyone tell me how the assignment process works for the new pipeline? I’ve heard you get assigned out the gate. Applying for UFT board and curious if they allow me any level of preference. Also, I heard IFT is back on

[RPApilotSelectMSgt]

I would like some input from anyone currently going through the RPA pipeline and what the discussion is for RPA Next pilot training.

[DK06]

Currently in IQT (follow on from URT) and can shed some insight to the process and what I’ve seen so far. 
 

IFT was canceled for me due to the VID; straight to Randolph for RIQ/RFC courses. It is reinstated for 18x students last I heard. 
 
Painful for instructors and students alike. I was in one of two URT classes who had >90% with no IFT class. Instructors at RIQ expect some level of VFR and flying experience. Curriculum and standards were not adjusted for lack of experience, so the RIQ portion in T6 sims was trial by fire. 
 

RPA Next was being set up during our time there; looked like they’ll be shifting away from T6 focused initial qualification to a more UAS focused style craft for that initial instrument qualification. I was so heads down in the books just trying to survive that I can’t share any more info than the initial Randolph course should be more relevant to RPA ops for future classes. 
 

RFC was the follow on course to RIQ; both combined are the URT and culminate with earning your 18x wings. RFC was much more relaxed from a workload/stress level, and helps prep you for the IQT school by focusing on RPA fundamentals. 
 

Any questions please ask, but hopefully that helps with a 30k foot overview of the URT experience from the last 9 months timeframe. 

[Crasher]

That’s great info. With these new changes to RPA Next, do they still do things like stand ups?

[theoriginalturk]

On 11/9/2021 at 9:33 AM, Crasher said:

That’s great info. With these new changes to RPA Next, do they still do things like stand ups?

If they are still doing that stuff in RPA next just learn to play the game. There was gouge going around that pregamed most EPs just find some or build some, then memorize it and try to regurgitate it in front of everyone. If you don’t get through the EP hardly anyone cares, it doesn’t matter and everyone knows that.

The RPA pipeline is a joke. Everyone knows it’s just a cost cutting measure to spare the real pilots from the box. 

Edited November 20, 2021 by theoriginalturk