Air Force Taking Action to Minimize Overwork of Drone Pilots
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Polina Shuvaeva/iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — The Air Force is acting to minimize the stress placed on Predator drone pilots who are working more hours than their peers.
According to Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James, drone pilots are flying six days per week and pulling 14-hour tours. The hours they spend flying are about three times what Air Force pilots flying other aircraft spend flying.
On Thursday, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh announced short-term solutions to help limit overwork.
First, the National Guard and Reserve will be asked to provide more personnel on active duty, to ensure the number of drone pilots, currently lacking, is increased. Additionally, former drone pilots will be able to volunteer to fly again for six-month periods. Finally, the return of pilots loaned to drone units will have their return to their manned units delayed.
The Air Force is also considering pay increases and retention bonuses for qualified pilots.
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