ASOG 2021 Focus Area: News & Information
Shared By: Georg DeCock, (Article from Defence Web, 14 Oct 2021)
FYI - Possible jobs for some of you in the group.
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ASOG 2021 Focus Area: Career Management
Shared By: ASOG Career Center
Hey everyone, Michal Sanocki (fellow ASOG Member) is looking for an ASO for a short freelance contract with the option of extending. The requested skills are:
- Experience with UltraCam Eagle Camera and Riegl Laser is essential.
- Aerial Surveying & Mapping familiarity.
- Candidates will be required to work for approximately 4 weeks between November and December.
- The ability to work in DE/EU is a must.
If you are interested and want to get more information about the job, contact Michal via the ASOG e-mail system, i.e., click the “Friend” button on Michal’s ASOG members profile page…once he accepts…you can e-mail Michal.
ASOG Career Center
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: News & Information
Shared By: ASOG Desk Editor – Alex Pollit, AirMed&Rescue Magazine, 13 January 2020
Even though this article focuses on CRM, it highlights something critical to all ASOs and non-rated Aircrew personnel. That is a lack of definition and standards by civil aviation authorities around the world regarding such Aircrew members, i.e., People who fly for a living and contribute to every flight's safety.
If you didn't know, one of ASOG's focus areas is advocating for better clarification in government publications and actions regarding ASOs and non-rated Aircrew Members worldwide. The rationale is that better definitions and guidance will lead to safer operations and better outputs by both employers and employees.
With that, read the article, and let's hear your thoughts?
Crew Resource Management in SAR and HEMS Operations
ASOG Article of the Month: September 2021
ASOG Author: Gary Micklethwaite (Originally published 1 February 2017, ASOG)
It is a debate as ancient as higher education itself - What matters most when it comes to getting a job? Does that college degree get your foot in the door, or does your past work experience count for more? Gary gives his perspective on this question from a 30+ years as an ASO.
OK, I'm about to open a can of worms. Education or Experience? Perhaps a bit of background on why this has percolated to the top of my things to complain about. While continuing on my ever widening job search for something Sensor Op related, I have perused many a job posting where there is a requirement for a post-secondary education along with experience, and this has led me to ask why.
Let’s look at my own example. I have no post-secondary education. There are no letters after my name, yet I have 30 years’ experience in Sensor Operation, mission planning, mission management, instruction, standards and aviation in general. When does one outstrip the other? When can one say that education is worth more than experience OR vice versa? Don't get me wrong there’s lots of other things going against me getting suitable employment in a field that I have loved for the past three decades, most notably of which is that I have three extra decades worth of life under my belt, which in a lot of situations would enable me hors de combat in the job competitiveness department. I understand that most employers want someone who can work for them quite possibly for an entire career and I don’t qualify on that count, so the needs of a company who wants someone for the long haul means that their experience levels are much lower than "us of a certain age", therefore the shortfall has to be made up with education, right? Or does it?
While I begrudge no one a career as an ASO, as I loved it for every one of those 30 years, we have to look at the way a lot of businesses run these days. A lot of companies are looking to change the demographic of their workforce in the future. The emphasis has begun to move away from "career" workers and start shifting towards contract or term workers. What employers are looking for then is someone who can parachute in, grab a desk (or hammer, wrench, torch or workstation) and do the job with a minimum of fuss or training. As the labor market constricts, as I see it, older workers will have more say in choosing the kind of jobs they do, when, and how they work.
This blog doesn't even cover that argument that us old guys are taking jobs away from the youngsters while we should be off enjoying our retirement. There's a whole 'other discussion to be had about that which I won't cover here. Suffice to say that people want to stay in the workforce for two major reasons. The mental engagement and the income. People are living longer, healthier lives, still want to contribute to society and don't want to outlive their money. Sixty is the new fifty and all that.......
So the kids have longevity on their side and us seasoned guys don't, which brings me back to my initial point of Education vs. Experience. What do we bring to the fight then? There's a lot to be said for age. While the young guy has the benefit of post-secondary education which may or may not be in a related field, I have the added perk of being out there in the work force and have lived life. Sort of a "been there, done that" perk that the kids don’t have in their pocket. Most of us also have the ability to use critical thinking, have strong decision making skills, a good work ethic and outside the box thinking skills. We also tend to be highly trained, self-managed, short on ego and willing to put in a full day’s work. Most of us are also ready and willing to work part time instead of full time. Throw in efficient, organized, honest, punctual and dedicated and you give employers a lot of options. Put all this into a box and label it "life experience".
Now I'm not saying that younger and more educated people than I aren’t all of what I described in the previous paragraph, in fact a lot of them have all of the attributed I described, which then brings me back to does the employer want education or does he want experience in a worker?
It would seem from looking at job posts that companies are looking for education, and that something I like to call "education creep" is rearing its head. Much like mission creep that all of us who have a military background lived and loathed, education creep is moving the goalposts ever farther to the side of requiring higher and higher education. I have noticed job posts that have a requirement of a baccalaureate degree and an "it would be nice" listing of a post graduate level degree like a masters. It seems we are over-qualifying the needs that an ASO required to do their job. Like I said I lived this in the military. When I was a youngster most day to day decisions could be made by a corporal or a lieutenant. those very same decisions now require a Sgt-Major or a full Colonel.
In other words, decisions made today take someone with more experience than education. Kinda seems like a circular argument doesn't it?
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: News & Information
Shared By: Gustavo Duarte
If you want to breakout of your professional ASO silo sector or region of the world and get an impression of other aircrews doing their specialized work, Gustavo (ASOG member since 2018) thought this article and video from the Austrian Wings magazine would do the job.
Published in German, the article covers the Austrian Federal Police Flight department with a special focus on the aircrew, i.e., their duties and training.
To read the article in your mother-tongue language, go to the article and click the translate function on your web browser.
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: Career Management
Shared By: Georg DeCock
If you’re new to the world of searching for a job or it’s been a long time since you had to find a new job, Georg DeCook (ASOG member since 2017) thought the ASOG community could benefit from this article posted by Indeed.com, i.e., especially the virtual world we find ourselves in today.
Like Georg did, if you have something to share with the ASOG community regarding career management, especially in the aerial remote sensing and aerial work aviation sector, post it on the blog board or send it to deskeditor@aso-group.org and we’ll get it on the homepage.
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: News & Information
Shared By: ASOG Desk Editor
Do you know what Aerial Broadcasting is? Or, do you know what this Aerial Work aviation sector does (i.e., a potential career field for Airborne Sensor Operators)? Here’s an article from AV Buyer magazine which highlights many informative & interesting aspects of this unique "News Reporting" aviation business sector.
Aerial Broadcasting: The Bird's Eye View
ASOG Article of the Month: August 2021
Shared By: ASOG Desk Editor
Original Author: Ian Fritz, The Atlantic, August 19, 2021
This was not written by an ASOG member; However, it was written by an ASO (C4ISR | SIGINT) who was deployed in Afghanistan and served in the U.S. Air Force from 2008-2013.
Because of the current geopolitical situation playing out in Afghanistan and ASOG’s mission to highlight what ASOs do for a living across the spectrum of Aerial Work aviation, in this case the Defense/Security sector, we thought this serious article would be a current and relative read for the ASOG community.
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: Education & Training
Posted By: ASOG Education Center
As many of you know, one of ASOG’s focus areas is promoting professional development & Education across the Aerial Work aviation sectors of commercial, public safety and defense.
Regarding airborne public safety, the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) has organized a number of training events for this fall, i.e., for both manned & unmanned aircraft operations. If you’re part of the public safety community and looking to improve your skills for an affordable price, take a look at these training opportunities and register accordingly:
TACTICAL FLIGHT OFFICER (TFO) COURSE
The Tactical Flight Officers Course is designed to provide aircrew members the tactical skills and information necessary to safely and successfully support ground units engaged in a variety of law enforcement missions. Although specifically designed for tactical flight officers, this course is applicable to pilots and crewmembers alike and is also a valuable course for unit supervisors. Attendees will learn the elements of crew coordination, gain knowledge on how to set up a perimeter, direct the activities of ground units from the air, manage a vehicle pursuit and conduct a thermal imagery search using the latest in airborne tactics. Additionally, attendees will learn what specialized equipment is available and how to properly use the most common tools. This class is essential to the professional development of aviation law enforcement personnel and also meets one of the requirements for TFO training related to accreditation. Successful completion requires attendance at all 24 hours of classroom courses.
TACTICAL DRONE OPERATOR COURSE
The Tactical Drone Operator Course is three days of intensive training designed to increase piloting skills and provide students with the ability to operate in non-traditional drone environments. Students will be exposed to the equipment, tools, and techniques necessary to expand their drone program for the tactical environment. Each day will consist of four hours of classroom instruction and four hours of flight instruction, applying drone capabilities to real world scenarios. Students will:
- Understand and apply techniques for interior operations
- Develop teaming concepts for use with other units or capabilities
- Utilize the Drone as point and over watch during tactical scenarios
- Understand Weight & Balance and Center of Gravity considerations for Drones
- Identify issues associated with working in controlled airspace
- Operate as direct support for tactical team operations
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: News & Information
Posted By: ASOG Desk Editor
This white paper came across my desk the other day. I thought some of you might find it interesting regarding sensor technology (i.e., current systems on the market) and their applications. Plus, I added a simple write-up/link from Sandia National Laboratories on “What is SAR?.”
The white paper was posted on the Unmanned Systems Technology webpage and produced by IMSAR LLC.
If you or your firm has a current white paper regarding your technology that connects with the Airborne Sensor Operator/Aerial Work aviation Aircrew Profession, send it to deskeditor@aso-group.org or post it on the blog board.
ASOG Desk Editor (Patrick Ryan)
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: News & Information
Posted By: ASOG Desk Editor
Besides operating fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft, many ASO’s support the aerostat sector. Here’s a great article relating to “things to think about” regarding aerostat operations written by a new ASOG Linked-In connection Stuart Haycock. Stuart is the owner of Airborne Industries Limited and wrote the article to help customers and operators match requirements with the right platform.
To learn more, check out Stuart’s article on the Border Security Report webpage - Considering Aerostat Operations
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: Career Management
Posted By: ASOG Career Center
ASOG Members,
We received a job opening this weekend regarding an Aerial Firefighting ASO position (freelance work). If you have a background in aerial firefighting operations and/or willing to get trained-up, look at the note below and engage accordingly.
“Hey I’ve got a guy with Bode Aviation needing some ASO’s for some freelance work. The platform is a Pilatus PC-12 utilizing a FLIR STAR SAFIRE HD ball and the mapping software is Churchill.
The gig is in support of fighting wildfires in Colorado. Pay is $500 a day and they comp travel and hotels and pay per diem. Schedule is tentatively 12 on and 12 off. The Churchill system has been modified to do mapping, and create fire perimeters. They also do scans for new starts, and do some real time loading of product via onboard satcom. They will do Fire academics for the MSOs so they have a basic understanding of fire behavior and fuels. The point of contact for this is Creig Rice, his email is creig.rice@flybode.com
Please feel free to share with the community to encourage anyone with the experience and time to kill to hit him up.”
ASOG Article of the Month: July 2021
ASOG Authors: Gareth Davies & Patrick Ryan
Even though this article is focused on helicopters and advise to an Airborne Law Enforcement Tactical Flight Officer (TFO), the airmanship advice crosses many Aerial Work aviation ASO silos
After reading an e-mail trail the other day that I participated in regarding Tactical Flight Officers, I thought I had to share this part of it with the ASOG community. As the ASOG Desk Editor, I had the privilege (along with ASOG member Gareth Davies) to connect with a proven & tested police aviation helicopter pilot and get his words regarding advice to junior TFOs (a.k.a., Airborne Sensor Operators).
Before I "Auto-Rotate" on to Bill's words, I want to introduce you to Bill Probets. Bill has over 30 years of flying helicopters in many multi-mission roles, including instructing both in fixed-wing & helicopters and flying as an Offshore Pilot. However, over the last 24 years, he's been a deputized Sergeant/Chief Pilot at East Bay Regional Park District's Air Support Unit in Oakland, California. Additionally, Bill is the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) Lead Accreditation Assessor ensuring public safety organizations comply with Safety Management Systems (SMS), administrative, operational, training, and maintenance standards applicable to aviation programs.
Based on a three-way e-mail conversation between Gareth Davies, Bill Probets, and myself, Gareth asked Probets the following "bottom-line" question – "What do you think a TFO should know to support a pilot when the S*** hits the proverbial?" Here's what Bill had to say:
- You are correct on the premise that TFOs should be familiar with in-flight emergency procedures and their role.
- There are two primary kinds of emergencies:
1.) Those requiring immediate response from memory, i.e., engine failure, fire, loss of tail rotor effectiveness, etc.
2.) And those that may require a procedural response such as a loss of a generator, loss of a fuel transfer pump, loss of anti-icing or de-icing, etc.
- The TFO should be familiar with Emergency Procedures (EPs) and included in such training. They should also have immediate access to the Emergency Procedures checklist and practice the responses with their pilots/crews using a challenge/check process for procedural emergency responses or whatever CRM system the operator uses.
- Given the extent that autopilots can fly the aircraft to a low hover (see Airbus Helionix), TFOs should be competent in operating flight controls if seated in the front – I am NOT a fan of removing the dual controls in an aircraft – that's more of a pilot ego thing than a genuine "safety issue." Given the growing risk of mid-airs with UAV's (not the professional folks but the drones flown by "drones"), the ability for the TFO to fly the aircraft and safely land with an incapacitated pilot is also part of the equation.
- Also, full utilization of Aircraft Life Support Equipment (ALSE) by all crewmembers is essential – flight suits, helicopter helmets (visors down), gloves, 8" tall boots, and appropriate equipment for overwater (Life Vest and Helicopter Emergency Egress Device (HEEDS), etc).
- Finally, there are ultimately three foundational things for airplanes, without which everything else is irrelevant – control, airspeed, and landing area. There are ultimately four foundational things for helicopters, without which everything else is irrelevant – control, rotor RPM, airspeed, and landing area.
"Hence, fly the aircraft first and don't stop flying until every last piece stops moving!"
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: News & Information
Posted By: ASOG Desk Editor
Across the Aerial Work aviation sector, you’ll find professional Airborne Sensor Operators embedded in many specialized flight operations. Here’s one such unique Aerial Work industry sector ASOs play a major part – Flight Inspection & Validation.
If you want to learn more, flip to page 34-35 in this months GA Buyer Europe magazine (Special Mission section). O’…while you’re flipping, pick-out your next airplane or helicopter:
Flight Inspection – The “Calibrators” of Aerial Work Aviation
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: Training & Education
Posted By: ASOG Desk Editor
ASOG Members, Connections & Followers,
The ASOG RFI survey regarding ASOG Sponsored Training Courses is now closed (ASOG Special e-Announcement – Request for Interest – ASOG Sponsored Training Courses). We received a good number of responses. I want to say "Thank You" to those who responded. Your feedback is an invaluable tool for ASOG to support your professional needs.
What's Next?
We'll take the responses and begin assessing the results. Below are the next two steps you can expect:
- Results Review: In the next two weeks, we'll tally the inputs and review the remarks provided, e.g., some of you offered support such as instructing or providing other supporting efforts…Outstanding…Thank You!
- Results Conclusion: Within one month, we'll decide and share the final decision regarding this ASOG project with you.
Even though the survey is closed, it's never too late to provide your ideas or interest to participate or support ASO & Aircrew training and education events or even other types of ASOG efforts…" Brainstorming" doesn't cost anything.
Again, "Thank You" to those who participated! Your feedback will help make your ASOG an excellent place for you to professional network & grow.
https://www.terrasense.ca/mist
Hi Folks,
I thought some of you might find the video above of interest. I'm posting it from TerraSense Analytics who are a Canadian private ciompany working to provide AI support to ISR in the civilian and military domains. In a past life I was a helicopter pilot and Airborne Sensor Operator (Gazelle, Lynx, Apache) as well as running a number of ground installations that received the input from both UAS and manned feeds. We're pretty excited about the potential for AI/human teaming to enhance SA, reduce workload and generally make it easier for us all to do our jobs faster and better. So this is a short teaser video that shows a little of the unclassified capabilities we're developing. Happy to engage in debate or answer Qs if anyone has them but otherwise just for info and some awareness.
For mods, I hope posting this is OK. If not then apologies, please delete and let me know if it breaches any protocols!
Thanks,
Mike McGinty
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: Training & Education
Shared By: ASOG Desk Editor
ASOG Members, Followers & Connections
Do you have an interest in attending training courses focused on Non-Rated Aircrew and ASO professional subjects across the spectrum of manned & unmanned aircraft commercial, public safety, and defense domains?
Several ASOG Members have discussed the possibility of organizing and attending such courses in different regions of the world where members reside. The concept consists of ASOG (as a non-profit association) organizing live or virtual training events with industry (e.g., training firms, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), consultants, etc.).
The courses could range from fundamental to advanced themes, such as Basic Airmanship Course for Non-Rated Aircrew Members, ICAO Aviation English Test Prep Course, Basic ASO Aerial Surveying & Mapping Aircrew Course, and many more possibilities…
Before we go further with planning & coordinating, we would like to find out who would be interested in the following:
1.) In general, ASOG organizing training events with industry.
2.) Attending a "Basic EO/IR Introduction Course."
Regarding the "Basic EO/IR Introduction Course," the soft (very soft) concept is:
- Course Date: Fall 2021 – Sept or October
- Course Duration: TBD – possibly between 3 to 4 days
- Course Location: Central Europe (Vienna area) - We have several ASOG Corporate Supporters in the area who would give us access to a class or conference room.
- Course Components: Lectures & Practical Exercises, i.e., L-3 Harris WESCAM will provide a simulator and support. (Thank You, Mike Rogers!)
- Course Cost: TBD - The goal is to keep it affordable for the average person working with a family budget, i.e., ASOG will try to leverage as much as possible volunteer time and sponsors to keep costs reasonable.
- Course Attendees: This course is intended primarily for individuals who have no prior knowledge of aerial EO/IR fundamentals but desire to learn more for professional development. It provides insight into the whole aerial EO/IR field at the basic theory, systems, and operations of a "ball."
Again, let us know if you have interest in 1.) ASOG organizing training events with industry and 2.) attending a Basic EO/IR Introduction Course in Central Europe.
If you're interested in one or both, send an e-mail to info@aso-group.org and let us know your interest and any other inputs you might have for ASOG regarding this topic. Then, based on the level of your interest, we'll follow up with you accordingly.
As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.
Best Regard,
Patrick Ryan
Managing Director
Airborne Sensor Operators Group (ASOG)
ASOG 2021 Focus Area: Career Management
Posted By: ASOG Career Center
ASOG members, especially the Canadian members, Hexagon Geosystems relayed to us 2 x new ASO job opportunities. The point of contact for these positions is Greg Klick (Manager, Talent Acquisition). His contact information is Hexagon, Palm Springs, CA 92262, Phone: 760.567.1095, Email: greg.klick@hexagon.com.
If you’re interested, check out or share Greg’s job description below (for both positions). Also, if you know of an undergraduate wanting to expand into the Aerial Mapping & Surveying sector, pass the word.
Job Description
Northwest Geomatics (Leica) is a leading geomatics firm that specializes in aerial acquisition and processing. We are currently seeking energetic, self-motivated individuals to join our team on short term (Summer) contracts as an Aerial Sensor Operator. Sensor Operators are an integral part of North West’s aircrew working closely with the pilot in planning and executing any aerial photography mission. Both sensor operators and pilots must be able to work independently and as a team on a flight mission.
Typically, the sensor operator is either a university or technical school graduate with a good understanding and knowledge of electronics and computers, alongside weather patterns & sensor technology. For this contract position we would be looking for a keen undergraduate who would like to further their experience within the geomatics field.
The successful candidates will be working on contracted aircraft installed with Leica Single Photon LiDAR Sensors, and will be shadowing a more experienced Operator for operational guidance. Work will be primarily based on Ontario, Canada.
The sensor operator’s daily duties are summarized as follows:
- Assess weather conditions and determine where and if the aircraft can fly that day.
- If suitable weather work with pilot to flight plan that day’s work.
- Set up and/or start base station equipment for that day’s flight.
- Start sensor after engines started and ensure systems are operational.
- Complete flight log of mission.
- Coordinate with pilot and ATC the sequence of flying planned work.
- Monitor sensor performance during flight mission and make any weather/reflight calls.
- On landing shut down sensor and transfer sensor data to data storage device for shipping to office.
- Note that flights can last for up to +7 hours.
- Shut down sensor and complete flight log.
- Shut down base station and transfer base station data to data storage device for shipping to office.
- Ship data to office with required paperwork.
- Upload data to company website and upload files for that day’s production.
The sensor operators can be required to help install and dismantle the sensor for repairs or moving from one aircraft to another. Occasionally sensor operators may be required to set up remote base stations away from the airport base of operations. This will require travel by vehicle to a pre-determined location based on the days planned flight activity.
For this short-term contract, candidates will be required to work for approximately 15 weeks between May & October, according to a schedule , and must have the ability to live & work in Canada. Consideration will be given for a future full time position.
ASOG 2021 Focus Areas: News & Information
Posted By: ASOG Desk Editor
We're happy to announce FCS Flight Calibration Services GmbH is now an ASOG Corporate Supporter. Plus, we gained a new member – Tom Wede, the Chief Operations Officer for FCS.
If you didn't know, FCS Flight Calibration Services GmbH is a leading provider of flight inspection services for Air Traffic Control navigation and surveillance systems, as well procedure validation. Employing state-of-the-art flight inspection technology and offering solutions revolving around flight inspection, FCS continuously ensures the reliability and availability of our customers' air navigation systems and procedures. FCS is fully committed to providing high-quality services and fulfilling all requirements regarding safety, compliance, availability, punctuality, and competence, even performing complex services for their customers.
If you want to learn more about FCS, check them out on the "ASOG Corporate Supporter" page by clicking their Logo…or "Friend" Tom and send him a message via the ASOG e-mail service.
