Tinker Airman graduates in first class of UAV operators

Published Oct. 29, 2009
By 1st Lt. Kinder Blacke
552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The first class of non-pilots recently graduated from an experimental training program where they learned to operate the MQ-1 Predator, an unmanned aerial vehicle, remotely-controlled. One of the eight graduates was from Tinker.

In a Sept. 25 ceremony officiated by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, Capt. Jeremy Fortier, an instructor navigator with the 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron, earned his Remote Pilot Vehicle pilot wings and will continue his Air Force career as a Predator pilot at Creech Air Force Base, Nev.

Since losing his pilot slot due to medical reasons after completing the Reserve Officer Training Corps, Captain Fortier wanted to go to unmanned aircraft systems to still be able to pilot a USAF aircraft, he said. After three years of operational experience as an E-3 navigator with the 552nd Air Control Wing, Captain Fortier found his chance.

An e-mail from the Air Force Personnel Center last October solicited captains with four to six years in service who would like to train to fly the Predator.

"I jumped at the opportunity," he said.

After going through several complete physicals, IQ tests and aptitude tests, 10 Airmen were selected.

"A broad spectrum of candidates was selected, each with varying levels of previous flight experience," said Captain Fortier. Among them were three engineers, two navigators, two air battle managers, a security forces officer, a missileer and a contracting officer.

This mixed group of officers composed the Air Force's first "beta test group" of non-pilots to go through training to become UAV pilots in nine months. Traditional pilots in the Air Force take close to two years to be fully trained.

"Training was more intense than I imagined," said Captain Fortier, "and the amount of information garnered from the classes was staggering."

According to Captain Fortier, training began with a month of Initial Flight Screening in Pueblo, Colo.

"We went through the same program that all pilot candidates must complete before going through UPT," he said.

The training consists of 15 hours of flight time in a Diamond 20, a small, single-engine aircraft, and culminates in a solo flight and check-ride to demonstrate proficiency in basic flight maneuvers and procedures.

"This program has a historic 10 to 15 percent washout rate, and we lost two during this phase of training," said Captain Fortier.

Next, the students spent four months at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, to earn their instrument rating. They completed 36 simulator events in the T-6 Texan II simulator and endless hours of academics.

"This firmly implanted instrument flying into us without actually leaving the ground," said Captain Fortier. "The simulators were extremely realistic and challenging."

While at Randolph, the students also completed the UAS Fundamentals Course, during which they learned the basics of theater command structure, operational flying, electronic warfare and joint operations.

"The intent was to give someone who is brand new to aerial combat the knowledge that is usually gained by being operational in a flying squadron," said Captain Fortier. Because none of the beta students had previous flying experience, this class was particularly important.

All remaining eight students completed the training at Randolph and moved on to Creech AFB, Nev., where they trained with the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron for three months to complete initial qualification training on the MQ-1 Predators.

"We learned how to fly and employ the Predator in the surveillance, reconnaissance and close air support roles that it is tasked to do," said Captain Fortier.

Finally, after all the students completed their check-rides to become qualified Predator pilots, they headed to Nellis AFB, Nev., for the Joint Firepower Course, where they learned how to operate with the Army, Navy and Marines in a joint operational environment. At this point, the students were finally awarded their wings by General Schwartz.

Captain Fortier said he "greatly enjoyed the past nine months of training," and is now out-processing from Tinker and heading to Creech to finally fly combat missions in OEF and OIF.

"I am excited about getting 'into the fight,'" he said. "Predators are the most requested air asset that we have, and I can't wait to do what I've been trained to do. Predator pilots are there to save American lives on the ground. After all, what's a more noble profession?"