ASOG Members, can you add to this.
Yes, ASOs and other Crewmembers are not the PIC (Pilot-In-Command), but, ASOs (in Manned & Unmanned Crews) still have a critical job in aviation operations. Are the following 8 points good to pass to the next generation of ASO’s?
1. Learn and observe with your Crew. You will see very good traits, some marginal and some bad ones. Pay attention to the good ones, and in the future, this will make a major difference in your career.
2. If you have a big ego, you probably going to have a hard time being an ASO, because your ego will be bruised and tested by different PICs (or other crewmembers). When the PIC points out something to you, don’t say – “yes I was about to do it” – or say – “right,” like if you were testing the PIC’s knowledge.
3. Don’t burn bridges, in the Manned & Unmanned Airborne/Aerial Remote-Sensing industry (Surveying, LE, ISR, ) you will need of all the friends you can make. The guy sitting in the cockpit or next to you in an Unmanned Ground Crew can be the one opening the door to your next job.
4. An aircraft’s cockpit or integrated unmanned ground crew is not a good place to be shy, ask questions to clarify that you don’t understand, be respectful but express your opinions, ideas, and concerns in a clear manner.
5. The most stupid question that you can ask in an airplane or during an unmanned flight operation is the one you don’t ask. Be willing to ask, if the PIC or fellow crew members don’t know the answer, then go to the source and learn together.
6. Don’t mix personal interest with the job at hand, like intensely hanging-out with other crewmembers or talking with a friend on the phone while you’re in the middle of flight operations.
7. Keep professional a 100% of the time, always be on time for your flight and if for some reason you’re delayed, call your supervisor, and let them know you care about your responsibilities.
MOST IMPORTANT: If you see a potential danger to the safety of the flight, don’t hesitate to speak up, or even act. If the PIC is smart (and most of them are), his or her response will be: Thank you!
Patrick Ryan
Comments
Hi Timothy,
First…welcome aboard. It’s great to see another highly experienced ASO in the group. Ref your follow-up to the post…Outstanding additional points and perspective. You made the post even stronger. If you have more experience to share, post away! We have some members who are just starting their aircrew careers!
Again, Welcome and Super comment Timothy!
Cheers!
Patrick