The Air Force officially established the Unmanned Aerospace System (UAS) Sensor Operator (AFSC 1U0X1) on January 31, 2009. Training for the new course’s first group of students began in August 2009. UAS pilots are commissioned officers. Currently, Air Force 1UOX1 specialists work with the unmanned aircraft systems (UAVs) MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper.
What does a sensor operator do?
To track, record, and monitor various objects in the air, on the ground, or in the water, a sensor operator uses airborne sensors. They use specialized tools, like video technology, to carry out many of their job duties. These experts are familiar with both active and passive airborne sensor systems, fundamental aircraft operation, and emergency response techniques. These professionals typically carry out the following tasks, though their jobs may require them to do other things as well:
What is a sensor operator?
A sensor operator, also referred to as an airborne sensor operator, is a highly skilled professional who employs cutting-edge technological apparatus to conduct surveillance in the air. These professionals are key members of flight crews. Airborne sensors are used to collect data from unmanned aircraft and can track and monitor a variety of objects. The majority of sensor operators have military careers in the defense sector, primarily with the U.S. military, even though they can work in a variety of industries, such as public safety. S. Air Force. They carry out airborne surveillance in these capacities to give forces intelligence they need to complete missions successfully.
How to become a sensor operator
The following are the steps you can take to train to be a military sensor operator:
1. Earn your diploma
The U. S. To join the Air Force, applicants must possess a high school diploma, GED, or GED with 15 college credits. Consider taking additional classes in physics, mathematics, computer science, geography, and Earth sciences while pursuing your diploma. These classes can help you get ready for many of the duties that a sensor operator might be responsible for.
2. Meet the qualifications
It’s crucial that you fulfill additional requirements after receiving your diploma in order to enlist. To become a sensor operator, the U. S. Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, is a test that prospective members of the Air Force must take and pass with excellent general and electronics scores. You can take this test at a location that is authorized to administer tests, like a high school or a military recruitment office. In addition to the ASVAB requirements, the U. S. Air Force also requires recruits to:
3. Complete basic training
Once youve enlisted, you can complete the U. S. AFBMT, or basic training, is the Air Force’s basic military training program. Whether you plan on entering the U. S. Air Force, the U. S. Air National Guard or the U. S. You go through the same fundamental training in the Air Force Reserve if you want to become a sensor operator. The program lasts eight and a half weeks. During basic training, you learn military protocol, get physically fit, get ready for battle, and learn transferable skills like teamwork and leadership. You graduate from basic training and are formally enlisted in the military.
4. Attend technical training
You continue with the preliminary technical training necessary to become an airborne sensor operator after completing basic training. Prior flight experience can be helpful for this training, but it is not necessary. You complete this 31-day training at technical schools in Texas. You learn about the fundamentals of sensors and the functional roles of airborne sensors, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, during the training, which is also known as apprentice or three-level training. Other skills you learn through this training include:
5. Continue with flight training
After completing the 3-level training, you can enroll in formal flight training (also known as 5-level training), which will allow you to earn your certification and start working as a sensor operator. Normally, this training takes place in Nevada for about 16 months. You learn the abilities required to use and maintain sensor operations equipment during this training. Additionally, you complete one of two qualification courses in missions, launch, or recovery. You are promoted to staff sergeant after passing a final written exam, and you accept your first operational assignment, which may be in Nevada or another base.
6. Consider advanced training
To learn new skills and advance in your career as a sensor operator as you gain experience, you may want to think about taking advanced training. You can advance into a supervisory position by completing craftsman training, also known as 7-level training. Through this training, you can learn more advanced concepts in aircrew management and hone your leadership abilities to manage other members of the flight crew. With this advanced training, sensor operators could progress to shift leadership or flight superintendent positions.
You can complete superintendent training, also known as 9-level training, if you want to pursue a management position. Your advanced knowledge and leadership abilities from your 7-level training are enhanced by this training. Experience managing aircraft systems and overseeing sensor operations are prerequisites for this training. After completing this instruction, you are promoted to senior master sergeant and are qualified for a number of management positions, including flight chief or superintendent.
Tips for becoming a sensor operator
The following advice will assist you in pursuing a career as a sensor operator:
Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Sensor Operator—What makes this career unique?
FAQ
What do sensor operators do?
To track, record, and monitor various objects in the air, on the ground, or in the water, a sensor operator uses airborne sensors. They use specialized tools, like video technology, to carry out many of their job duties.
What does a drone sensor operator do?
On unmanned aerospace systems, UAS Sensor Operators carry out duties as a member of the mission crew. In order to actively or passively carry out their missions, they make use of airborne sensors in manual or computer-assisted modes. The sensors will pick up, follow, and keep an eye on objects in the air, water, and on the ground.
How many sensor operators are there?
The number of sensor ops assigned in 2016 fell short of the number the Air Force was authorized by 10%. By 2019, the authorizations had increased to 1,277 while the assigned sensor ops remained essentially unchanged at 919, bringing the shortfall to 28 percent.
How do I become an RPA sensor operator?
The prerequisites include a high school diploma or GED, normal color vision, and seven years of experience. between the ages of 17 and 39, basic military training lasting 5 weeks While flight experience isn’t required, it is beneficial.
