News & Information

Save the Date and Make Time to Attend

ASOG Conference & Meet-Up @ EUROPEAN ROTORS 2022. If you didn't know, the EUROPEAN ROTORS organizers have made space at their next VTOL show and safety conference from 8 to 10 November in Cologne, Germany, for our association to conduct a conference & networking meet-up.

Our event will take place on 8 November. The conference will consist of presentations by ASOG members relating to the Airborne Sensor Operator career field, i.e., sensors, multi-missions, non-rated aircrew topics, aircraft, etc. Along with this, we'll have a booth for members to take a break and relax during "walking the floor," plus the chance to informally Meet-Up daily after the show for drinks & dinner.

Even though it's only two months out, mark the date and make time to attend. With the ASOG conference & meet-up embedded with an exceptional large aviation tradeshow, you'll be able to learn something new and network with fellow members & industry in one place. If you are interested, more information is available below.

Join us and be part of the group!

EUROPEAN ROTORS DATE/TIME | Tuesday, 8 November to Thursday, 10 November 2022 / 1000 – 1700

LOCATION | Koelnmesse (Exhibition Centre), Cologne (Köln), Germany

EUROPEAN ROTORS REGISTRATION | PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS 

ASOG AGENDA |

• ASOG Conference & Presentations – Tuesday, November 8, 2022 / 1300 – 1700, Stage 2
• ASOG Networking – Daily, Booth 1245
• Career Day – Wednesday, 9 November, Rheinsaal Section 1-6 & Booth 1245 (Bring your CV)
• ASOG Evening Informal Meet-Ups – Daily (After show hours, Cologne city center)

ASOG MEMBERS - LET US KNOW | As an ASOG member, by sending us an e-mail highlighting you're attending, we'll include you in all aspects of the event(s), i.e., learning, connecting, and networking. Without a doubt, you'll have a great experience. Let us know at info@aso-group.org   

BECOME AN ASOG EVENT SPONSOR | Sponsorship Opportunities – Increase your brand exposure while helping a good cause.

Sponsorship Benefits:

• Increase your brand with the ASOG community and over +800,000 connections.
• Opportunity to invite clients and staff to mingle without having to create your own event.
• Promote your company products & services to ASOG attendees.
• Show your support for the ASOG Association so we can keep growing to serve the men & women who are part of the Airborne Sensor Operator profession.

Sponsorship Options:

Platinum - €1000

• Special Advertisement Article – Your company can post one advertisement article on the ASOG website, and we will share it on ASOG's LinkedIn & Twitter profiles.
• ASOG Newsletter Special - Your company will be recognized in the ASOG global Newsletter one month before and one month after the event.
• Logo Recognition – We'll add your company logo on all pre-event-related event e-announcement media.
• ASOG Booth - Your company logo will be displayed in our booth area at the event.
• ASOG Website - Your company will be recognized on the ASOG website as a sponsor leading up to the event.
• ASOG Networking Events - Invitation to ASOG Informal (After Show) Networking Meet-Ups.

Gold - €750

• ASOG Newsletter Special - Your company will be recognized in the ASOG global Newsletter one month before and one month after the event.
• Logo Recognition – We'll add your company logo on all pre-event-related event e-announcement media.
• ASOG Booth - Your company logo will be displayed at the event in our booth area.
• ASOG Website - Your company will be recognized on the ASOG website as a sponsor leading up to the event.
• ASOG Networking Events - Invitation to ASOG Informal (After Show) Networking Meet-Ups.

Silver - €500      

• Logo Recognition – We'll add your company logo on all pre-event-related event e-announcement media.
• ASOG Booth - Your company logo will be displayed in our booth area at the event.
• ASOG Website - Your company will be recognized on the ASOG website as a sponsor leading up to the event.
• ASOG Networking Events - Invitation to ASOG Informal (After Show) Networking Meet-Ups.

To find out more about being an ASOG sponsor, contact info@aso-group.org.

THANK YOU TO OUR ASOG EVENT SPONSORS!

Our ASOG event at this year's EUROPEAN ROTORS show is primarily made possible due to the generous support of our sponsors.

(Become a generous sponsor - Added Your Logo Here)

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | Career Management

Shared By | Amber Surrency

Posted By | ASOG Career Center

ASOG Members, Followers and Connections, it’s great to see ASOG members pass the word on jobs. In this case, Amber Surrency relayed  Aero-Graphics has ASO/Pilot Transition positions available, i.e., “They're always looking for senor operators.”

If you’re interested, contact Aero-Graphics directly:

Address: 40 W Oakland Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84115

Phone: (801) 487-3273

Web page: https://www.aero-graphics.com/

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/aero-graphics-inc./

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | Career Management

Posted By | ASOG Career Center

ASOG Members, Followers & Connections, We just received this new job position from one of our ASOG LinkedIn connections, i.e., Ken Hindman from Motorola Solutions:

“I’m #hiring. Know anyone who might be interested? Interested in people that have an ISR background. Especially interested in ELINT experience, UAS experience, project management experience (not necessarily PMP certified, but that helps). We could really use more folks with operational experience to help guide our engineering and development team!

So ideally we are looking for someone who can fill a role as a project lead or project manager. If someone has been in any branch of the service and has been a supervisor, they likely have the skills necessary to do that.

On the technical side, the ideal candidate comes from the ISR world. Airborne experience is a plus, but not required. Understanding of how ISR functions can drive development is critical.

Office location is in Chicago suburbs. Ideally relocation to area is desired. Pay commensurate with experience and knowledge. Very competitive offer packages. Very generous pay and benefits package to include matching 401k contributions, discount stock purchase option, health, dental, vision etc.

If you’re interested, you can Email me at - ken.hindman@motorolasolutions.com Or DM me via LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-hindman-286213158

FYI, I’m NOT a recruiter”

Ken Hindman

Senior Airborne Systems Strategy and Development

Motorola Solutions

ASOG Article of the Month | September 2022

ASOG Author | Patrick Ryan

The learning curve never stops for those who use aircraft professionally. Increasing our knowledge and undertaking professional development is something to enjoy, but it's also something we, as non-rated aircrew members, should take seriously.

One of the essential elements of this ASO learning curve is having a good understanding of Airmanship. According to the FAA, Airmanship is defined as:

• A sound understanding with the principles of flight.
• The capability to operate an airplane with competence and precision both on the ground and in the air.
• The exercise of sound judgment results in optimal operational safety and efficiency.

One of the starting points of developing one's Airmanship is understanding the world of aircraft, i.e., the different types and classifications.

Simply put, an airplane (manned or unmanned) is a platform that can fly by obtaining help from the air. It respond to the force of gravity by using either static lift or the dynamic lift of an airfoil.

The primary factors that categorize the different aircraft types are Lighter-Than-Air (Aerostat) and Heavier-Than-Air (Aerodyne). The next level of classification is Non-Engine and Engine aircraft.

From this point, aircraft designs, technology, and capabilities differ in many aspects and categories. As shown in the figure below, aircraft types take on their unique technical characteristics, i.e., from Kite to Balloon; Fixed-Wing to Rotary-Wing, Amphibian, or Float; Propeller Propulsion to Rocket Propulsion; Tethered or Non-Tethered; Manned and Unmanned and more.

So now you know…Short & Sweet. An airplane is just not a fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter, and Lighter-than-Air is just not Blimps, but they all are part of a connect classification system. As mentioned before, as non-rated aircrew members, we should constantly improve our professional aviator skills & knowledge for safety and effectiveness reasons. In this case, Airmanship 101 – Aircraft Types & Classification.  

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | Career Management

Posted By | ASOG Career Center

We just received this job announcement from one of our ASOG members, i.e., Freelance Aerial Camera Operator for Hansa Luftbild.

If you’re interested in the job, review the job announcement below and respond right away to Hansa Luftbild (Ms. Ennens-Leineweber).

Freelance Aerial Camera Operator

ASOG 2022 Focus Area| Training & Education

Shared By | George DeCock

Even though this share is for the defense folks in ASOG or, better yet, Electronic Warfare (EW) ASOs, other members might benefit from these courses. For example, I’ve been an Association of Old Crows (AOC) for many years. Their professional development courses are tailored for aircrew, technical, or marketing professionals new to Electronic Warfare.

These courses provide an excellent opportunity for you and your teammates to expand your knowledge in Electromagnetic Warfare at your own pace.

The current AOC course catalog includes courses on:

• Fundamental Principles of Electronic Warfare
• Advanced Principles of Electronic Warfare
• EW Against a New Generation of Threats
• Communications EW
• 21st Century Electronic Warfare, Systems, Technology, and Techniques
• And more….

Even though I might come from the EW aircrew analog era, I’ve learned to keep up with current changes with courses like these. Like ASOG, the AOC does a great job of focusing on the needs of the ASO and the communities supporting it.

For more informtion related to these courses, jump over to: AOC On-Demand Courses

ASOG 2022 Focus Areas | News & Information, Networking, Events

Posted: ASOG Desk Editor & George DeCock

George DeCock, our ASOG traveling Ambassador, asked us in the News Room to share his list of recommended defense & public safety trade shows and conferences regarding networking & professional development.

If you didn’t know, George has a long history of attending these shows. So, if he recommends it, it really means something. Plus, George is going to attend many of these shows. So, if you want to expand your network, reach out to George and connect or attend solo.   

• AirPower/Sep2-3                               Zeltweg/Austria **Spontaneous ASOG Meet-Up**
• HeliTech/Sept07-08                           London/England
• Sanicole/Sep10-11                            Hechtel/Belgium
• AAD/Sept21-25                                Waterkloof/SAfrica
• C4ISR /Sept28-29                             Athens/Greece
• GSOF/Oct4-6                                    Budapest/Hungary
• GDH/Oct18-20                                  WARSAW/Poland
• EuroNaval/Oct18-21                           Paris/France
• HeliShow/Oct24-26                            Dubai/UAE
• IndoDefence/Nov02-05                       Jakarta/Indonesia
• EUROPEAN ROTORS/Nov08-10      KOLN/Germany  **ASOG Conference & Meet-Up**
• Electronica/Now13-19                         Munich/Germany
• Avalon Airshow/Jan2023                     Avalon/Australia

If you have a list of trade shows or conferences (especially in the commercial aviation sector) that you think would be an excellent event for ASOGers to network and professionally develop? Please send it to the ASOG Desk Editor at deskeditor@aso-group.org.

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | Networking

Posted By | ASOG Desk Editor

Before getting started, we would like to thank all Austrian Detachment II/7 – Air Police men and women for hosting the Airborne Sensor Operators Group. With their super professionalism, dedication, and service, the world is definitely a safer place.

The local ASOG Vienna Austria members had a spontaneous opportunity to Meet-Up and network last weekend (Saturday, 27 August 2022). Like other past ASOG Meet-Ups, it was a great chance to network with other sensor operators, industry, and their families in the local area.

ASOG member Dominik Grimm (Austrian Police Officer, Tactical Flight Officer) arranged a tour for his fellow ASOG members (plus, families) around his Police Aviation Unit's busy schedule at the Vienna International Airport.

The tour included a fantastic overview of their mission, a walk-around of their base operations, observing a quick-response launch and recovery security patrol, and a detailed TFO powered-up workstation experience.

Following the tour, Networking continued at a nearby Gasthaus for lunch. Again, like previous Meet-Ups, new professional friendships came about, and great professional topics were discussed.

Based on the feedback from Dominik's unit and the ASOG members who attended, this tour and ASOG Meet-Up were great successes. As many of you know, organizing professional networking events is one of the core functions of the Airborne Sensor Operators Group, i.e., breaking down barriers and opening doors for like-minded professionals.

The Next ASOG Meet-Up

The next ASOG Meet-Up will be held at the EUROPEAN ROTORS 2022 VTOL show and safety conference from 8 to 10 November in Cologne, Germany. If you didn't know, the EUROPEAN ROTORS organizers have made space for our association to conduct a conference & meet-up.

Our conference will take place on the 8^th (Stage 2, 1300 to 1700). The conference will consist of presentations by ASOG members relating to the Airborne Sensor Operator career field, i.e., sensors, multi-missions, non-rated aircrew topics, aircraft, etc. Along with this, ASOG will have a base camp for members to hang out and relax throughout the show, i.e., AV Buyer Magazine | GA Buyer Europe Magazine Booth.

Even though it's only three months out, mark the date and make time to attend. With the ASOG conference & meet-up embedded with an exceptional large aviation tradeshow, you'll be able to learn something new and network in one place. In the weeks to come, we'll start posting more information. However, if you have any questions prior, please let us know.

ASOG Article of the Month | August 2022

ASOG Author | Patrick Ryan

The phrase "staying ahead of the aircraft" is essential for every non-rated aircrew member. It doesn't matter if you're an Aerial Survey ASO, Hollywood Cinematographer, or Tactical Flight Officer, i.e., operating manned or unmanned aircraft. Staying ahead of every action or phase of flight in the flying business is a true sign of a professional ASO vs. you being a burden or a risk factor! Learning how is a survival skill that will serve you later when you fly faster, more workload-intensive aircraft.

To better understand this aviator concept or best practice mindset further, there are two other aspects to add to understanding your operational performance: "Are you behind the aircraft" or "With the Aircraft!" In other words, you must think and act ahead of events at 150+ knots for hours. So, what is this concept all about, and how can you fly like a professional aviator? First, let's start with what is staying ahead of the airplane.

What is "Staying Ahead of the Airplane?"

Even though some might say "Staying ahead of the airplane" is a vague concept. However, the concept is actually a practical exercise in mental discipline, i.e., training yourself to think and act during a flight. It only requires you constantly receive, process, and act on information or situations before, during, and during a flight. The foundation of this concept is based on good "situational awareness."

Along with this, a non-rated aircrew member's job is to take action before a task is required. All this processing of information and thinking ahead will mitigate task saturation (a.k.a, helmet fires), falling "Behind the Aircraft," or worst yet, causing an accident, e.g., straying off course, damaging a sensor, or not backing up your crew during critical phases of flight.

How to "Stay Ahead of the Airplane?"

To put it simply, don't wait for something to happen! Instead, prepare for or accomplish a task that you realistically can do ahead of time for those things or actions that will relate to your flight. This effort could be a few minutes before it is needed or days before the flight begins. Here are some examples of what "Staying Ahead of the Airplane" looks like.

Before Flight

• Identify and pack essential documents and gear related to your flight.
• Fully power up essential electrical handheld equipment or systems, e.g., smartphones, laptops, power bars, etc.
• Identify and double-check essential phone numbers, mission software, e-operator manuals, checklist, frequencies, codes, etc., related to your flight.
• Study the flight in detail, i.e., in relation to Aviate (Alternate airfields, airspace classifications, weather, etc.), Navigate (route, terrain elevation, etc.), and Communicate (radio frequencies, essential phone numbers, etc.)
• Arranging things in the order they'll be needed.
• Place essential items in the cockpit within easy reach.
• Mark or "favorite" things for easy identification.
• Inspect and test essential equipment before the flight.
• And more…

During Flight

• Again, inspect and test essential equipment after take-off.
• Input and cross-check required frequencies, waypoints, and other information before their use, e.g., transitioning from en route to the collection area.
• Put away essential items that are not in use and pull out essential items before the appropriate phase of flight, e.g., climb, en route, landing, etc.
• Review checklist or think of actions required for the next leg or phase of flight.
• Monitor current and forecast weather along your planned and alternate routes.
• And more…

After a Flight

• Stow and arrange equipment and documents for the next flight.
• Address any maintenance issue immediately, i.e., stay ahead of any issues that might delay or cause a problem for the next flight.
• And more…

Conclusion

Once again, "staying ahead of the aircraft" is essential for every non-rated aircrew member. There are many things you could be doing. However, it consists of thinking ahead of all those little things that add to the big picture of having a smooth and successful flight or mission.

Bottom line, if you're sitting peacefully watching the ground underneath you fly by, you're probably "falling behind the aircraft." Don't forget, if you're being paid to fly as an aircrew member, you are not a passenger but a professional aviator…even if you're non-rated. So with that, you should constantly think and work ahead before, during, and after every flight.

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | Industry Support

Posted By |ASOG Desk Editor

We're ecstatic to announce that "AvPay – The Aviation Market Place & Directory" is now an ASOG corporate supporter. It's fantastic to see the aviation community reach out to our non-profit aircrew association and lend a hand to the shadow crewmembers of aviation. Besides AvPay becoming a supporter, they are adding us to their amazing webpage under "Aviation Charities Directory."

If you didn't know, AvPay is an Aviation Marketplace & Directory that lets companies present their brand, products & services in front of the market while empowering consumers by allowing them to search and find the company, product, or service they require.

To learn more about AvPay and its services, check them out on the ASOG Corporate Supporter page (click their Logo).

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | News & Information, Networking

Posted By | ASOG Desk Editor

Members in the Picture | Upper Left Image - Hector Estevez Pomar (CENTUM research & technology), Scott Hillman (IMSAR) . Upper Right Image - Michael Estigoy (SkyIMD), Patrick Ryan (ASOG President)

Another first for our growing ASOG association and our mission of providing the means to network around the globe, we conducted our first North American ASOG networking “Meet-Up” last week at this year’s Airborne Public Safety Association Conference (APSCON) held in Reno, Nevada.

It was a fantastic opportunity and venue for a good number of ASOG members to meet informally and connect in person, focusing on aircrew roles, sensor operations, and work-related opportunities.

If you’re interested in participating in an ASOG Meet-Up, keep an eye out for future announcements, or if you want to conduct your own ASOG Meet-Up, the ASOG staff will help you organize it and get the word out. Just PM us at info@aso-group.org.

Speaking of that, our next ASOG Meet-Up is planned for 8 November 2022 at the EUROPEAN ROTORS Conference & Trade Show in Cologne, Germany. It will be an excellent opportunity for ASOs and other aircrew members from across the spectrum of Aerial Work aviation sectors (commercial, public safety & defense) to meet, network, and learn something new.

Good day all out there and safe landing...

I am very curious, given the high cost of airborne sensors and the rapid and regular change in technological advancement of these sensors, how many sensors are out there and dormant? Many years ago when I joined the industry I learned operating from the film analogue cameras, to mentio a few, we had Wild Heerbrugg RC10's both 152 and wide angle 80mm Lenses. We also had the Zeiss RMK A. All these were soon replaced by the famous and more advanced RMK TOP 15 and within two or three years the Wild nad RMK A were gathering dust on the shelves, two years later they were donated to the South African Air Force Museum section of Aerial photography. 

It was not very long after before we were introduced to the new digital age of the ZI/Imaging's DMC family and the Vexcel Ultracam D and the glorious years of the RMK TOP 15 were over and it was forgotten. From there on, the Digital Aerial sensors has evolved with such speed that I sometimes sit and wonder what happened to all those pieces of historical artistic masterpieces which have paved the way to the current breed of highly technological automatic sensors. Like honestly, the tech advancement in the current breed of sensors have amost reduced us to system monitors than operators. Make no mistake, the amount of work and merticulousness it requires in current mission planning and preparation for a succesful mission gives the same satisfaction one would have from manually obtaining 60% forward overlap during uncostant aircraft ground speed and altitude with and analogue.

And I am grateful for the evolution and progress we have made but, i would like to know if there is still some analogues or the first eneration of digital cams gathering dust in some office out there in the world and what do you think its final ending will be. Do you think it could still take one more flight before it finaly rests? Similarly to Lidar systems. I remeber one year after the arrival of Riegl 480i we had almost forgotten of our once glorius Optech ALTM system and years after the 780i we almost forgot that the 680i ever existed, let alone the 480i

What systems do you have shelved? I would just love to know...

One of the biggest problems that search and rescue teams have is identifying a target in difficult terrain. Whether that's out in an open space or an urban situation, the longer it takes to locate a target, the lower the chances of survival.

This problem is compounded for aerial support teams when the distinction between an individual and their surrounding terrain can become almost non-existent. The human eye is exceptional at spotting detail, but to help SAR teams become more effective, technology has the edge, especially Automatic Target Detection systems.

Automatic Target Detection

Using Automatic Target Detection from an airborne platform has a host of advantages. Primarily, the information is uploaded to the video stream in real-time, allowing the ATD technology to identify a target and instantly relay the location to the operator.

Because ATD technology has been calibrated to identify specific objects (such as a vehicle or pedestrian), it also filters out any background ‘noise’ that may pollute the identification process far more effectively than a human can.

For example, if a victim is wearing light-coloured clothing in an environment with a lot of similarly coloured detritus, ATD technology will be able to extrapolate the individual from their surroundings far more quickly. While it may be difficult for a human operator to identify the individual amongst the background noise, ATD finds it easy to do so, minimising missed sightings even from the air.

Target georeferencing

One of the critical components of ATD is target georeferencing. Once the software identifies a target, it immediately allocates a georeferencing point, which can be transferred to SAR groups on the ground. Using this technology, the aerial team can coordinate the ground response units to zone in on the target more effectively. This reduces response time which, in a life-or-death situation, is vital.

User fatigue

Another aspect of SAR that automatic target recognition can assist with is user fatigue. During long-duration search and rescue operations, user fatigue can dramatically reduce the ability of a human operator to effectively scan search areas continuously. A study by Cornell University[1] found that the difference between the human eye detecting a target and an ATD system was a matter of a few seconds initially. But over a prolonged period, the accuracy of the human operator waivered, whereas the ATD system consistently identified and pinpointed targets in under 10 seconds.

The use of synthetic data generation and augmentation also renders the information not only more accessible but exceptionally accurate, regardless of the amount of time spent in the air. By transposing it onto streaming video, a real-time search map can be produced that has fewer instances of false-positive sightings, which can be an issue with human operators.

Urban SAR

With open spaces such as mountainsides, the issue facing SAR teams is the sheer expanse that needs to be covered. However, for search and rescue in an urban environment, the problems are more focused on the number of potential targets that could confuse any ATD system.

However, in recent years automatic target detection tools have become more refined and more capable of dealing with multiple small targets in close proximity to one another. Systems such as OpenSIGHT can identify a higher number of small targets and georeference each one instantly. This allows a trained operator to focus on targets of interest and eliminate background noise that has no relevance to the operation. In an urban SAR operation, this is particularly important. If the target is known, a set of parameters can be programmed into the system that 'fine-tunes' the target identification process even further.

A faster, better response

In Search and Rescue, time is of the essence. The longer it takes to find a target, the greater the chance of serious physical harm or even death. Automatic Target Detection enhances the capabilities of airborne SAR units and minimises the possibility of human error. It reduces search time by capturing single or even multiple targets in any terrain.

Even hard-to-spot targets can be more easily identified, and by the use of target georeferencing, their exact location can then be relayed to ground teams. The result is greater success in search and rescue operations, regardless of the terrain.

👉 DISCOVER OUT MORE #OPENSIGHT-atr

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | Industry Support

Posted By |ASOG Desk Editor

We're thrilled to announce that OFIL Systems is now an ASOG corporate supporter. It's fantastic to see special sensor OEMs like OFIL recognize the importance of the Airborne Sensor Operator profession and the mission of the ASOG association. 

If you didn't know, OFIL develops and  manufactures UV Bi-spectral optical and digital inspection systems with embedded proprietary patented Solar Blind technology. OFIL aims to provide precise solutions for science, industry, and environmental wellness. OFIL owns the brand name DayCor® which stands for Daytime Corona detection. 

To learn more about OFIL and its products, check them out on the ASOG Corporate Supporter page (click their Logo). – OR - You can PM Peter Schaffer (ASOG Member) and send him a message via the ASOG e-mail service.

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | News & Information

Posted By | ASOG Safety Center

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  Benjamin Franklin

Hey, Airborne Sensor Operator, do you have the will to survive? As Airborne Sensors Operators (ASO), our work environment is often in remote areas, over every type of terrain, and during every season around the world. So if an aircrew makes a forced landing, or if an sUAS/RPA ground surveying crew has a vehicle problem in a harsh situation or gets lost on a job in a very remote location, they need to know the basic skills to stay alive and safe until rescue comes.

Up to this period, military ASOs and a large percentage of the public Safety sector ASOs (Law Enforcement, SAR, First Responders, etc.) have received Aircrew Survival Training, be it ground (Summer/Winter) or water survival. However, many on the civilian or commercial side of the ASO community have not.

The point of this post is to provide “food for thought” for those civil or commercial Airborne Sensor Operators. They routinely are in a position to be in “harm’s way” when flying in an aircraft or traversing remote terrain with their sUAS/RPAs. Additionally, because many governments and companies don’t require ASOs to obtain Aircrew Survival Training, they run a very high risk of “not making it” if they have a “bad day at the office!”

For those commercial ASOs who had training when they were in the military or received private training many years ago, a refresher course or a personal “Safety Stand-down Day” to review the basics to knock the rust off would recalibrate your skills. Remember, ”if you don’t use it, you lose it!” 

For those commercial ASOs who have never thought of this area of their professional ASO development kit, the essential tracks one can take to prepare better for a “bad day at the office” are:

Track 1 (Self-Study):

A few of the larger civil aviation organizations worldwide and some nongovernment organizations provide free information, courses, or online programs regarding surviving after a forced landing or in a wilderness survival situation. Additionally, you can find open-source training products and videos on the internet. Overall, even though this information is worded to manned aircraft pilots, as you know, the same applies to unmanned aircrew members and all manned aircraft non-pilot crewmembers. Below is just a sample of sources available:

• AOPA Survival Safety
• FAA Basic Survival Training
• Aircrew Survival Course | HMRS (capranger.org)

Track 2 (Training Course):

The second track is taking a course for a fee, which should consist of classroom and field exercises. There are many companies around the world which provide such services and the type of training varies. In general, these programs typically provide participants with the skills and knowledge to:

• Prepare for an emergency (Gear/kits, Contingency Planning, etc.)
• React to a forced landing (land/water-based) or ground-event emergency
• Care for themselves in a survival situation
• Utilize available survival equipment
• Participate to the maximum extent in their rescue.

To sum it up, If you’re a professional ASO who works sensors onboard an aircraft or off-board a UAS/RPA in remote locations but have no training, are you prepared to handle or, better yet, have the “Will to Survive” a life-threatening event? Again, “Food for Thought”!

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | Industry Support

Posted By |ASOG Desk Editor

We're pleased to announce that QinetiQ Canada is now an ASOG corporate supporter. It's great to see large corporations like QinetiQ recognize the importance of the Airborne Sensor Operator profession and the mission of the ASOG association. 

If you didn't know, QinetiQ Canada delivers a growing range of mission-led solutions to Canadian Defence and Security organizations. Focusing on Target and Surveillance Systems, Tests, Evaluation, Training, and Mission Readiness, their highly engaged teams work with customers throughout the entire life cycle of a project to ensure they are capable and mission ready. From their primary locations in Medicine Hat, Alberta, and Ottawa, Ontario, they deploy across Canada to produce results leveraging the brightest minds, innovative technology, and decades of customer-centric service delivery.

To learn more about QinetiQ Canada and its services, check them out on the ASOG Corporate Supporter page ASOG Corporate Supporters (click their Logo). – OR - You can PM Gary Micklethwaite (ASOG Member) and send him a message via the ASOG e-mail service.

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | News & Information, Career Management

Shared By | ASOG Career Center

If you’re interested in serving your community and flying simultaneously, read this article. The article focuses on the Police Aviation Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) career field. It provides a good view of the roles & responsibilities of a TFO, plus what a typical day looks like for this officer and aviator.

If you’re an ASOG member and want to learn more about this career field, reach out to one of our ASOG TFO members.

A day in the life of a Tactical Flight Officer  

myPolice Queensland Police News | May 16, 2016 @ 9:35am

ASOG Article of the Month | June 2022

ASOG Author | Patrick Ryan

Many times, I get asked why I started the ASOG association. There are many reasons for people to do this type of innovative social effort to bring professional people & organizations together for a public reason. Making an opportunity to advance one’s professional career to put food on the table is one of them. Creating an environment to share the opportunity to make this occur is another. Having such a place like ASOG allows this to happen!

Around 2013, I was the Program Manager of an Aerial Remote-Sensing project in Africa. This project was rapidly expanding, i.e., we quickly needed another aircraft and crew to support it. While going through the recruitment process, I had difficulty finding qualified Airborne Sensor Operators. At the time, I thought I would have a better chance of finding suitable operators if I contacted an Airborne Sensor Operator association. However, as I was searching, both over the internet and through my own professional ASO network, it hit me that no association focused on the non-rated sensor operators existed, i.e., a place to network, learn, or find the next job!

So why do I do this? I do it for myself and the others in and around the ASO profession. I do it for these reasons:

• Continuing my education & learning
• Searching for Job or business prospects
• Mentoring and instructing others
• Expanding my Network
• Access to professional resources
• Obtaining new perspectives & professional Viewpoints
• Certification assistance
• Connecting with like-minded professionals

Since developing the ASOG association, I can genuinely say the above reasons or benefits have happened to me. My learning curve regarding learning something new has taken off. Plus, my professional network has expanded tenfold. I’ve also been offered several jobs because of my activity with ASOG.

So, that is why I started ASOG. I started for myself and others, i.e., providing a professional place for new or active aircrew members to develop professionally. Plus, it’s a place for those interested or part of the ASO professional eco-system, e.g., educators, engineers, managers, pilots, supervisors, manufacturers, integrators, etc. The bottom line is that the more robust ASOG becomes, the benefits and rewards intensify for everyone.

With that, if you want to belong with like-minded professionals and professionally develop, you are welcome to join us!

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | News & Information

Shared By | GA Buyer Europe, 10th June 2022

Summarized Through the Life Story of this Veteran Aerial Survey Navigator & Sensor Operator. Lyndon York Has "Been There, Seen It, Done It!"

It's always great to share information about an ASOG member and fellow aircrew member. In this case, it's Lyndon York. GA Buyer Europe just published an article about Lyndon's long career as an aerial surveying navigator & sensor operator. Because Lyndon has "been there, seen it, done that" for many years, the article also highlights the history of the late 20th century Aerial Surveying & Mapping sector and the unique aircraft that made it happen.

---Break, Break---

Lyndon, mark your calendar when we have an ASOG Meet-Up in the London area! I'm sure you have more to share with the group!

The History of Aerial Surveying