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  #1  
Old 12-04-13, 02:47 PM
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Default Drone Pilot Wings

Interesting article.
The new wings have a blue wreath.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukne...RAF-wings.html

"To distinguish them from other airmen, flying more traditional craft, the drone pilots' badge - or “wings” - differ slightly, by having blue, as opposed to brown, laurel leaves."

Phil
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  #2  
Old 12-04-13, 04:06 PM
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Philip, thanks for this. Just when I thought I'd got all the latest aircrew wings and brevets along comes another one! Has anyone seen a picture of one yet? And where can I get one?
David
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  #3  
Old 12-04-13, 04:22 PM
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Default RAF Drone wings

Just found a picture here:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/04...lots_graduate/
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  #4  
Old 12-04-13, 04:26 PM
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Default RAF Drone wings

And here:

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/r...wings-01042013
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  #5  
Old 12-04-13, 05:24 PM
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I am and always have been a 'brown job'. My better half was an RAF reservist IntO. As much as we may have muttered about the 'wing-ed master race' in the past, we both feel that this is something of a snub to the 'drivers'; the 'growbags' or whatever you used to call them. An 'actual' pilot goes in harms way be they multi-engined or fast, from an air defence ground environment of whatever sophistication. Now, from a distance, it is virtually impossible to distinguish them from what are effectively systems operators (however highly trained) at very little personal risk. A Half Wing would have surficed. Compare a Predator driver with a Typhoon pilot? A misjudged move.
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Old 12-04-13, 06:19 PM
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I'm in agreement that a halfwing qual badge would have been more fitting. I initially thought this was a April Fools Joke as the MoD press release I saw was dated 1 April.
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Old 12-04-13, 07:03 PM
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I also think that a half wing would have been more appropriate. They don't need the same skills as a real pilot. Wouldn't the RAF half wing for Weapons Systems Operators have sufficed? After all, aren't these Predators, Reapers or whatever merely an alternative weapons delivery system or intelligence device? And with due respect, aren't these guys (and presumably girls) sort of computer geeks?

David

Last edited by David Tremain; 13-04-13 at 02:10 AM. Reason: grammatical error
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Old 12-04-13, 07:12 PM
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Last edited by Charlie585; 21-11-13 at 03:23 PM.
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Old 12-04-13, 08:44 PM
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The Army have OR's on the front line flying theirs.

Marc
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Old 12-04-13, 09:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 54Bty View Post
The Army have OR's on the front line flying theirs.

Marc
IMO some the RAF appointments have been over-ranked for some time now. Although I must say, all three service suffer from the same complaint. High time the pyramids were adjusted! (Incoming!!!!)

1st April, I wonder.
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Old 12-04-13, 11:07 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David Tremain View Post
I also think that a half wing would have been more appropriate. They don't need the same skills as a real pilot. Wouldn't the RAF half wing for Weapons Systems Operators sufficed? After all, aren't these Predators, Reapers or whatever merely an alternative weapons delivery system or intelligence device? And with due respect, aren't these guys (and presumably girls) sort of computer geeks?

David
Exactly any 14year old in a darkened bedroom with a PS3 can do what these guys do.... Wouldn't an online trophy of some sort and some bonus points suffice?

Tom
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Old 13-04-13, 02:17 AM
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I guess I'm showing my age, but what's a PS3? Oh, I think I just got it - Play Station 3? Isn't that what fourteen year-olds do anyway?

In spite of my reservations about the whole thing, I'd still like to add one of the new badges to my collection. After all, a badge is a badge!

Are we absolutely sure it's not an April Fool's joke? Otherwise a few of us are going to have egg all over our faces. I guess it's true. I can't think that the MoD has that much of a sense of humour to put it on its website.

David
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  #13  
Old 13-04-13, 06:51 AM
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also, one would wonder why they chose the wreath colour matching that of the RAAF.
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Old 13-04-13, 07:29 AM
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Default Drone Pilot Wings

Before we get too carried away classing drone pilots as 2nd Class, please remember that before they undertake drone training they have to pass Flight School and learn to fly real single engined aircraft at an Elementary Flying School, clocking up some 60plus solo hours, alongside those destined to fly fast jets, helecopters or transport planes. Their navigation skills are also tested. If they can't hack it with personnel destined to fly 'real' planes they don't get to progress to drones.

The responsibility of firing real weapons at human targets is no different from those flying fast jets. PS3 don't kill, and if you cock it up on-line you don't face the possibility of a career ruining court of enquiry!

Is a Gunner in a missile regiment any worse a soldier than Tommy in the front line? I think we shouldn't jump to conclusions.

Stephen.

Stephen.
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Old 13-04-13, 09:17 AM
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The point is they face no danger... none whatsoever, they can be at points never leaving the UK if so desired. It would be like giving an Infantry badge (I think thats what the Aussies have), to someone pilotting a robot from 2000 miles away, no danger and tbh a fairly cushy billet most would not allow this. They could easily earn pilots wings for the solo, perhaps in the form of the VR style wings, but to get wings for drones, as has been said... it's a bit of a laugh...

And as for PS3 not ruining careers... some build up their careers over years, taking part over many hours and in no director real danger, other than thumb strain.... now which am I talking about there, a 14 year old playing COD or a drone pilot... I am sure in fact most 14 year olds can probably out class most drone pilots anyways in simulated combat....

A drone pilot deserves not wings, half wings perhaps...
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