I have been doing some research about uav and serching for some form of entry level jobs. Have 27hrs of r22 helo, only to fall short of money and a broken heart to enter my dream of a professional field of aviation... I Owned and operated my personal automotive repair facility for 8 years prior to finishing my college degree in Kinesiology. I Have an overall above average understanding of aviation includingn flight physics and mechanical theory and oberation. Though it dosent matter in UAV, I have some good thumbs for 3D helos and planes. Obtaining a CFII Helo ticket is not financially possible at this time but was my dream for a while. I'm going crazy to find a way into UAV, feel like it is very fitting for my experience and suits me well. Any pointers!! Please help.. Money is not my object here and I am willing to move.
One would think openings in that field would be plentiful?
A few years ago I did some graphics for a College that was doing research with drones. Yes, my graphics are on their drones. Just simple stuff actually and some logos. No big deal but I had to mention it. I have the photos someplace, I'll see if I can dig them up.
Here's the thing, my contact person, at that time, told me it was common for Universities to do this type of research. Possibly to seed interest and to recruit individuals for job opportunities. My guess is, both Civil and Government.
I would research Colleges and curriculum. You might get lucky with that?
I'm guessing you have little interest in joining the military? As you may know, they do offer schooling and have extensive programs in that area.
Incredible isn't it, what's going on with that stuff!
I feel oblicated to mention this true story because your Thread brought it to mind.
About 18 years ago I bumped into an old friend. Someone I haven't seen since high school or 20 years. We didn't go to the same high school, but we did hang out. We were great friends and as youngsters had much in common.
It was fate. I had just landed my Lake Amphibian at my home airport, and was locking it up, when I saw an individual approach me.
I couldn't believe it was Brian. (His real name.) He had just gotten out of his Citabria, only pulled in for fuel. Brian couldn't believe it was me. Yes, as you can imagine, we had much to talk about. After the small talk, we got serious. We talked about Brian being between jobs. A wife and two daughters, he was concerned. Brian was a Metallurgists and an engineer. He tried everywhere and there were no openings in that field.
Brian, I said, You're an engineer for God's sake, why the hell does it have to be Metallurgy? Get a few books, learn the lingo and apply for other engineering jobs. Nothing hard about that?
Well, Brian did just that. He landed a job in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He's designing ultra-light aircraft. He's working for a factory that manufacturers them! Brian is an Aviator now working in a field of aviation. Good for Brian!
Interesting story, probably not? But for Brian, it was his opportunity for a career, in a field, he never thought of working in.
I hope things work out for you. You can make it happen!
Best of luck!