maritime patrol (2)

 

ASOG Members,

From an Airborne Sensor Operators or a Crew Member position, what is your role in this time-tested and Pilot trained philosophy of prioritizing routine flight actions or how to manage an in-flight emergency situation?

My 2 Cent Answer:  No Different …However!

Because of the inherent danger of flying an aircraft, the Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) on a manned aircraft or a Payload Operator embedded with a Drone Flight Crew becomes “de-facto” critical part of the “Aviate, Navigate and Communicate” process. Even though the ASO has different technical duties & responsibilities than the Pilot, the main perspectives of an Airborne Sensor Operator from that of a Pilot are “different but not different.”  So, if you’re an ASO or Payload instructor, are the following points good to instruct student ASOs in-regard-to Aviate, Navigate, Communicate:

Aviate:

  • Besides the pilot, an ASO should make it a point to know the in & Out of the aircraft their flying. This includes knowing basic Aeronautical/Airmanship principles, your specific aircraft systems & performance factors and can have the technical knowledge to flight flow with the pilot in-regard-to the characteristic of the aircraft.
  • Routinely monitor the status of the condition of flight. Other words don’t get complacent after hours of boring data collection and doing your “bore-sighted” collection job. Don’t let your “Soda-Straw” view distract you from the “Big Picture”…ie…your part of a “piece of metal in the sky” from takeoff to landing (.3 or 13.0 Hrs.).
  • During an emergency, backup the pilot(s) flight situational awareness & workload…Don’t get fixated along with the rest of the crew! Help the pilot fly the airplane by taking another task off his or her mind (look-up/read-out-loud EP checklist, crawl around the cockpit to check cable connections, etc)!

Navigate:

  • As the Sensor Operator, you should have equal or better geo-location situational awareness than the pilot because of the purpose of data collection to know where you are; know the terrain around you, below you and where you’re going. Also, an ASO should be thinking the following in-regard-to navigation…Am I “Behind the Aircraft,” “With the Aircraft” or “Ahead of the Aircraft”…Right answer…”Ahead of the Aircraft”.
  • Again, besides the pilot, an ASO should not be focused primarily on the collection area but make it a point to back up the navigation of taxi, departure, en route to/from the collection area, arrival, and taxi to stop.
  • During an emergency, backup the pilot(s) flight situational awareness (SA) & workload by supporting the identification of the nearest “planned” or “best option” emergency airfields or landing zones. Additionally, be prepared to provide heading, distance & obstacle information to the EP landing location. Don’t forget, if applicable, your sensors can be an excellent tool to support the SA of the emergency and bring the flight to a successful conclusion.

Communicate:

  • An ASO should know radio procedures and etiquette. This includes knowing how to operate all communication systems associated with the aircraft and the communication-assisted devices of a Drone crew. Additionally, listen before speaking – make sure current communication exchange is over before speaking, i.e., avoid “Stepping On” someone else’s radio or intercom call. In General, be clear, concise and communicate all necessary details.
  • Practice Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles. CRM combines individual skills and human factors knowledge with effective crew coordination. One of the key principles is communication & cooperation (TeamWork).
  • During an emergency, and besides practicing communication bullets 1 & 2, be ready to back up the pilot(s) communication workload by taking the responsibility of communicating with ATC or other critical players. Having the pilot-in-command (PIC) trust in you to take this responsibility is “worth its weight in Gold & blood” and says a lot of an ASO’s abilities!

Again, if you’re an ASO or Aerial Payload instructor, are the above points good to instruct student ASOs in-regard-to Aviate, Navigate, Communicate?

 

ASOG Desk Editor (Patrick)

Image: Wikimedia Commons - Archangel12

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As an Airborne Sensor Operator Group (ASOG) member, you know how important professional development is, i.e., one reason you joined this network/group.  

“Professional development is learning to earn or maintain professional credentials such as academic degrees to formal coursework, conferences and informal learning opportunities situated in practice. It has been described as intensive and collaborative, ideally incorporating an evaluative stage. There are a variety of approaches to professional development, including consultation, coaching, communities of practice, lesson study, mentoring, reflective supervision and technical assistance.” (Wikipedia)

One of my favorite professional development TTP (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures), and there are many others, is attending Trade Shows & Conferences. When it comes to improving my professional knowledge and strengthen my career, there’s no substitute for a live learning event like a trade show or conference. By interacting with a roomful or exhibit hall of peers, asking questions of subject matter experts, and examining real-world applications of the information you’re focused on, it helps cement your knowledge & connections.

Yes, most trade shows and conferences are expensive, but if you’re able to get your employer to send you or budget your funds to attend, take advantage of it. Also, before attending have a plan of what you want to learn, experience and whom to connect with, this will maximize your investment.

Additionally, to go above and beyond just attending, try to become a guest speaker. Going through the processes and sharing your professional experiences and knowledge will double your knowledge & connections.

For reference, below is a list of events that relate to the Airborne Sensor Operator profession (Civilian, Public Safety, and Defense). If you know of any other events that relate to the Airborne Sensor Operator profession, please speak up.  (Note: The list below was randomly selected from the internet based on their relationship to the ASO profession…ASOG has no connection with these events. Also, see the home page for additional events around the world and for the different industry sectors).

ICASDM 2018: 20th International Conference on Aerial Surveying and Digital Mapping

Dubai, UAE

April 9 - 10, 2018

 

Commercial UAV Expo 2017

Commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Expo

24 Oct 2017 - 26 Oct 2017

84 days to go

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino

 

Maritime Reconnaissance and Surveillance Summit

26 September, 2017 - 28 September, 2017

Rome, Italy

 

ISR & C2 Battle Management US conference

7 November 2017 - 9 November 2017

Bethesda, United States

 

Maritime Security & Coastal Surveillance Conference

28 November 2017 - 29 November 2017

Singapore, Singapore

 

ASOG Desk Editor (Patrick Ryan)

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