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)

Hi Everyone!

I just want let everyone know that ASOG will be at Combat Helicopter (see ASOG events) this week (Krakow, Poland 17-19 Oct).  Again, one of ASOG Advisory Council members will be there working and volunteered to continue to spread the word to his network & cross-talk with fellow ASOG members. 

Thanks, Everyone!

ASOG Desk Editor     

POB Column: Define Your UAS Operations

ASOG Members,

I just wanted to share this article regarding commercial aerial surveying & mapping i.e. what to think about before starting your own UAS/Drone business.  If you’re an ISR or public safety ASO and ever thought of expanding into the commercial side of aerial remote-sensing, the Point of Beginning is a good magazine focused on the Geospatial sector i.e. add it to your ASO professional reading list. Also, if you have or are planning to start up a sUAS business...let the group know...maybe we can help.

ASOG Desk Editor

ASOG members...especially for the ISR community. this is a good article on sensor planning..."Part math and part art form, sensor planning should not be confused with the standard flight or mission plan."

Trial by fire: Training for the ISR flight

Are you logging your flight time? If not, you should be!

As a professional aviator and aerial sensor operator, it doesn’t matter what type of aerial platform you fly, be it fixed or rotary wing, manned or unmanned, tethered or free flight, you should be logging your flight time. It’s not just a pilot thing!

As a professional aircrew member, you should track your flight time because it represents you as a professional aviator, documents your skill set, and reflects your personality. It is attention to detail.  Even if airborne sensing is a secondary duty (your primary job is an archeologist, utility-line inspector, research scientist, etc. but fly & sense regularly to support that primary job), you should be logging your flight time.

First, it shows accountability and competence. Your logbook demonstrates and documents how many hours and experiences you have under your belt. It shows others you know your profession, and that you’re a competent aircrew member with a solid foundation. It can help in gaining access to training and certification programs, support your employers grant or contract proposals with solid data, or assist in documenting potential legal matters relating to flight mishaps or equipment damage. You have physical evidence that you are a competent, professional aircrew member that knows what you are doing.

Second, as a professional aviator, you need this for career development and self-evaluation.  As a doctor friend of mine once said, “If you didn’t write it down, it never happened”.  Having a log assists in tracking of upcoming requirements (flight physical exams, check-rides, annual training), as well as providing the 5 W’s (Who, What, Where, When, and Why) of the mission. Additionally, it will help you to record any training you have accomplished (be it certification or OJT) regarding aircraft, sensors, TTP (Tactics, Techniques & Procedures), communication systems, and data processing hardware/software systems. By writing it down, a log provides a well-documented, official record to help you to compare your current level of experience & knowledge against current trends in your industry sector, identify potential gaps in training or experience, and provide a roadmap for your professional development.

Finally, it can help you get promoted at your current job or help you find a new position! Having a professional ASO flight log will help you communicate in a factual way to your current and future employers that you’re the right person for the job. It showcases you as a professional aviator and sensor operator quantitatively defines your skill set, and reinforces your professional personality. Having a well-maintained flight log will help you when it comes time to prepare annual evaluations in your current job or write your resume or CV. If your log is current, it makes it that much easier to write that evaluation or job winning resume or CV.

Now that we talked about the “why ” let’s talk about the “what” and “how” of logging your flight information, what information should be in your log book?

Since the ASO profession lacks formalization, there is no set global “standard” on “what” is required in an ASO Aircrew Log Book. My recommendations, based on field experience are:

• Record of Flight Physicals, Medical Exams, and Altitude Chamber (if required)

• Record of Qualifications and Renewals (Check rides, Instructor certifications)

• Other required annual training (CRM, Risk Management, Survival, etc.)

• Record of Flying Hours

• Flight Date

• Takeoff and Landing times

• Flight Location (Arrival/Departure airfields, working area)

• Aircraft Type & Registration

• Aircrew Duties & Position (Mission op, Instructor, Evaluator)

• Flight Details (Mission type, Day/Night, Weather conditions, etc.)

• Sensor & Systems Details (Type sensor, Data-Links, etc.)

• PIC/Other Crewmembers

• Comments & Notes

• Flight Hours (mission and cumulative)

• Summary of Monthly and Grand Totals

Again, if you have any other recommendations from experience, please share with the group.

Now that we have an outline of what to record, the final question is “how.” Like I said before, the aviation community has not invested much in our profession; We are defining it as we go. There are not many “off-the-shelf” products (paper or electronic) available for ASO use. For now, use a pilot or generic aircrew log and manipulate the categories to meet your needs, or produce an excel spreadsheet. The situation is not optimal, but for now, it gets the job done.

However, I would like to challenge the ASOG community to do better. If you ever had a dream of publishing a book or developing an app, here’s your chance to fill a need. Now that there’s a growing group of us, I would think a smart and energetic individual could produce a paper and electronic product focused on the ASO professional community. If someone does, let me know, we’ll use the ASOG network to get the word out. Plus, we could even beta-test it for you! What do you think?

Are you logging your flight time and experiences? If you’re not writing it down, it never happened.

Hello Everyone,

I just sent this press release out for the company I work for. I thought the technical people in this this group would be interested.

Katrin

http://www.airbornetechnologies.at/media-news/news/379-multi-sensor-p68-hits-the-mainstream 

Hi Everyone!

I just want let everyone know that ASOG (in a little way) will be at Helitech next week (London, UK 03-05 Oct). One of our senior & well connected group members will be there working and volunteered to spread the word to his network. Additionally, he has volunteered to be our French speaking advisor, so, if you want to network with him, please let me know...I'll introduce you to him!

ASOG Desk Editor (Patrick Ryan)     

ASOG Members…This is a think piece…Is your aircrew position (commercial surveying, public safety & defense) changing from an “analog to a digital” or “stick & rudder” to a “sensing and responding” activity? I want to highlight one aircrew position that I think is changing in this direction. The position is the Air Refueling Boom Operator, based on current trends in this sector of aerial work/mil ops; the Boom Operator has gone from “stick & rudder” laying on his or her stomach flying a boom to operating an RQ-1 like sensor operator station to pass gas!

Think about it…how is technology changing your way of flying and are you adapting?

ASOG Desk Editor

Hi guys,

has anyone read this book?

Tactical Helicopter Missions: How to Fly Safe, Effective Airborne Law Enforcement Missions by Kevin P. Means

Can some give me a feed back if it is worth to read?

cheers,

Thomas

Hi Everyone,

The networking has already started! Wayne in our group just relayed a new job posting...Thank you Wayne! You can check it out on the ASOG Career Center - Job Posting area. If you're interested, contact Wayne...he has the skinny on the job.

Birds that flock together fly together!

ASOG Career Center

Hi, Everyone,

Like with all new start-up network projects, change is required to meet the needs of the group. ASOGs goal is to adjust & morph with your recommendations & inputs. Speaking of that, one recommendation was to add additional information to the ASOG Career Center Job Posting webpage. So based on your inputs, we made the following improvements:

• Job Search Web-Pages (Links) that have ASO jobs posted. Plus, we’ve listed different ASO job titles to help you narrow your search.

• A list of companies and organizations that routinely or semi-routinely hire Sensor Operators (Civ & Mil, manned & unmanned) .i.e. for members to routinely check.

However, to support and expand the strength of this page, please feed it with any current and forthcoming job opportunities you hear about, plus the names of any companies or organizations that routinely or semi-routinely need aerial sensor operators.

Like always, my crew-hatch is always open to you if you have additional recommendations or questions!

Thanks, Everyone!

Patrick