Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
U.S. Air Force Takes Steps To Relieve, Retain UAV Pilots
The U.S. Air Force is taking steps to relieve “strain” on its remotely piloted aircraft pilots
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh and Secretary Deborah Lee James announce steps to retain MQ-1/MQ-9 pilots. (Photo: Department of Defense)
U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh and Secretary Deborah Lee James announce steps to retain MQ-1/MQ-9 pilots. (Photo: Department of Defense)

The U.S. Air Force is taking steps to retain its remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) pilots, including more than doubling their monthly flight-time pay when their initial commitments end. “These are first steps. Within the next few months we’ll have a more robust plan,” Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said January 15.