Managing Director's Message
I would like to wish all of you a very happy, safe and prosperous 2018!
At the end of 2017 and five months into our existence (outside of Linked-In), we had over 80 professional members from around the world join our aircrew community, and our reach continues to grow at a good pace. Additionally, we have over 2,500 connections/followers on Linked-In and other social media sites with the same positive response.
What I see for 2018 regarding our group is continue to grow ASOG capabilities & services, motivate networking and enhance career opportunities by the ASOG charter (https://aso-group.ning.com/about-us).
By this time next year, I anticipate that ASOG will be larger and more formal with a few success stories under its belt. However, the real size, sophistication, and results of ASOG will be determined by you the members. If you’re interested in taking a more active role in the development of the Airborne Sensor Operator profession, please contact me or just go wild on the webpage. I think the adage of “THE MORE YOU PUT IN - THE MORE YOU GET OUT” is very true.
Speaking of that, I would like to recognize some members who have jumped in and participated since ASOG began. Their efforts, big & small, have made a difference for themselves, other ASOs, ASOG and the ASO profession in general. These members are:
- Wayne Dahlke
- Georg DeCock
- Kyle Evans
- Phil Linning
- Michael Sheehy
- Mike Tucker
- Juan Pena Ibanez
- Joshua Cohen
- Pierre De Backer
- Harry Macleod
Also, I would like to recognize the following firms for their support of the ASOG mission. Without the bridge between professional ASOs and the organizations that supply, support, train and hire ASOs, we will not advance as an industry:
- PAvCon
- AeroEnterprise GmbH
- Airborne Technologies GmbH
- GOEL Training & Consulting Inc.
- ARTEMIS
- DTSI Consulting Inc.
- R4 Inc.
Again, I wish all of you a super 2018 and I’m looking forward to networking and collaborating with you this year! If you ever have a question or just want to cross-talk, please reach out to me.
Best Regards,
Patrick T. Ryan
Founder & Managing Director, ASOG
General Improvements
As part of ASOGs continuing effort to improve and help all of us as a professional network, a “Supporter” program is now up and running. Like I mentioned above, this program is designed to bridge with companies and organizations that supply, support, train and hire Airborne Sensor Operators. If you know of a company or organization that would like to associate with ASOG, please have them make contact with me (pryan@aso-group.org). Again, no fee or donation required, just recognition of ASOG's mission.
Additionally, an “Event” tab is now linked to the Homepage. There is nothing more rewarding than connecting with a fellow member or like-minded professionals in person. The intent of this function of the ASOG webpage is for you to announce that you’ll be at a particular event and that you want to meet. I’ll put Bitcoin on it that you’ll walk away enhancing your professional position and think twice about having the 3rd beer. If you want to use this function, go to “Homepage” and click the sub-tab “Events” then fill out the blanks…that easy!
Shortly, a “Publication Library” will be launched. The intent of this page, like the Link Library, is a resource for members (new & old ASOs) to use in their professional ASO career. The library will consist of community generated or donated documents, articles, checklist, slide presentations and pamphlets. So, if you have something that the community can find useful, please send it to me, and I’ll get it posted.
Speaking of the future, if you have an idea to improve or add to the ASOG project. Let me know. The more feedback on needs & wants will only make ASOG useful to you.
Talking about future ideas, some members have recommended that we beef-up our “Job Center.” If anyone knows of a good service or software that can automatically search and feed ASO or similar job postings, please let me know. I’ll take a look and implement it. Also, do we want a platform for individuals to post their resumes / CVs?
Standards & Guides Update
As part of our mission to standardize & guide our profession, several ASOG documents will be released this year. The first is:
- General ASO Professional Standards Guide
- ASO Transition Checklist Guide
- ASO Resume & Cover Letter Guide
In the future, ASOG would like to post general guides on career path & training standards for specific ASO positions (Aerial Mapping & Surveying, Tactical Flight Officer, Aerial Photographer, TACCO, Tactical System Officer, etc.) and general quick reference technical guides. If you ever wanted to leave your professional mark on the world, this might be the project for you. If you’re interested, reach out to me, and we’ll collaborate.
Membership
Our new membership structure has proved very popular for networking and membership is increasing steadily. I’m delighted to welcome our latest members since 1 Dec 2017:
- Kyle Evans
- Amy Cohen
- Jimmy Burnside
- Howard Jackson
- Robert
- Adam Stiles
- Glen Moratti
- Aaron Bettison
If you know of someone who would be interested in being a member of ASOG and advance themselves and the profession, send them to our website (www.aso-group.ning.com) and have them join. Remember….
“Birds of a feather flock together.”
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