ASOG Article of the Month | October 2022
ASOG Author | Patrick Ryan & Derrick Brydges
As a low-time ASO, have you ever wondered what your Chief Pilot or Senior Sensor Operator expects of you as a new Airborne Sensor Operator?
A few days ago, Derrick Brydges (ASOG member since 2017 and a senior Power Line Patrol ASO) and I had a chance to exchange e-mails regarding the ASO profession. One of the questions that came to mind was related to low-time ASOs, i.e., especially in the Power Line Patrol sector, and what a chief pilot or senior ASO expects of their new ASOs.
Here's what Derrick had to say based on his experience and inputs from a Helicopter Pilot with whom he worked performing Power Line Patrols for over 25 years. Plus, this individual is the "baseline" model of what Derrick expects working on projects, i.e., Senior Aircrew Member Expectations:
- Specialized Knowledge - New Senior Operators should be very knowledgeable about powerline circuits by having worked on them as a Lineman or as a senior Technician - "Hands On" experience is hard to beat in evaluating what is found and how important the patrol findings are then presented to Management.
- Team Player - Another attribute is to be a "Team Player," i.e., trusting the pilot, and vice versa, will produce a "Safe, Effective Flight Environment." Plus, it helps lead to better results which is what it is all about.
- Mentoring - Any "Senior Position "would entail directing "Junior Staff," i.e., having the ability to encourage young observers by example and with patience.
- Technical Knowledge - A Senior Operator should be computer and camera savvy, i.e., interested in the ever-evolving technical cameras, etc. Plus, going beyond expectations when operating them in the field.
- Physically Fit - Not susceptible to air sickness.
- Specialized Training – Like Helicopter Pilots, complete "Flying in the Wires Environment" training.
Besides ASOs, Derrick's expectations for new Power Line Patrol Helicopter pilots are:
- Specialized Training - Complete "Flying in the Wires Environment" training.
- Captainism - Does not have the "Captainism" complex, i.e., is a Team Player willing to be a good mentor.
Even though Derrick's expectations as a senior Power Line Patrol ASO are "spot on" in the aerial utility sector, there also "spot on" in the many other Aerial Work aviation sectors that ASOs make a living. So, the next time you're flying with a new pilot or experienced ASO and want to fit in professionally, think of Derrick's "expectations!"
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