Quote:
Originally Posted by Rainbow Six
Hi Sic,
In the RAF only commissioned officers fly aircraft (historically the RAF did have NCO pilots, but this was discontinued in the 1950's). Same for Navigators, WSO's, etc - they're all commisioned officers.
A Flight Sergeant is a relatively senior grade (I think it's roughly similar to US E 7 grade) and can be an aircrew or ground trade. Aircrew trades would include such things as Loadmasters on C130's and helos, winch operators etc . Ground Trade covers a number of roles (to be honest I don't know if the RAF has a direct equivalent of a crew chief who takes ownership of one specific aircraft).
I'm at work at the minute so can't confirm 100% but I think the Army still has NCO helo pilots - when I get home I'll check a couple of books and confirm for sure one way or the other.
Cheers
|
In the late 1980s, there was a movement to allow E-7 and above helicopter pilots in the US Army, but it eventually came to nothing.