News & Information

ASOG Members,

Based on ASOG’s 2019 Focus Areas – Training, are you interested in attending a Basic Sensor Operator Course? In coordination with L-3 WESCAM Training Team (plus, one of their trainers is an ASOGer), "they’ll schedule a course for ASOG members", i.e., a class dedicated to ASOG. If we have 6+ members interested in attending the course, L-3 WESCAM will give a group discount to each individual ASOG member attending, i.e., a member of www.aso-group.ning.com.

If your interested, here’s the soft plan and info:

• Time: Late Summer / Early Fall
• Location: L3 WESCAM Air Ops Facility in Loveland, Colorado U.S.A. (+ possible hotel discount)
• Course Info.: Training & Simulation – In-Flight Course  
• Price: TBD based on the level of interest

FYI - Since ASOG began back in 2016, many connections and members have asked the question of where they can get hands-on EO/IR basic operator training without joining the military or other organizations. Well, here’s an opportunity for individual members to leverage group power to add more skills and experience to their resume.

So, if you’re interested, please send me a message (info@aso-group.org), and I’ll add you to the list. Also, if you know of someone who would be interested, please have them join ASOG at “Sign-Up.” 

Thank you, everyone!

ASOG Desk Editor - Patrick

One of the areas the group recommended as a 2019 ASOG Focus Area is “Lessons Learned.” Here’s a good article in the Point of Beginning (POB) regarding hard-learned lessons in Drone Photogrammetry. I think the main points are relevant to many aspects of the ASO job (manned & unmanned), i.e., airmanship, sensor ops to data processing. If you come across a good Lessons Learned article, post or video, send it to me and I’ll get it on the net.

Hard-Learned Lessons in Drone Photogrammetry

February 25, 2019
Logan Campbell and Daniel Katz

It’s great to see ASOG Supporters like Aero Enterprise add new knowledge and capabilities to the aerial remote-sensing industry and the importance of the ASO profession. Aero Enterprise received Horizon2020 EU Funding to innovate with ‘disrupting technology’ solutions for the inspection of vertical objects, in particular wind turbines with unmanned aerial systems. If you want to know more or just say Congrats, checkout their press release link.

Aero Enterprise receives Horizon 2020 EU Funding

As you might have notice, ASOG is sticking to the 2019 Focus Areas. One of our members wanted us to share his trip report in-regard-to #aso, #aviation, #training, #simulation, #trending.

“I recently visited Momentum Aerospace Group (MAG) and Radiance Technologies at their Huntsville offices. Radiance Technologies makes the Operator Procedural Trainer (OPT | GPT) using MetaVR software. MAG bought several OPT’s to train their Sensor Operators (SO). The US Army also uses the OPT to train their SO’s.
MetaVR was able to show MAG leadership some impressive geospecific terrain and the detail it provides for a realistic sim experience. I was able to talk with Matt Schleich, Director of Manned Aviation, and SO Instructors: Chris Smith, Daniel Kang, and Jeremy Long. I received good feedback on how they use the OPT.
Wes Hawkins, Radiance Technologies- Intelligence Systems Operations, introduced me to his team. The OPT is a great tool; it cuts actual flight training time down, which is an awesome cost benefit, as it reduces maintenance on the aircraft. It allows the SO to be trained at various levels, from beginner to advanced. Coordinating a JTAC on the ground, then other attack aircraft to all be available and fly on the same day, weather permitting, is a challenge. Working a scenario in a sim allows for all that to occur with ease.”

Danial Horgan

Here’s another source of information for professional ASOs, especially if you’re in the aerial fire fighting sector. The Air Attack magazine is a relatively new magazine that highlights current events and trends. The most current issue (link below) has several articles related to accidents and the growing trend of leveraging sensors. Besides publishing Air Attack, the publisher also produces “Heliops” and “Heliops Frontline,” i.e., information that links with the type of work Airborne Sensor Operators do.

FYI - I’ve added this site to the ASOG Link Libaray: Aerial Fire Fighting – News & Articles shelf.

Air Attack Magazine

From an ASOG perspective, there’s not enough recognition or support for specific ASOs across the aerial remote-sensing spectrum (commercial, public safety, defense). However, the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) does. They’re currently calling out for nominations regarding several awards and scholarships. One of the awards is for a Tactical Flight Officer (a.k.a ASO). If you know of a TFO who went “Above & Beyond”, review the requirements on the APSA homepage (click the link below) and nominate that individual.

Airborne Public Safety Association

Since our group is growing with many subject-matter-experts, it would be fun to do an informal group eval of new technology trends (plus, it’s part of our 2019 Focus Areas, “New Equipment & Systems - Trends). So, the first one for 2019…is NG Firebird a Game Changer?

ASOG Desk Editor

ASOG member Richard Glyn-Jones introducing VIDAR technology to Peter Walker for the Guardian 400 MEA aircraft at IDEX19 in Abu Dhabi.

At IDEX19 in Abu Dhabi this week, ASOG members Marcus and George introduced soon-to-be members Peter Walker (VikingAir global ISR missions) and Colin Steven (Special Mission Aircraft UAE).

Here’ s Part 2 and 3 of Douglas Glover (Aviation Photographer) series on “Is my pilot safe?” It’s a great read regarding Airborne Sensor Operator CRM best practices and lessons learned, i.e., across all sectors manned/unmanned, commercial, public safety and defense. Is there anything you can add?

Is my pilot safe? - Part 2

Is my pilot Safe? - Part 3

ASOG Desk Editor

Image: Wikicommons (U.S. Navy Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Bradley Sapp)

Outstanding…the networking side of ASOG is starting to kick-in. We just got another direct request from an ASOG connection to highlight a Sensor Operator job with Woolpert Inc in the USA. In a nut-shell, this position is primarily responsible for flight planning, sensor operation, data processing and reporting for airborne mapping missions. The chosen individual will be a core member of Woolpert’s field and R&D operations team and as such must be willing to travel, both domestically and internationally. Take a look at the job requirement and engage them directly.

Sensor Operator, Geospatial Technicians, SENSO02098

Cheers Mates!

ASOG Career Center (Patrick)

Chief Airborne Sensor Operator

Airborne Technologies, a global aerospace system engineering, and geospatial services industry leader, is seeking a Chief Airborne Sensor Operator in Wiener Neustadt, Austria facility to be part of our highly successful flight crew and geo-data-acquisition team. The chosen candidate will have the chance to work for one of the fastest growing aerospace companies in Europe and with the latest remote sensing technology. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to train in a variety of skill-set areas, including GPS surveying, airborne trajectory processing and remote sensing utilizing aerial film, digital imaging, and LiDAR sensors and help lead a highly motivated group of aerial data acquisition professionals.

Job Description:

• Airborne Technologies is seeking a full-time “Chief Airborne Sensor Operator” for geo-data acquisition operations in the European region or abroad.
• Frequent travel and working on-board single and twin-engine aircraft.
• Additional duties include flight operations/crew management, training, project development engineering, sensor management/maintenance and data processing support.

Job Responsibilities:

• Flight and sensor planning
• Sensor Installation, testing & maintenance
• Flight & crew management
• Collection management
• Sensor Operations
• Quality Control (QC) of acquired data
• Processing, exploitation, and dissemination of acquired data
• Training & mentoring

Required Qualifications:

• EU Citizen or EU work permit.
• English (fluent); German (Basic).
• Technical education or background in the field of GIS or Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science.

Desired Qualifications:

• Higher education in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science.
• 100 flight hours as an Aerial Survey, Mapping or Photography Aircrew Member/Airborne Sensor Operator.
• Experience in managing and conducting operations internationally.
• Valid flight medical exam certificate.

Desired Skills & Attributes:

• Subject-matter expertise
• Systems & sensors knowledge
• Aeronautical knowledge
• Analytical methodologies
• Critical-thinking skills
• Customer-service ethic
• Communication skills
• Information sharing and collaboration abilities
• Information handling and processing skills
• Computer and technical literacy
• Objectivity, integrity, and intellectual honesty

Additional Information:

• We provide training depending on your qualifications and experience.
• Your annual gross salary will be based on applicable collective agreement and your qualifications.

If you’re looking for a new challenge and taking on more responsibility in your career, Airborne Technology has a spot in our team for you. If you’re interested in this position, we look forward to your application stating your possible date of entry, photo and salary expectations. Please send your application to: office@airbornetechnologies.at

Or

Airborne Technologies GmbH.
Z.H. Ms. Teresa Mancevski
Viktor Lang Street 8
2700 Wiener Neustadt

If ASOG had a must read list (Humm, note to self), this post would go on it….”Is my Pilot Safe? – Part I.”  I’m looking forward to Doug’s next post.

Is my Pilot Safe? – Part I

Fox-3 Photography, Posted by Douglas Glover, Saturday, January 19, 2019

We offer a permanent full-time position as camera operator at our base in Münster/Osnabrück airport in Germany. Weser Airborne Sensing GmbH is operating 4 aircrafts in Europe, and belongs to the AVT Group based in Imst, Austria. As an airborne sensor operator, you will be working with large format cameras of type Vexcel UltraCam on board our aircrafts and assist in the pre- and post-flight tasks on projects in all Europe.

Responsibilities: Aerial flight coordination, flight planning and management; - Acquire airborne data using optical cameras; - Work directly with the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) during all aspects of in-flight mission. - Ensure safe and secure use of company equipment and instrumentation; - Maintain and develop quality ensuring workflows for aerial survey tasks; - Data processing (image preparation, inertial data processing, trajectory calculation);

Education / qualification: A bachelor’s degree and 2 year experience (or technical/electrical background and 5 year experience) in GIS, Remote Sensing, Earth Sciences or related field; - Working knowledge of flight planning software, GIS, trajectory calculations; - Computer proficiency; - Interest in Photogrammetry, Cartography, Remote Sensing;

Experience: Experience in (airborne) data acquisition and data handling and multi-sensor platform integration will be an advantage; - Relevant international experience; - Language skills: English (fluent speaking and writing), German (basic).

Personal skills: Team working; - Flexibility to travel and work during early mornings, weekends and national holidays; - Strong analytical and data management skills; - Good communication and organizing.

We offer flexible working hours and will provide training depending on the qualification and experience. Please send your application to: Markus Boekhaus (info@weseras.de).

One thing I learned in my career (plus life) is to keep one-eye on what is trending. The article below is a good example of Geospatial trends. What trends do you see in your sector, e.g., EO/IR, SAR, LiDAR, Acoustics, Aerial Surveying, Airborne Law Enforcement, C4ISR, RPA, Manned Aircraft, Aerial Fire Fighting, Maritime Patrol, Training, etc.?

The Geospatial Trends of 2019  

Posted: Monday, January 14, 2019, | Author: Qassim Abdullah

ASOG Desk Editor (Patrick)

Image: Terabass, Wikimedia commons

Some of you in the group might be interested in these conferences around the world, i.e., professional development. The focus of some of these academic conferences is on Aerial Surveying, and Aero photogrammetry + other sensors/problem sets. Look at the list below and see if something is interesting. For me, once my Gulfstream G-5 is out of phase MX, I’ll fly around the world and attend a few…especially the conferences in Bali ;)

Open Science Research Excellence - Aerial Surveys and Aero Photogrammetry

Some of you might have seen this article on Linked-In, its an article published by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. I think it compliments the point of “How to speak ASO like a pro!” What do you think?

“Cracking the code: Aviation English”; By staff writers; Jan 14, 2019

I remember as a new aircrew member being overwhelmed with all the unfamiliar things I had to learn. There were so many procedures and systems to keep track of, and people and departments to memorize! Every day I heard a new term, jargon or acronym and had to ask someone "O.K. what does that mean?" or try to figure it out from the context in which the unfamiliar term was used.

Here are 21 Terms, Jargon and Acronym links that relate to the 101 of our profession (Aviation and Remote-Sensing) and to specific ASO professional sectors (Commercial, Public Safety, and Defense) to help you speak like a professional ASO in your industry domain. There are many more, however, if you know of other sites that offer useful terms, jargon, and acronyms that other professionals can learn from, please share. Once the list is complete, I’ll post them in the “Link Library.”

Aviation:

Airodyssey.net / Reference - Glossary

Wiktionary / Appendix: Glossary of Aviation, Aerospace and Aeronautics

CFG / Aviation Jargon: 45 Terms Aviation Enthusiasts Should Know

FPV Quadcopter Acronyms, Terminology, Glossary

Remote-Sensing:

Ideo Columbia Education / Remote Sensing Glossary

Canadian GIS and Geospatial Resources / Geomatics Acronyms and Abbreviations

Civil/Commercial – Aerial Photography:

Find Aerial Photography / Glossary

Digital Photography School / Photography Terminology: A Glossary of 71 Photographic Terms

B&H / A Glossary of Digital Photography Terms

Civil/Commercial – Aerial Surveying:

Wiki.GIS.Com / GIS Glossary

Remote Aerial Surveys / Glossary

Public Safety – Airborne Law Enforcement:

Wikipedia / Law Enforcement Jargon

Policearrest.com / Glossary

Public Safety – Aerial Search & Rescue:

Greater Philadelphia Search And Rescue / Search and Rescue Glossary and Acronyms

Fire Service Information / Basic Glossary Of Fire Fighting and Rescue Terms

Public Safety – Aerial Firefighting:

Fire Fighter Exam / Fire Service Acronyms and Terms

USDA Forest Service / Fire Terminology

Defense – Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance:

Military.Com / Military Terms and Jargon

Wiktionary / Appendix: Glossary of U.S. Navy slang

Wikipedia / RAF Slang

Defense – Electronic Warfare:

ATI / Glossary of Electronic Warfare Terms

ASOG Desk Editor (Patrick Ryan)

At a ceremony held at the Royal Aeronautical Society’s headquarters, London on Monday evening, representatives from Smith Myers, Biggleswade and Leonardo Helicopter, Yeovil, were presented with the RAeS Team Silver Medal award for their teamwork developing the Redstreak Mobile Phone Detection and Location System.

Previous Silver Team Medallist include The Beagle 2 Mars Mission Engineering Team

A joint Smith Myers and Leonardo Helicopter team brought diverse skills from different domains to engineer an innovative and effective SAR capability.

The team’s vision was to enable a SAR helicopter to have the capability to locate and communicate with a person in distress possessing a standard mobile phone. This system had to work in areas of no cellular network coverage and effectively configure the mobile phone as a rescue beacon.

Leonardo Helicopters experience in airborne system design, development and evaluation together with Smith Myers’ expertise of advanced telecommunications design, produced Redstreak.

Redstreak demonstrated detection ranges of 32km with accuracies of better than 100m. Whilst locating the individual, Redstreak provides both voice and text communications.

Redstreak can locate individuals not detectable by other sensors and large search areas can be covered rapidly. The search is quicker, safer and more effective.

The Redstreak system is used on the AW101 Norwegian All Weather Search and Rescue Helicopter, possibly the most advanced SAR helicopter in the world.

The systems avionics certification covers both rotary and fixed wing aircraft.

Peter Myers managing director of Smith Myers said “Despite the distance between the two sites, the team quickly gelled and rapidly produced flying prototypes. The professionalism and expertise of both companies ensured a well-designed and thoroughly tested system. Redstreak/Artemis gives SAR crews an effective alternative where previously looking out the window was the only option”.

If You Want to Know More

Redstreak (also known as ARTEMIS) is a development of existing designs by Smith Myers, with new location estimation algorithms and redesigned hardware to meet the exacting international standards required by modern avionics on fixed and rotary wind aircraft (DO160G and MilStd 810G).

Smith Myers ARTEMIS has also received recognition from the following:
British Engineering Excellence Award 2017,
Critical Communications Award 2018,
ADS Security Innovation Award 2018.

Smith Myers are a UK SME (30 people) with a 30-year track record of innovative leading edge design, employing the latest radio techniques such as Software Defined Radio and Smart Linear Power Amplifier design. This, in addition to embedded protocol design on the latest Field Programmable Gate Arrays, permitted a radical and effective alternative to traditional direction-finding methods.

The ARTEMIS technology is also available in a smaller package for use on Search and Rescue drones. This system offers the same user interface, but at lower ranges of operation. Used in search scenarios including: coastal paths, cliffs, open sea, avalanche, poor visual conditions etc.

ASOG members, one of our supporters (Airborne Technologies in Austria) wanted to share their latest accomplishment with the Airborne Sensor Operator community/ASOG, i.e., with a focus on the Sensor Operator.