First, a little bit about communications in the aviation industry. One of the major jobs in general that deals with communications in the aviation industry is that of the aircraft dispatcher or flight superintendent. These people make sure that flights follow Federal Aviation Administration regulations, and may also schedule flights for airlines. They also draw up planes' flight plans and ensure that flights can be done under safe conditions. These dispatchers also keep in contact with pilots after planes have gone airborne so that weather conditions and other concerns can be communicated to them. If necessary, they give crews alternate landing instructions and also direct them to make changes in altitude if necessary.
As they draw up flight plans, these people check weather conditions and determine how much fuel will be needed. They also help plan planes' routes and altitudes so that other options can be considered if bad weather should pop up. They also make sure to examine what mechanics have done via mechanics' reports so that they know that any necessary plane maintenance has been done.
In some cases, flights must be called off because of weather conditions, mechanical failures, and so on. If this is true, dispatchers must also let crews and passengers know this, and they can also help in making alternate flight plans.
They are also record keepers. In fact, they keep track of equipment and aircraft availability, cargo weight, and how much time each plane and crew member flies.
These dispatchers may be in contact with as many as 12 planes at once and need to be able to coordinate them if any emergencies come up. If planes need paths changed, they must be able to communicate with destination airports and make suitable arrangements.
UAV communication jobs
Most often, UAV communication jobs in the US take place in the military. In fact, the military has several different unmanned air vehicles either in development or in use that can deploy weapons, and can take off and land on any landing zone, warship or unprepared landing zone close to the edge of a battle area. This type of vehicle can find, designate and track targets, and provide targeting data to personnel who then prepare to strike these targets; communications with these manned weapons include communications with those who manned ships, helicopters and strike aircraft.
Importantly, the unmanned aerial vehicles can also assess battle damage; in fact, one such vehicle is currently in use in the Navy. And in 2003, a UAV was chosen for the Army's future combat system, or FCS. As of January 2004, seven vehicles were required for production.
As of 2008, nine UAVs were being produced under a system development and demonstration contract, with tactical evaluation scheduled to begin in fall 2008. The system will be developed beginning spring 2009.
UAVs are very commonly used in the military, with differing payloads depending on the vehicle used. The helicopter air vehicle is about 23 feet long, and has a three-bladed rotor of about 27 feet in diameter. It weighs about 2550 pounds and can go for more than six hours, with ''loitering'' time of more than four hours.
UAV communications in ground control
Ground control facilities for UAVs are included with both the US Navy's tactical control station, on Navy ships, and with the Marine Corps' portable ground station, communications networks and tactical data links.
Careers in UAV communications
Communication specialists are needed in the military to help direct these unmanned air vehicles.
That said, communications in the aviation industry won't usually specialize in unmanned vehicles, but nonetheless are very important for the safe handling of aircraft in general. For example, as an aircraft dispatcher, you must take an FAA exam to become certified. To qualify for this, you may have worked for at least a year under certified dispatchers' supervision, spend at least two of the three previous years in military or commercial air traffic control, or have completed courses at training schools or airline centers approved by the FAA.
These tests cover things like weather analysis, FAA regulations, airport and traffic procedures, radio procedures, and air navigational facilities. You are also given oral examinations whereby you can clearly demonstrate knowledge about airline routes, landing a cruising speed of aircraft, navigational facilities, and that you have the ability to interpret weather information. You must also continue your education, and you are tested at least once a year on new technology and procedures. You must also fly as observers released five hours a year.
As an aircraft dispatcher, you often begin as an assistant dispatcher. For that, you don't necessarily need certification, but you must have had at least two years of experience in ground or flight operations, which is where military experience can come in handy. Alternatively, you can have had two years of college as well.
Where to apply
You can apply directly to airports and airlines for various dispatch or communications positions. For UAV communications positions in the US, most of this will be done through military channels.
Working conditions
In the aviation industry, dispatchers are responsible for many thousands of people and for extremely valuable equipment as well. This means that working conditions can be stressful, as can those in the military who handle UAV communications jobs in the US. As a civilian communications specialist, job outlook is good, although salary may be affected by the introduction of a two-tiered wage system that allows larger airlines to compete with smaller airlines. Beginning salary is roughly $20,000 a year while some who have worked in the industry for more than 15 years can earn up to $100,000 a year.
Conclusion
UAV communications jobs in the US are only available as a specialty in the military. However, this type of training can highly qualify you to work in communications jobs in the aviation industry in general in civilian life as well, once you leave the military. It's a very stressful but rewarding career and can be quite lucrative as well. If you have done UAV communications jobs in the US or you want to, you can start out in the military and then move your skills to the civilian airline industry once your time in the military is complete.
