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Home Page Version 2 Forums Air Force Actively pursuing an RPA pilot slot in the Guard

  • Actively pursuing an RPA pilot slot in the Guard

    Posted by jason-liptrap on June 16, 2024 at 3:27 pm

    Hi all,

    I’m wanting to become a Reaper Pilot. I got into aviation later in life and fell in love with it. Honestly, I didn’t think becoming a pilot in the Air Force was an option for me, especially at my age. I am 36 and currently in an Air Guard SF unit. As far as meeting the requirements, I have a BS degree with a 3.56 GPA, have a 95 PCSM score, 95 Pilot score on AFOQT, apprx. 60 flight hours and I’m about to finish up my PPL here soon. I was wondering if I’d have a decent shot at a slot? Anything I can work on to improve? Another question, what class flight physical is required, and would being arrested for a DUI but not charged keep me from getting top-secret clearance, ultimately DQing me? Any help or advice is much appreciated and I thank you in advance!

    Best,

    Jason

    CGreive replied 1 week, 4 days ago 4 Members · 5 Replies
  • 5 Replies
  • Biggs

    Member
    June 17, 2024 at 7:55 pm
    695 BogiPoints

    Hi Jason, I want to respond to your questions on here as well. First, you check all the boxes that we recommend for aspiring pilots (good scores, flight hours, etc.). Also, you are within the age limit for RPA pilots (40 is when you age out of URT vice 33 for UPT). As for the DUI, there are a lot of extenuating circumstances that may or may not grant you a security clearance (e.g. can you get a waiver, how long ago did it happen, where there other factors involved etc.). As with any job you want, that should not stop you from trying. Getting a unit to know who you are is always key.

  • jason-liptrap

    Member
    June 23, 2024 at 10:54 pm
    6695 BogiPoints

    Hi Sir,

    This is helps out a lot. I’ll keep rolling with it and see what happens.

    Best,

    Jason

    • CHAOS

      Member
      June 24, 2024 at 12:10 am
      14385 BogiPoints

      Jason,

      Piling on here, if you have any questions regarding legal history and its effect on the medical side, I recommend jumping on a chat with any of our resident Flight Doc coaches. They should provide good insight into what to expect.

      Good luck, and keep grinding!

      -CHAOS

      • jason-liptrap

        Member
        June 25, 2024 at 11:21 am
        6695 BogiPoints

        Thank you, Sir! I will schedule a session with a flight doc. Thanks for the recommendation and advice!

        Best,

        Jason

  • CGreive

    Member
    October 26, 2024 at 10:52 am
    4420 BogiPoints

    Hey man,

    I was recently hired for an RPA slot as a 31 year old with scores way below yours. I was also previously SF with a 4 year break in service. While I can’t speak to the contingencies of the security clearance, I’d say shotgun apps. There are several units hiring right now. Interview, be you, and you shouldn’t have any issues. Ultimately, make them tell you no.

    if you have any other questions just shoot me a message. I’ll help the best I can.

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