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  #1  
Old 25-01-17, 08:39 PM
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Default RAF Drone Pilot Wings

Hi have just received these Wings still in original packaging, for RAF Drone Pilots, are these becomming readily available now? Hope you like them any information on them appreciated Cheers billy
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  #2  
Old 26-01-17, 07:29 AM
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Hi Billy, I recently tried to get a pair from a Sqn contact but it seems they're still hard to acquire. I'm told that the pilots are encouraged not to wear them, as in the current state of world affairs it singles them out as prime targets. If you get another I'd appreciate it for my own collection.
Cheers, Craig
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  #3  
Old 26-01-17, 05:03 PM
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Craig taken 2 years baddgering to get these but will ask if some more can be acquired if I could get 5 I'd want 10 and if I had 10 I'd want more so will sound out other avenues, but will let you know all the best for now Billy
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Old 26-01-17, 06:14 PM
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Billy,

I dont know anything about the current RAF.

Are the drone pilots all officers or are some NCO's and airman qualified also.

Do all ranks wear it and is it worn in the same place as standard pilots wings above the breast pocket.

regards
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Old 26-01-17, 06:19 PM
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Hi Gents,

A interesting topic this one, thanks to all for contributing.

A subject I know absolutely nothing about but have driven past the US drone air base a few time in northern Nevada and spotted a few taking off/landing.

It may be a daft question but are 'drone' pilots actually 'real' pilots? I mean can and do they actually have experience/qualifications in sitting in a cockpit and leaving the ground?

No disrespect to any drone pilots reading this, it's just that I don't know and wonder where all these developments are taking us, so curious.

Cheers,

Roy
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  #6  
Old 26-01-17, 08:26 PM
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Default RPAS

Quote:
Originally Posted by manchesters View Post
Billy,

I dont know anything about the current RAF.

Are the drone pilots all officers or are some NCO's and airman qualified also.

Do all ranks wear it and is it worn in the same place as standard pilots wings above the breast pocket.

regards
The more correct title for the drones is Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) and as far as I know, all pilots in the RAF are officers - thus the wings are only worn by officers. It differs from the standard wing only in the colour of the wreath and is worn in the same place on the best dress jacket.
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Old 26-01-17, 08:36 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roy View Post
Hi Gents,

A interesting topic this one, thanks to all for contributing.

A subject I know absolutely nothing about but have driven past the US drone air base a few time in northern Nevada and spotted a few taking off/landing.

It may be a daft question but are 'drone' pilots actually 'real' pilots? I mean can and do they actually have experience/qualifications in sitting in a cockpit and leaving the ground?

No disrespect to any drone pilots reading this, it's just that I don't know and wonder where all these developments are taking us, so curious.

Cheers,

Roy
Hi Roy, 39 Squadron operate Reaper out of Creech as part of the USAF 432nd Operations Group. I wrote a short article on 39 Sqn for 'The Formation Sign' back in Jan '14. In it I state that UK pilots have all qualified as pilots on other military aircraft.
Regards, Craig
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Old 26-01-17, 09:09 PM
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Thanks Craig,

Great information.

It's always a good day when one learns something new..

Cheers,

Roy
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  #9  
Old 26-01-17, 09:20 PM
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A few years back the RAF cut those pilots under training, I think some of these Pilots (some only had a few hours short of being fully qualified) became Drone Pilots I think in America but will find out and post over the weekend, they are now in U/K as well, but I think? for security concerns the wings are not to be worn! Will confirm this over the weekend also!

Worn as normal Wings above Left Breast pocket, and are qualified Pilots, any other information regards these would be welcomed as its interesting, a new chapter in the RAF history.

All the best billy
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  #10  
Old 26-01-17, 10:06 PM
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A year ago, I had a couple of pairs made as a gap filler by a British company specializing in wings etc. I can't remember the company's name offhand, but I believe I posted them afterwards. They cost me a fiver each and look just like Billy's, but without the NATO stock number. I suspect that because there are so few RPAS pilots, the wings are still rare. So, lucky bugger Billy for getting the real McCoy!

David
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Old 26-01-17, 11:28 PM
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Heres one on ebay.

Real or Fake?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRITISH-RO...UAAOSwUKxYiO5z
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  #12  
Old 27-01-17, 06:06 AM
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Fake! Simon the real are padded, whereas these on Ebay look to be flat, and with thicker Laurels! Also Crown, and RAF in centre is different, thankfully enough differences when seen adjacent to the real one! Cheers billy
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Old 27-01-17, 08:50 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by billy View Post
Fake! Simon the real are padded, whereas these on Ebay look to be flat, and with thicker Laurels! Also Crown, and RAF in centre is different, thankfully enough differences when seen adjacent to the real one! Cheers billy
Billy, It doesnt take them long does it
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  #14  
Old 27-01-17, 08:57 AM
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Billy, It doesnt take them long does it
And another one, this time being sold as an "excellent copy".

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRITISH-RA...QAAOSwtJZXWQ4~

Roger
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  #15  
Old 27-01-17, 09:02 AM
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And another one, this time being sold as an "excellent copy".

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRITISH-RA...QAAOSwtJZXWQ4~

Roger
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