Upward and onward: Future of RPA operators looks bright

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- An MQ-1 Predator prepares to taxi to the runway for takeoff June 7, 2010. Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilots were recently given a glimpse into their field's future by Brig. Gen. David Goldfein, Director of Air and Space Operations, Headquarters Air Combat Command, when he visited the base and conducted two briefings at the base theater. General Goldfein outlined the RPA operator's current situation and his proposals to top Air Force leaders to normalize RPA operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss / Released)

Upward and onward: Future of RPA operators looks bright

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Airman Steven Kleber, crew chief for 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, watches as the pilot performs function checks on the wings and tail of the MQ-1 Predator during pre-launch June 7, 2010. Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilots were recently given a glimpse into their field's future by Brig. Gen. David Goldfein, Director of Air and Space Operations, Headquarters Air Combat Command, when he visited the base and conducted two briefings at the base theater. General Goldfein explained the current pace of operations with the current number of operators was not sustainable in its current iteration and briefed Air Force leadership on three critical decision points to normalize the RPA operations as well as develop future RPA leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss / Released)

849th AMXS provides eyes in the sky of Haiti

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Senior Airman Stephanie Groome, a crew chief assigned to the 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, assists with placing the right wing of the RQ-1 Predator into a casket for transportation, Jan 17. Airmen were disassembling and packaging an RQ-1 for departure in support of Operation Unified Response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)

849th AMXS provides eyes in the sky of Haiti

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Airmen from the 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron remove the right wing of an RQ-1 Predator, Jan 17. The Airmen were dissembling and packaging an RQ-1 for departure in support of Operation Unified Response. Team Holloman is preparing personnel and supplies to send to Haiti after it was rocked by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake Jan. 12. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)

849th provides eyes in the sky of Haiti

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Airmen from the 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron push a casket across the hangar, Jan 17. The Airmen were disassembling and packaging an RQ-1 Predator for departure in support of Operation Unified Response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)

MQ-1 IOC

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- An MQ-1 Predator returns to the base after its first official flight Sept. 10. With the flight, the 432nd Wing, Detachment 5, reached initial operational capacity at Holloman. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael Means)