ASOG Article of the Month | April 2025
Source | Patrick Ryan
Training is the backbone of safety and efficiency in aviation, particularly for roles as technically demanding as Airborne Sensor Operators (ASOs). Yet, in certain companies and public safety organizations, ASOs are thrust into their roles with little or no formal training—initially or for ongoing currency.
This lack of preparation comes from a mix of connected issues that, together, create a bigger problem with wide-reaching effects. What I’m sharing here is based on what I’ve seen firsthand throughout my career in the multi-mission and aerial work aviation world.
Budget Constraints: The First Cut
One major factor is budget constraints. Many organizations, especially in the public safety sector such as law enforcement or fire departments, operate under tight financial restrictions. Comprehensive training programs require significant investments in instructor time, training flights, simulators, and materials. With budgets stretched thin, training often becomes one of the first areas to be minimized or overlooked.
Operational Pressures and the “Get It Done” Mentality
Operational urgency is another key contributor. Industries like aerial surveying, mapping, and public safety often face tight deadlines or emergency conditions. In these high-pressure environments, organizations may prioritize meeting immediate operational needs over ensuring thorough training. This "get the job done" mindset can result in new hires being rushed into roles without adequate preparation—setting them up for failure.
Underestimating the Complexity of the ASO Role
A common misconception about the ASO role further exacerbates the problem. Some organizations underestimate the complexity of the position, treating it as a straightforward technical task. This perspective neglects the essential need for skills in airmanship, crew resource management (CRM), and human factors, which are all critical to effective and safe airborne operations.
Regulatory Gaps and Lack of Oversight
Adding to the issue is the lack of regulatory oversight. Unlike pilots or maintenance personnel, ASOs are not always subject to stringent regulations or licensing requirements. This gap leaves the responsibility for training entirely in the hands of employers, resulting in wide variability in training quality and completeness.
Reliance on Informal On-the-Job Training
Many organizations default to informal, on-the-job training rather than structured programs. While this method may be practical and cost-effective, it is often inconsistent. Critical elements like CRM, emergency procedures, and advanced system operations may be skipped entirely. The quality of training becomes dependent on the experience and mentoring ability of individual trainers, leading to unpredictable results.
High Turnover Discourages Investment
In some cases, high turnover rates deter organizations from investing in training. When employees frequently leave for better-paying or more attractive opportunities, employers may view training as a poor return on investment. This short-sighted approach compromises long-term safety and operational effectiveness for short-term savings.
Emergency Readiness Over Long-Term Planning
Public safety organizations often prioritize immediate readiness over long-term capability development. During emergencies like natural disasters or large-scale incidents, there is little time to properly train new ASOs. This reactive approach results in gaps in crew readiness, reducing mission effectiveness and increasing risk.
Overconfidence in Technology
The rapid advancement of sensor technologies has led some organizations to believe that automation can replace operator expertise. While modern systems can streamline tasks, they cannot substitute for the situational awareness, critical thinking, and teamwork required for safe and effective missions. Overreliance on technology can create a false sense of capability.
The Consequences of Inadequate Training
The risks of insufficient ASO training are substantial. Poorly trained operators may:
- Collect inaccurate or unusable data
- Fail to complete missions efficiently
- Make errors that endanger crew and equipment
- Require costly reruns of missions
- Cause friction within flight crews
These outcomes can result in increased liability, damaged equipment, and compromised mission success—all of which impact an organization's credibility and operational effectiveness.
Addressing the Challenge: A Multi-Faceted Approach
Solving this issue requires coordinated action:
- Leadership must champion training as a core component of safety and performance—not a discretionary cost.
- Industry standards should be developed to mandate minimum training and certification requirements for ASOs.
- External training resources, such as partnerships with flight schools or technical institutes, can provide cost-effective solutions.
- Regular proficiency checks and currency programs are essential to ensure ASOs maintain high skill levels and adapt to evolving technologies.
Bottom-Line: Training is a Strategic Investment
The lack of training for airborne sensor operators is more than an internal staffing issue—it is a systemic risk that threatens safety, mission success, and organizational reputation. Effective training, both initial and recurring, is not optional. It is a strategic investment in the people, the mission, and the long-term success of the organization.
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