ASOG Article of the Month – November 2020
ASOG Author: Patrick Ryan
ASOGer: Gary Micklethwaite, Dept. Head of Operators at Qinetiq Target Systems Canada for the CAFUAS Program
Last month, I had the great pleasure of virtually cross-talking with a fellow ASOGer and ASOG Author, Gary Micklethwaite. As part of ASOG's effort to advocate, educate, and inform regarding the Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) profession, I thought it would be great to take a moment to capture his current and past experiences as an ASO. Especially with his background in both manned and unmanned aircrew roles.
What is your job, and how did you end up in this career field/position?
Presently I am the Head of Operators at Qinetiq Target Systems Canada for the CAFUAS Program. I retired from the Canadian Military in 2014 after a 36-year career, of which 30 was spent as a sensor operator. After retirement, I spent five years being bored before applying for this position. I was lucky enough to get hired at the ground floor of a new rotary-wing unmanned system project to help our Military.
What do you like about your job?
What is not to like? I get to operate an unmanned platform AND all the sensors that go on it. I also get to manage a team of like-minded professionals who want to do their best. Sure, there are a few growing pains because of this project's newness, but to be able to continue doing what you love doing after going through retirement is the icing on the cake.
What do you think is the general role of an Airborne Sensor Operator in today's aerial unmanned aircraft sector?
What I like about the role of a sensor operator in the unmanned world is that you can also be the Air Vehicle Operator (AVO). We are cross-trained to do both. Our present team consists mostly of ASO's who have cross-trained into AVO positions. We only have one person who is a pilot from the get-go, who we need to cross-train as an ASO.
What do you look for when hiring an Airborne Sensor Operator?
Cross Training. The good part of having people cross-trained as both AVO and ASO is that having a sensor operation background gives the AVO an insight into where to place the sensors for maximum effect. The crew coordination becomes seamless. Today I get to fly, and I know where the ASO wants me to go. Tomorrow, he gets to fly, and I know that he will place the Air Vehicle where I need him to go to get the best effect from the sensors.
What would you recommend to future ASOs regarding the type of training and education to pursue?
I am rather biased when it comes to this because I will always recommend getting your training and building your experience for free, and that means getting it in the Military. You don't have to do what I did and make a career out of it but get as much professional development as you can before you decide to branch out into another career. It's all of that professional development that I did, which has gotten me to where I am today. Never underestimate the relevance and efficacy of the courses you will receive in your Military career, and while they may seem mundane and without value, they will serve you well down the line.
What are the general trends you see in the aerial unmanned sector or markets?
The unmanned world is the world's Wild-West right now. It's so new that it is still making its way in the aviation market. Regulatory agencies can't keep up with the demand, and the product that the unmanned world is capable of performing is pretty much limitless right now. Search and Rescue, package delivery, heavy construction, visual inspection, traffic control, crop dusting, and even firefighting. Your imagination only limits the jobs that unmanned can do.
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If you want to know more about Gary and/or network with him, you can find him in the Members directory. Don’t forget, to send a message, you’ll have to “Friend” first.
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