At 00:17 25 March 2011, Ian Cant wrote:

I agree, as we all do, that soaring exposure for cadets is highl
desirable. But would not even a 'slightly' less expensive aircraft d
this job just as well ? And maybe for more cadets if the total budge
stays the same ?

For that matter, do it with single engine piston airplanes. If what you
want is exposure to air operations in the real world, that makes a lot
more sense, regardless of our own prejudices.

As to the value for Predator operators, I doubt if it is significant.
Th
pilots' union will keep the job designated for rated pilots as long a
possible,

Air Force pilots belong to a pilots union? Sounds unlikely to me.

Jim Beckman