News & Information

All in your head

image: © Learn to Fly Melbourne

Written by Patrick McConnell, President, ClearSkies Geomatics Inc.

My marketing director has been pushing me for over 6 months to write this article.  So today I am putting keyboard to bits and bytes to write something that will hopefully engage the reader to participate by adding comments either for or against my position.

Why consider purchasing used aerial sensor equipment?  There is risk involved, right?  What should I do to ensure the investment (ROI) would be successful?

Purchasing used aerial survey equipment can be a scary thing to do.  The biggest benefit of considering used equipment is that often, the equipment sells for a fraction of the new equipment available to the market.  What is scary about the process?  Well, if it were my money, my concerns would be whether or not the system comes complete (no missing parts or software), is the system still serviceable by the manufacturer, is the software transferable, is there a warranty, will the system deliver the expected specification to my end user, are there export restrictions etc.…  As a broker of such systems, it’s my job to make sure all of these questions are answered to ensure a deliverable that meets the buyer’s expectations.  If there are no surprises, then I feel like I have done my job in an ethical and professional way.

First off, when considering the purchase of any piece of equipment, it is important to understand your end user needs and this must be done in a way that satisfies most of your end client needs.  I have yet to see any equipment that satisfies all the possible needs of different end users so the goal has to be to meet as many scenarios possible.  From an aerial camera perspective, consideration of image quality and swath are very important. From a LiDAR perspective, points per meter, avoiding shadows and swath width seem to be the most desired features.

In the years that I have been in the business of marketing aerial survey equipment, the most significant change I have seen is the market has been two fold for both the camera and LiDAR markets.  First, swath of the data has in most cases doubled while image quality has improved but not at the same rates as swath growth.  Secondly, software workflow and tools have improved greatly by the advent of greater computing power and better tools to fix data.  Both of these factors affect efficiencies so the bigger the jobs, the more money you potentially save by adopting a newer sensor.  From a qualitative perspective, passive sensors like cameras, have improved (better radiometry, smaller pixels, better signal to noise ratios) but not to the point where older sensors (10 year old) have become obsolete.  I have noticed that from a geometry perspective, in general, the improvements have been relative to the improvement of image quality.  So, some improvement, but nothing like footprint improvement.  Also, the geometry generated from these older systems meet most specifications required by the end user.  There are a greater number of these older sensors in operation today than newer sensors and this is because the data generated from these older cameras continue to meet the end user specifications from a qualitative perspective.  For active sensors, the number of clean points per square meter is the big driver for this market.  To achieve this, these sensors are capable of generating more usable point than ever, while pushing the envelope on swath width.  So there are fewer older active sensors still operating in the market today because of the end user desire to have a denser point cloud.

What to look for in buying used equipment?  First, you want to make sure that this equipment has been well taken care of during its tenure with the current owner.  Is the equipment clean?  Has it been maintained by the manufacturer? When was it last used successfully?  Has it been bench tested, or air tested?  Can it be set up in an airplane for viewing and testing?  What are the acceptance criteria?  If needed, what would it cost to have the manufacturer test the system?  Is the post processing software transferable?  Are there any restricted items such as IMUs and how does this affect you? All of these factors play out in pricing of the system.

Why would someone sell his or her own equipment?  The simple answer is that the manufacturers will not usually buy your system back unless it’s on a ‘trade in’ for something newer.  If you have ever purchased a new car and traded in an old one, then you know what that experience will be like…  One of the things manufacturers do to hold you ‘captive’ is they do not restrict the sale of the sensor, but they restrict the transfer of the software making it nearly impossible for you as a seller to control your asset sale to a third party.  It’s akin to buying a Tesla, and allowing for the resale of that car, but without the software included.  Without allowing the transfer of the software in a Tesla, the value of this car results in in a parts only value unless the transfer is done ‘under the table’.  Try getting service on that car after this happens…  This is why in most industries, when you buy an asset, the license of that asset belongs to you, to do as you wish provided you do not reverse engineer the software.  In a lot of cases, in our industry, this is not the case.  You can sell the hardware with no problem, but the software must be repurchased at exorbitant prices.  This fact should be considered when purchasing new equipment.  It is something that should be a negotiating point when purchasing new equipment, otherwise you will be stuck with an unsellable asset later on.  In short, why spend a million + on a new system today if 5 years down the road you will not have control of the sale of the full system?

Why use a broker and not sell your equipment on your own?  Selling equipment through a broker has certain advantages.  You can flow the contract through a broker and avoid any potential litigation with the end user if the system is not delivered as promised.  Exporting restricted items can be tricky and a good broker should be licensed with the Department of State to do these activities.   Shipping of the equipment is not always straightforward and having a broker organize this on your behalf can be a real value.  Finally, good brokers have worldwide reach thus increasing your chances at getting top dollar for your asset.

The morale of this narrative is that if you can, use a broker to help guide you through this process.  Advice is mostly free…

Image: Wikicomons – Cargyrak

ASOG Members,

First, I want to give a “Good On You” to those members who stepped into the voting booth and voted in our first referendum. It was great to engage with you and get your thoughts on the subject besides just getting a Yes or No. Your feedback and participation will help shape ASOG into something better for yourself and the ASO profession.

Overall, we had 15 members out of 82 members vote (18.3%). In my eyes, that’s not too bad for a first-time referendum for such a new, diverse, global and “busy with day jobs” group.

The final result of ASOG’s 1^st Referendum is:  Yes – ASOG webpage Global Forum/Group Hubs can be either restricted or unrestricted.

The breakout of the referendum is:

• 10 members voted “Yes” (66.6%)
• 5 members voted “No” (33.3%)

Based on the vote, you as members have the option of starting a sub-group in the “Global Forum” and restrict it to “invitation only” or make it unrestricted for any member to join & participate. However, I would like to encourage members who start a Global Forum group to invite as many members as possible. As you know, one of ASOG’s goals is to bridge the many different ASO sectors  (Civilian, Military, Public Safety, Manned Ops, Unmanned Ops, Commercial, R&D, Management, Students, Flight line Crew-dogs, etc.)  to share or develop new knowledge and help the ASO community advance as a standardized global profession.

Like always, if you have any questions or additional thoughts on how to shape ASOG to make it more useful for yourself, the other members and the ASO profession, just make contact with me…that easy!

Again, I want to say “Good On You” for those members who voted, and I’m looking forward to sharing and networking with all members in the future.

Cheers!

ASOG Administration (Patrick Ryan)

ASOG Members,

You might find this guide or checklist useful in your ASO profession. Based on some ASOs networking regarding career transition and job searching, several of the members of our group put together this simple guide to help. It’s based on their experience, and they just wanted to share their humble thoughts to further the ASO profession and our fellow ASOs.

Below is just is an excerpt from the guide. You can find the full document in the member’s only “Career Center” – “Career Path” – “Career Management Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP)” section of the ASOG webpage (https://aso-group.ning.com/career-path).

If you want to contribute additional information to this guide, please speak up, and we’ll put it in the 2^nd edition.

Cheers!

ASOG Desk Editor

----------------------Excerpt:

Introduction

The Airborne Sensor Operator Career Transition Checklist is intended to serve as an initial job search or career transition tool for Airborne Sensor Operators (ASOs) seeking information on various types of aerial remote-sensing industry sectors.

The checklist section of this guide reflects many of the tasks related to successfully transitioning from one ASO job or aerial work industry sector to another. Every job search situation is different, so personalize the checklist as needed. This guide is divided into sections for ease; however, tasks from “Flight planning,” “Preflight,” and “Taxi & Take-Off” phases may overlap.

Lastly, this is a living document which is periodically updated by the ASOG community to reflect changes in aviation, remote-sensing practices, and the professional environment. Please send suggestions, edits, errata, questions, and comments to info@aso-group.org.

ASOG Members,

We need your Vote. Since we’re a young and developing group, from time to time, we’ll need everyone’s input on how to shape and run operations or Rules of Engagement (ROEs). The first topic I would like to run a referendum on is how to manage Global Forum/Group Hubs.

If you didn’t know, your ASOG webpage has a Global Forum/Group Hub area where you can stand up and run a specific discussion or working group, i.e., you‘re the owner of this sub-group and manage the membership and activity. With that, there is the ability for the sub-group owner to restrict other general members from joining, i.e., by invitation only or make it unrestricted for all members to join.

So, the first referendum I would like to get your vote on is:

• Yes – ASOG webpage Global Forum/Group Hubs can be either restricted or unrestricted.
• No – ASOG webpage Global Forum/Group Hubs should be unrestricted for all members.

Please send your vote to info@aso-group.org or myself (pryan@aso-group.org) NLT 23 Jan 2018 (next Tue). I’ll let everyone know the outcome of the referendum on 24 Jan 2018. If you have any questions or additional inputs, please let me know. Again, one of the goals of ASOG is to let you the members shape the true form and focus of the group.

Thank You, Everyone,

Cheers!

ASOG Administration (Patrick Ryan)

ASOG Members,

Two new ASOG Global Forum Groups were established by Luc Stremersch: https://aso-group.ning.com/global-forum-working-groups   

• Law Enforcement Sensor Operators
• Use of RPAS for Police

If you’re interested in Airborne Law Enforcement and want to help shape the future for yourself, the ASO profession and the Public Safety community take a look and join!

Thank You,

ASOG Admin

Managing Director's Message

I would like to wish all of you a very happy, safe and prosperous 2018!

At the end of 2017 and five months into our existence (outside of Linked-In), we had over 80 professional members from around the world join our aircrew community, and our reach continues to grow at a good pace. Additionally, we have over 2,500 connections/followers on Linked-In and other social media sites with the same positive response.

What I see for 2018 regarding our group is continue to grow ASOG capabilities & services, motivate networking and enhance career opportunities by the ASOG charter (https://aso-group.ning.com/about-us). 

By this time next year, I anticipate that ASOG will be larger and more formal with a few success stories under its belt. However, the real size, sophistication, and results of ASOG will be determined by you the members.  If you’re interested in taking a more active role in the development of the Airborne Sensor Operator profession, please contact me or just go wild on the webpage. I think the adage of “THE MORE YOU PUT IN - THE MORE YOU GET OUT” is very true.

Speaking of that, I would like to recognize some members who have jumped in and participated since ASOG began. Their efforts, big & small, have made a difference for themselves, other ASOs, ASOG and the ASO profession in general. These members are:

• Wayne Dahlke
• Georg DeCock
• Kyle Evans
• Phil Linning
• Michael Sheehy
• Mike Tucker
• Juan Pena Ibanez
• Joshua Cohen
• Pierre De Backer
• Harry Macleod

Also, I would like to recognize the following firms for their support of the ASOG mission. Without the bridge between professional ASOs and the organizations that supply, support, train and hire ASOs, we will not advance as an industry:

• PAvCon
• AeroEnterprise GmbH
• Airborne Technologies GmbH
• GOEL Training & Consulting Inc.
• ARTEMIS
• DTSI Consulting Inc.
• R4 Inc.

Again, I wish all of you a super 2018 and I’m looking forward to networking and collaborating with you this year! If you ever have a question or just want to cross-talk, please reach out to me.

Best Regards,

Patrick T. Ryan

Founder & Managing Director, ASOG

General Improvements

As part of ASOGs continuing effort to improve and help all of us as a professional network, a “Supporter” program is now up and running. Like I mentioned above, this program is designed to bridge with companies and organizations that supply, support, train and hire Airborne Sensor Operators. If you know of a company or organization that would like to associate with ASOG, please have them make contact with me (pryan@aso-group.org). Again, no fee or donation required, just recognition of ASOG's mission.

Additionally, an “Event” tab is now linked to the Homepage. There is nothing more rewarding than connecting with a fellow member or like-minded professionals in person. The intent of this function of the ASOG webpage is for you to announce that you’ll be at a particular event and that you want to meet. I’ll put Bitcoin on it that you’ll walk away enhancing your professional position and think twice about having the 3^rd beer. If you want to use this function, go to “Homepage” and click the sub-tab “Events” then fill out the blanks…that easy!

Shortly, a “Publication Library” will be launched. The intent of this page, like the Link Library, is a resource for members (new & old ASOs) to use in their professional ASO career. The library will consist of community generated or donated documents, articles, checklist, slide presentations and pamphlets. So, if you have something that the community can find useful, please send it to me, and I’ll get it posted.

Speaking of the future, if you have an idea to improve or add to the ASOG project. Let me know. The more feedback on needs & wants will only make ASOG useful to you.

Talking about future ideas, some members have recommended that we beef-up our “Job Center.” If anyone knows of a good service or software that can automatically search and feed ASO or similar job postings, please let me know. I’ll take a look and implement it. Also, do we want a platform for individuals to post their resumes / CVs?

Standards & Guides Update

As part of our mission to standardize & guide our profession, several ASOG documents will be released this year. The first is:

• General ASO Professional Standards Guide
• ASO Transition Checklist Guide
• ASO Resume & Cover Letter Guide

In the future, ASOG would like to post general guides on career path & training standards for specific ASO positions (Aerial Mapping & Surveying, Tactical Flight Officer, Aerial Photographer, TACCO, Tactical System Officer, etc.) and general quick reference technical guides. If you ever wanted to leave your professional mark on the world, this might be the project for you. If you’re interested, reach out to me, and we’ll collaborate.

Membership

Our new membership structure has proved very popular for networking and membership is increasing steadily.  I’m delighted to welcome our latest members since 1 Dec 2017:

• Kyle Evans
• Amy Cohen
• Jimmy Burnside
• Howard Jackson
• Robert
• Adam Stiles
• Glen Moratti
• Aaron Bettison

If you know of someone who would be interested in being a member of ASOG and advance themselves and the profession, send them to our website (www.aso-group.ning.com) and have them join. Remember….

“Birds of a feather flock together.”

ASOG Members,

Before everyone parks their aircraft, store their sensors away and hang-up their headsets for the next two weeks or for those who have to work and are away from their loved ones, I want to wish you and all your coworkers, family, and friends have a lovely holiday season filled with joy and meaning. Plus, best wishes for a prosperous new year.

Sincerely,

Patrick Ryan

Airborne Sensor Operators Group (ASOG)

Image: Lotus Head

Payload: the reason why you are being paid!

We’re all aware that the information, innovation and disruptive (I2D) technology revolution is greatly affecting our world. Besides society in general, one of the main discussion points in this human experience is the effect it will have on jobs & professions in the future, i.e., ” taking the man out of the loop.” Today, the effect of this revolution in the aviation and remote-sensing sector has already started with the everyday application of scalable (size, reliability & cost) unmanned/manned air vehicle systems, sensors, and data processing capabilities. With the fog of tech revolution all around us, what effect does this have on the Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) Profession?

Based on my experience of over twenty-five years in the airborne remote-sensing profession, both manned and unmanned, I believe the answer to this question is twofold. The first is “Yes,” It is and will affect the ASO profession. The ASO profession is no different than other professions that are seeing or hearing the word “redundant” or “not necessary.” The threat of job loss or shrinking opportunities due to technology changes is “High.” Technology has simplified many functions that an ASO is required to accomplish…e.g… from mission planning to process data. Currently, this technological change has made the ASOs job easier, but the next tech change (which is coming) could be less forgiving regard to “need” of a person in the traditional aerial collection process. Bottom-line, denial, and resistance to this change will only decrease opportunities for ASOs to provide a needed service regarding aerial remote-sensing capabilities to both its clients and society in general.

The second part of this answer is “No”…it will not affect the ASO community as it did to the Air Navigator or other professions…ie…extinction.  However, by history or definition when it comes to aerial remote-sensing, ASOs have always been in a critical position (more so than pilots, flight engineers & navigators) of managing or influencing aerial remote-sensing technology & data. The ASO profession is the Technical Liaison between the collection platform, sensor, and the end-user. Typically, the ASO comes from the end-user community (be it surveying, cinematography, public safety or ISR) with the ability/skill to satisfy collection requirements from the sky. Because of this position, the ASO profession can adapt to the fog of tech revolution better than many professions and continue to satisfy a critical need. Bottom-line, individual ASOs will need to abandon old professional models and innovate new roles & responsibilities as aerial remote-sensing technology changes. How does this look like ASOs will need to expand out of the back seat and take more of a technical or operator lead in the development, implementation, and employment of new aerial/remote-sensing technology at the controls & back offices. Additionally, to be a lead, ASOs will need to adapt to a never-ending rhythm of continual learning & certifying with new systems, aerial platforms, and processes. 

So, to Taxi this post to Parking, the I2D tech revolution is in full swing, and many professions are at risk. The professions that have a chance, because of their technical & client base knowledge & relationship, will adapt & succeed effectively with the advancement of technology. However, the only way for a profession like the Airborne Sensor Operator to leverage their position and advance it into the future is to re-learn, lead and innovate.  I believe the ASO in the aerial remote-sensing sector is in a perfect position be it on the ground or in the air!

So, what are your thoughts? Does our profession have a future?

Image: Wikimedia commons - Mattbuck

ASOG Members,

Do you feel like you know a lot but no one listens to you, or you always wanted to write an article but felt it was beyond your abilities?

Well, one reason ASOG came about is to let the average ASO stretch themselves out of their comfort zone by sharing their professional ASO experiences, thoughts and opinions through posting on the ASOG webpage. The ASOG webpage was partially designed to be a professional journal which focuses on a particular professional audience and published by a professional organization.  If I were king for a day, it would be great to see more members (YOU) post your articles, reports, and practical how-to-guides applicable to our profession. 

Because we have some top-notch sensor operators, air crewmembers, and technical folks in the group, it would be a shame we didn’t share & learn as other professional associations/groups do!  It’s time for folks like you to write and post (long or short write-ups…it doesn’t matter) your thoughts regarding your industry sector, technology trends, ASO professional standards, etc, so that we all can “fly & collect” better as a profession which did not exist before.

If you’re up to the challenge, but not sure how to get start, answer one or all of the following questions, i.e., self-interview yourself and write down your thoughts. Once you do this, “prest-o change-o” you have an article. If you need help with a second-set of eye-balls to review and provide feedback, do not hesitate to contact the ASOG Desk Editor, it would be a pleasure to help you get started!

------------------------Sample Questions:

Q: What is the general role for Airborne Sensor Operators in today’s (You pick: commercial, public safety and defense sectors – Manned/unmanned Aerial Mapping & Surveying, Aerial Photography, Maritime Patrol/SAR, Law Enforcement, Fire Fighting, Contract ISR, Battle Management, EW, etc. etc. ) Sector?

A:

Q: What are the general trends you see in the (You pick: commercial, public safety and defense sectors – Manned/unmanned Aerial Mapping & Surveying, Aerial Photography, Maritime Patrol/SAR, Law Enforcement, Fire Fighting, Contract ISR, Battle Management, EW, etc. etc. ) sector or markets?

A:

Q: What are the challenges encountered when flying data collection missions? (Regarding/You pick: commercial, public safety and defense sectors – Manned/unmanned Aerial Mapping & Surveying, Aerial Photography, Maritime Patrol/SAR, Contract ISR, EW, etc. etc.)

A:

Q: What technologies can be implemented to enable higher throughput and maximize service availability? (Regarding/You pick: commercial, public safety and defense sectors – Manned/unmanned Aerial Mapping & Surveying, Aerial Photography, Maritime Patrol/SAR, Contract ISR, EW, etc. etc.)

A:

Q: What are the functional requirements to enable successful data collection missions? (Regarding/You pick: commercial, public safety and defense sectors – Manned/unmanned Aerial Mapping & Surveying, Aerial Photography, Maritime Patrol/SAR, Contract ISR, EW, etc. etc.)

A:

Q: What are the results when translating these technologies into real-world practice and actual airborne data collection programs/missions? (Regarding/You pick: commercial, public safety and defense sectors – Manned/unmanned Aerial Mapping & Surveying, Aerial Photography, Maritime Patrol/SAR, Contract ISR, EW, etc. etc.)

A:

----------------------------------End

Now that you have a starting point find the time and start writing. We’re all looking forward to hearing what you have to say!!

Cheers!

ASOG Desk Editor (Patrick)

Hi Everyone,

Hi Everyone, 

I thought I would take an opportunity to post a position that is available with our parent company. 

All the Best, 

Scott Richardson
CarteNav Solutions
www.cartenav.com

https://workforcenow.adp.com/jobs/apply/posting.html?client=PROVAIR&jobId=199815&source=IN

"PAL Aerospace is currently looking for a Data Management System (DMS) Operator for our Halifax, NS base.

The DMS Operator will be required to maintain a tactical picture, conduct in-flight planning, and operate navigational sensors pertaining to target positioning on flight surveillance missions. You will be responsible for compiling and recording all information during flight surveillance missions. In addition, the DMS Operator will provide information to surveillance crew members as to the location, distribution, and identification of targets detected during flight surveillance missions.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of electronic navigation and chart plotting;
• Knowledgeable and experienced in the use of digital photography;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to converse in both English and French would be considered an asset;
• Proficient in the use of various computer systems.

https://workforcenow.adp.com/jobs/apply/posting.html?client=PROVAIR&jobId=199815&source=IN

In the last 30 years, the Aerostat aircraft has undergone tremendous changes in both mission and sensor equipment. If you don’t know what an Aerostat is, it’s a low-level airborne ground surveillance system that uses aerostats (moored balloons) as a sensor & communications platform, i.e., an unmanned aerial vehicle. Along with these changes, the roles & responsibilities of the operator have also changed to include managing sensors.

Today's Aerostat Operator 

Jump forward to today, and the individuals who manage the mission of an Aerostat is commonly known as the Aerostat Operator (AO). On the ISR side of the house the AO, besides managing the flight of the Aerostat, is responsible for quite a mix of cutting-edge technologies and radios.

The ISR Aerostat platform of today is usually fielded to provide Operations and Sustainment (O&S) support to include the Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS) and Persistent Ground Surveillance System (PGSS). The ISR Aerostat aircraft is considered part of the Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) that provides integrated persistent surveillance, detection capabilities, and Full Motion Video (FMV) dissemination to Tactical Operation Centers (TOC). The Aerostat system integrates different sensors to detect small arms fires and Counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED) activity near airfields, fixed-base encampments, forward operating locations, and other facilities in support of rapid reaction security forces in the area of operation.

Considering all the flight oversight of the platform and the sensor operations an AO must manage during a routine mission or shift, the AO of today is often multi-tasked like other aircrews. While keeping one eye on the threat, they’re also watching the flight status of the airship and all the elements that provide critical support. Also, there’re usually two or more tactical radios, chats or land-lines buzzing asking a million questions about the situation.

Besides the AO managing all the system maintenance, sensor operations, and mission duties, he or she must maintain and provide attention to his or her primary duty: safety-of-flight. Even with all the responsibilities of the force protection mission, the AO must always look for conflicting aircraft activity and weather conditions.

Like with other flight operations, if additional tasking is assigned, it’s often the AO that interacts to complete the mission. For example, if the Aerostat system needs to relocate, the AO must coordinate to make sure all the elements of the system is mobilized in a quick-reaction manner and doesn’t miss a beat in operational readiness.  

Selection and Training

Most companies and organizations have a formalized selection process for AOs. Among the usual hiring criteria considered are work records, experience, and technical skills. Any flying experience is considered, but many successful AOs have limited or no prior aviation experience. However, after completing Aerostat training and building mission hours, they develop a baseline aviation skill set.

Training programs have also become much more formal and structured. Current training consists of formal classroom, simulation, and in-flight events to learn how to manage and use all the technology and resources available. The newly assigned AO must learn quite a bit about a sometimes completely strange environment. They learn to speak aviation with such terms like transponders, safety management systems and aircraft de-confliction to name just a few. Although every organization has different requirements, many training programs from start to a fully qualified AO can take anywhere from xx months to a year. This does not include any additional even-more-specialized training that an AO might need. If the AO does multi-duty work such as special system repairs or management duties, the AO has additional training.

Once fully mission qualified, there is constant recurrence training. As with most technologies, equipment and capabilities change rapidly, and the AO is expected to keep up with any changes or new mission equipment that becomes available.

One could say that a surveillance aircraft is just an aircraft until a properly trained Operator makes it a true surveillance platform. Operating in such demanding conditions requires all the same skills as a good ISR or any aerial work crewmember:

• Planning, and Coordinating Expertise
• Technical adept 
• Personal Leadership and Integrity
• Communication (written and oral)
• Accountability for Results

Bottom-line, the Aerostat aircraft has come a long way since its employment. Additionally, the Operators have also come along way in their roles & responsibilities. Todays Aerostat Operator is more than a ground crew managing a tethered airship; they’re aircraft maintainer, pilot and sensor operator all in one. In many ways similar to a sUAS/RPA operator.

The Development Network hosts a series of defence related events (you can view them here). As a Desert Hawk detachment commander in Afghanistan in 2009/10 I have some experience of the limitations and possibilities of ASOs (I can tell you more about the time we flew into the FOB's Revivor balloon over a beer!).

Having left the regular Army (but still in the Reserves) I am now responsible for the agenda and end user participation (from people like you!). I research the topic, write the content, then bring the appropriate senior level representatives to discuss operational lessons, best practices, innovations and procurement plans to let the industry network and learn from each other.

Having spoken with Patrick Ryan, the owner of our Group, I am keen to explore the opportunity of running an event dedicated to the ASO community.

To do that I need to understand more about it; the challenges, the solutions and the future.

If you are a procurement/ capabilities/ requirements SME, an operator, a researcher, or an equipment provider then I would like to arrange a call or interview with you in order to understand more about the industry and the viability of running such an event.

It would likely take place in Spring/Summer 2018, location TBC depending on our conversations and I look forward to hearing from you.

You can reach me through this site, or call me on +44 1245 407 931 or email harry.macleod@tdnuk.com

Thank you for your consideration - I look forward to your calls

ASOG Members, I just wanted to share this article (click image). The main purpose is to highlight the concept of Pod Sensor Systems. From my perspective, this tech concept (like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) opens the door to many more uses of aerial remote-sensing be it civilian, public safety or defense.  What do you think, plus, what other affordable Pods are available today?

If you want to know more about the SAR system highlighted in this article, please reach out to Scott H....He's one of us! You can find him in the members' directory.

ASOG Desk Editor

ASOG Members,

Job Announcement from the ASOG Career Center, Wayne in our group just relayed another opportunity for those ASOs in the ISR sector and who are qualified instructors, i.e., Mission Systems Flight Instructor (Job No. 644874). The hiring company is Leidos, and the job location is Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD U.S.A. The basic job duties & responsibilities are:

• Create, validate and execute ground-based academic training in a classroom
• Create, validate and execute mission-oriented, scenario-based flight training
• Create, maintain, and document student training progress, using appropriate Army standards and forms
• Create, update and modify training items in appropriate Army databases
• Assist with test and evaluation of MEP systems as part of validation of training

If you’re interested, please go to ASOG Career Center – Job Postings or contact Wayne in our group.

Thanks, Everyone!

ASOG Career Center

ASOG network…This is a very good article for Airborne Sensor Operators on the awareness of managing today’s technology in the aircraft, be it aircraft systems or the sensors. Even though this article focuses on the pilot, I believe it applies to all crewmembers. The main points are:

• Knowledge is key (know your systems)
• Heads Up; Eye’s Outside (or for an ASO – Heads Up; Eye’s & Ear’s on the Situation at large)
• Who’s in Charge Here (Man or machine?)

Teaching Technology

As I recently posted in LinkedIn, we are designing a MOOC course with the goal of sharing know-how in Maritime Search and Rescue procedures and opening up discussions about the way to improve Maritime SAR with innovation and critical & creative thinking. I would ask for your suggestions and feedback in order to adapt the content to the level of experience, training and expectations in the course. If you need further information, please contact me in: orbitaleos.sp@gmail.com

As an Airborne Sensor Operator Group (ASOG) member, you know how important professional development is, i.e., one reason you joined this network/group.  

“Professional development is learning to earn or maintain professional credentials such as academic degrees to formal coursework, conferences and informal learning opportunities situated in practice. It has been described as intensive and collaborative, ideally incorporating an evaluative stage. There are a variety of approaches to professional development, including consultation, coaching, communities of practice, lesson study, mentoring, reflective supervision and technical assistance.” (Wikipedia)

One of my favorite professional development TTP (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures), and there are many others, is attending Trade Shows & Conferences. When it comes to improving my professional knowledge and strengthen my career, there’s no substitute for a live learning event like a trade show or conference. By interacting with a roomful or exhibit hall of peers, asking questions of subject matter experts, and examining real-world applications of the information you’re focused on, it helps cement your knowledge & connections.

Yes, most trade shows and conferences are expensive, but if you’re able to get your employer to send you or budget your funds to attend, take advantage of it. Also, before attending have a plan of what you want to learn, experience and whom to connect with, this will maximize your investment.

Additionally, to go above and beyond just attending, try to become a guest speaker. Going through the processes and sharing your professional experiences and knowledge will double your knowledge & connections.

For reference, below is a list of events that relate to the Airborne Sensor Operator profession (Civilian, Public Safety, and Defense). If you know of any other events that relate to the Airborne Sensor Operator profession, please speak up.  (Note: The list below was randomly selected from the internet based on their relationship to the ASO profession…ASOG has no connection with these events. Also, see the home page for additional events around the world and for the different industry sectors).

ICASDM 2018: 20th International Conference on Aerial Surveying and Digital Mapping

Dubai, UAE

April 9 - 10, 2018

Commercial UAV Expo 2017

Commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Expo

24 Oct 2017 - 26 Oct 2017

84 days to go

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino

Maritime Reconnaissance and Surveillance Summit

26 September, 2017 - 28 September, 2017

Rome, Italy

ISR & C2 Battle Management US conference

7 November 2017 - 9 November 2017

Bethesda, United States

Maritime Security & Coastal Surveillance Conference

28 November 2017 - 29 November 2017

Singapore, Singapore

ASOG Desk Editor (Patrick Ryan)