ASOG Article of the Month: February 2022

ASOG Author: Patrick Ryan

As the acting ASOG Desk Editor, I routinely scan the internet for news & information that benefits you, the Airborne Sensor Operator professional members. The other day as I was jumping around to different sites, I came across a Q & A discussion on Reddit that I thought was very relevant to many members and future operators, i.e., what are the in's & out's of ditching your desk job for the cockpit?

With that, below is the discussion. Garret_TheFerret posted the question (a future ASO looking for information), and TheAbdBoy (an ASO manager at an Aerial Surveying company in Canada) providing very good career management information.

So, enjoy the discussion and if you're like TheFerret, I hope it helps you with your career choice. Also, for the veteran civil ASOs in the group, if you have something to add, please call it out. Remember, like with so many other professional career fields - networking, mentoring & cross-talking makes our profession stronger + safe and sound.  

Post: Garrett_TheFerret, 8 years ago

Hey guys, I came across a local job posting for an aerial survey observer/navigator, and I'm really interested in taking it. I'm one of those guys who spent most of his teen years playing Flight Sim and I've taken a handful of lessons, but I haven't been able to make the financial leap into getting my license yet. I think this may be a great opportunity to get my foot in the door, but I just have a few questions for guys who are familiar with the business.

What's the typical pay?

Do most guys stick around for awhile? I understand pilots tend to use this as an hour building gig before moving on, but what about operators? Why/why not?

The description says I would be operating LIDAR and photogrammetry equipment; what should I learn about this tech before I interview? I obviously have no experience with it but I do want to know what I'm getting into before I speak with these guys.

What else should I know before I ditch my desk job to try this? I want to know what the day to day life is like and whether it would be a wise career choice for someone like me, who aspires to fly professionally someday but currently has zero experience.

Thanks in advance for your guys' input!

Post: TheAbdBoy, 8 yr. Ago

I'm breaking my comment-ginity for you, because I'm currently in the process of hiring and training Sensor Operators at the aerial surveying company I work for in Alberta. I also occasionally jump in the plane and operate the equipment every once in a while.

Starting pay is between $18.30CAD/hour - $21.60CAD/hour

Pilots do not really stick around, they build their hours and then move onto bigger planes. We also don't fly in the winter because snow tends to ruin photos and LIDAR data, so the pilots who want to continue to fly in the winter usually end up working somewhere else. The sensor operators we hire are Geomatics Engineering Technologist (Geospatial Technologists in the US) and they like to stick around because we offer both field and office work related to their schooling. During our flying season they'll be operating the equipment, and in the winter, they'll be working on the data they collected. The sensor operators that leave are typically the people we hired that were overqualified for the job and they moved onto things that were better for them.

For our company, we hire Geomatics Engineering Technologists or people with a similar background. These people will have gone through a two-year diploma program, and some even have gone through a four-year engineering program. Depending on the company, you will probably need a diploma or experience in a geospatial related field to be considered. The equipment can require a bit of extensive knowledge on how they work. I personally think understanding the theory behind aerial survey flight plans is critical, because it will help you make some decisions in the air when ATC does not let you fly what you originally planned. It will also help you make decisions about navigation tolerances when the pilot is flying lines in turbulence. You can find the basics on aerial survey flight planning through Google.

The weather determines when you fly and how long you are working for. Sometimes you'll be away from home for a long time and feel overworked. Expect to be working on weekends and holidays. The sun determines how long your days are and in the summer, and the days can be long (at least when you do photo surveying, you can't take photos or fly around mountains in the dark). The good news is that you typically fly when it's SKC. The best part about it is being able to explore your country. I got to travel all over Canada, and on some bad photo weather days I got to do some fun things, such as kayaking in the mountains. If you want to do sensor operating as a career, I recommend getting a Geomatics Technology diploma first. If you want to fly for a career, you should finish your flight training. I've done over 500 hours of sensor operation and none of that counts towards my PPL!

Just to add a few things, having a interest in aviation for this job is a great asset! Most sensor operators do not understand the aviation side of aerial surveying, which can be quite frustrating at times because they don't understand the things pilots can't do (e.g. fly in icing conditions, fly into CYR airspace without permission, etc.). Working as a sensor operator in the plane also helps a lot as a student pilot. I'm currently working on my PPL, and I noticed I had slight advantages over other students. Working as a sensor operator in the plane allowed me to listen to the radio, become familiar with my home airspace, and become familiar with procedures with different airports and airspaces.

If you have any more questions about aerial surveying, feel free to ask me. I'm also an absolute nerd when it comes to the geomatics industry, so feel free to ask me about that too.

Posted: Garrett_TheFerret, 8 yr. Ago

Thank you very much for your reply. My google searches on the subject have turned up a ton of input from pilots, so it's great to hear your perspective on the industry. I want to ask you more questions so I'll be PMing you soon.

Original Link: Aerial Survey Operators/Observers

ASOG 2022 Focus Area: News & Information

Shared By: Astrid Ayling

Astrid shared this article from the Feb 2022 GA Buyer Magazine “Aerial Work” section, i.e., the magazine she edits. She thought her fellow ASOG members and others would find it informative since it’s one of the “focus points” of the ASO profession.

Discover the Image Makers of Aerial Work Aviation

ASOG 2022 Focus Area: Career Management

Shared By: ASOG Career Center

We just got this job announcement from GeoDigital (Mary Sternot). They’re looking for 3 x ASOs to support their Data Acquisition projects.

If you’re interested in the job, review the job announcement below and respond to GeoDigital.

3 x Airborne Sensor Operator Positions

ASOG 2022 Focus Area: Career Management

Shared By: ASOG Career Center

We just got this job announcement from 2Excel Aviation (Gary Lovett, Deputy Head of Department – Special Missions). They’re looking for an ASO to support their special mission operations.

If your interested in the job, review the job announcement below and respond to 2Excel accordingly.

Special Missions Multi-Role Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO)

ASOG 2022 Focus Area: News & Information

Posted By: ASOG Desk Editor

ASOG Core Members,

FYI, check your inbox (or spam box) for January's ASOG e-Newsletter. The January e-Newsletter has a lot of new information regarding jobs, new members, corporate supporters, ASOG's Flight Plan for 2022, and more.

For visitors, to join the core group and to start receiving the ASOG monthly e-Newsletter, go to the upper right-hand corner of the ASOG homepage and click the "Sign-Up" button…that easy!

ASOG Members,

First, I want to thank those members who provided inputs and ideas…Super Job! Without your input, we as a community might be shooting our efforts off target. So, once more, Thank You!

Feedback

The call for inputs ended on the 15^th of January. Based on your inputs and feedback, the main areas of interest or focus for 2022 have not changed. They are:

• General ASOG Management
• Networking
• Information & News
• Advocacy
• Professional Standards
• Training & Education
• Certifications
• Individual Career Support
• Industry Support

Some of the specific recommendations provided are:

• "It's time to issue a ASOG Membership Card…. It could be automatically issued to any registered member for download as a PDF, and the member must print it himself so it should be in creditcard size for printing. I send you some samples by WhatsAp last year…."

• "Recommend the group start issuing A4 frame-able certificates for members based on 20, 10 and 5 year membership (OK – 5 to start with…) – again members can print it from an ASOG issued PDF certificate in A4 format for framing."

• "Reward/significant members: issue Recognition & Appreciation certificates for members who have made notable contributions to ASOG, and for worldwide non-members in the Airborne Operator World who have made significant contributions to the trade. All candidates must be referred by  existing members, with final approval by yourself."

ASOG 2022 Flight Plan

Based on last year and this year's inputs, the group plans to work on the following specific projects & initiatives:

• ASOG 2.0 "ASOG, A Professional International Aircrew Association" – Standup & Transition
• ASOG 2022 Focus Area Inputs – Review and R&D
• ASOG 1st Annual General Assembly - Conduct
• ASOG Organized/Industry Provided Training & Education – Sensor Operations – Live Workshop & ASOG Networking Social - Conduct
• ASOG Community Engagement - AERO Friedrichshafen 2022 – Presentations & ASOG Networking Social – Conduct
• ASOG Events – European Rotor 2022 – Conference & Live Workshops & ASOG Networking Social - Conduct

*** NOTE ***

Don't forget. Currently, ASOG is an open platform/network for professional individuals (like you) and ASOG Corporate Supporters to share experiences and knowledge to help individual career efforts, advance aircrew operations, and improve the aerial remote-sensing profession. So, if you want to go beyond punching a time card and choose to stretch yourself professionally, ASOG is the place for you to volunteer your time and expertise.

If you have any questions regarding the ASOG 2022 Focus Areas or have a general question, please drop me a note at pryan@aso-group.org.

Thank You, Everyone!

Patrick

Patrick Ryan | Managing Director | Airborne Sensor Operators Group (ASOG)

ASOG 2022 Focus Areas: News & Information, Industry Support

Shared By: Churchill Navigation – SHOTOVER (CEO, Tom Churchill)

This just came into the ASOG Desk Editors inbox from one of our ASOG Corporate Supports – Churchill Navigation (now SHOTOVER). Tom is a connection and member of the ASOG LinkedIn group. If you want to learn more about SHOTOVER and their products, go to the ASOG Corporate Supporter page and click on their logo.

In the year since SHOTOVER and Churchill Navigation merged, Brad Hurndell and I have worked together to ensure the new, combined SHOTOVER Systems is stronger and more innovative than ever. 

With SHOTOVER's change in leadership that came a year ago, we also began a process of ensuring continuity as our company evolves. While Brad Hurndell has recently departed SHOTOVER, the vision, the knowledge base and the team dedicated to unrivaled level of service remains, so you can rest assured that we are in an excellent position to continue supporting your needs.

Our VP of Gimbal Sales, Gordon Barry, will continue providing advice related to our products and services. Charlie Dowson Park, Aziel Mohammed, Nick Sprague and the rest of the worldwide support staff will continue ensuring all SHOTOVER products perform well. And our electrical, mechanical, and software engineering teams – all of which have grown substantially – are hard at work designing the next generation of products for the creative industry, while also enabling customers to recognize additional revenue by pursuing work in the utility, firefighting, and other markets.

The results of this effort will be on full display at this year’s NAB show:

• A gimbal simulator that will allow operators the ability to develop proficiency while training on the ground in a realistic environment as well as conduct pre-flight rehearsals
• Advanced motion control capabilities that will enable more sophisticated creative possibilities
• Beacons that can be attached to anything to enable automatic camera following
• Real-time augmented reality graphics that work seamlessly with SHOTOVER gimbals
• And much more

These new capabilities are largely driven by software – and software, unlike hardware, can easily be upgraded at no cost – meaning even more goodness is yet to come. 

Image: Hoover Dam with Augmented Reality Overlays from 10,000 feet,

Canon 50-1000mm lens, SHOTOVER M1

Our entire team is looking forward to showing you what we’ve been up to during the pandemic, and we hope to be able to see you in person soon! 

Best wishes,

Tom Churchill  

CEO, SHOTOVER Systems

Image: OSCE/Athanasios Kaltsis

ASOG 2022 Focus Area: Career Management

Posted By: ASOG Career Center

ASOG Members,

“This Short Notice – Short Response Time” job announcement came into the ASOG in-box last night. This is US focused, but your country (if a participant in the OSCE) might have a similar job opening in the OSCE. If you miss this opportunity, keep checking for another opening in the future.

--------PAE-REACT Announcement

PAE-REACT is seeking US citizen candidates for nomination to the following seconded position at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in the security sector. Please apply for and/or circulate the following vacancies to your professional network(s) at the earliest time.  

EXTENDED! The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine is seeking (2) Technical Monitoring Officers / UAV Operators (OPE000009), a senior professional with a first-level university degree in a relevant field, 6+ years of progressively responsible professional experience, including 1+ year in the field of civilian or military aviation strongly preferred.

The position requires: experience piloting military or civilian manned aircrafts (helicopters or planes); experience operating small to large multi-rotor or fixed-wing UAVs in a military, law enforcement or commercial setting; experience in planning aerial operations, or on projects related to unmanned aviation; experience working in a demanding and constantly changing operational environment; sound organizational skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely and work to tight deadlines under minimum supervision; strong diplomatic skills, cultural sensitivity and political judgement; strong analytical and report writing skills; gender awareness and sensitivity, as well as the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities; ability to cope with physical hardship and willingness to work extra hours and in an environment with limited infrastructure; proven resilience to high stress environments; ability to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultures, religions, genders, and political views.

Desirable: current UAV or remotely piloted aircraft system license provided by national aviation authorities or internationally recognized UAV training centers; working knowledge of Russian and/or Ukrainian language(s); experience in utilizing image and video editing software; experience in analyzing aerial images and in identifying military equipment; experience in using Geographic Information System (GIS) applications; possession of 'C' driving license. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce. Qualified US citizens are invited to apply for this OSCE seconded post ASAP, but no later than 11:59pm (GMT -5) Wednesday, 26 January 2022 at https://www.pae.com/current-opportunities-react

In order to receive full consideration, interested applicants are advised to:

• Review the full vacancy notice located at the OSCE website and accessible via the PAE-REACT link next to the relevant post at https://www.pae.com/current-opportunities-react;
• Create (or revise) an online PAE-REACT application and enter the relevant vacancy number at: https://www.pae.com/apply-work-react by 11:59pm (GMT -5) 26 January 2022; and
• Ensure that the cover letter entered in the application addresses the requirements of the post noted in the full vacancy notice; and that the applicant’s work history fields of the application address the responsibilities of the post.
• Only US citizens are eligible to apply. Only finalists will be contacted. PAE-REACT will interview short-listed candidates to make nominations by the OSCE closing date.

Thanks and kind regards,

MELISSA L. STONE, PHD

REACT SENIOR RECRUITING MANAGER & FOCAL POINT FOR US ELECTION OBSERVERS

1. +1-703-717-6047
2. Melissa.Stone@pae.com

1320 N. Courthouse Rd. Suite 700

Arlington, VA 22201

ASOG 2022 Focus Area: News & Information

Shared By: George DeCock

Hey everyone, this might be of interest to some of you. Below is an article that compares the new 8K video format against the present 4K – and puts the 8K ‘advantages’ in perspective based on viewing the video on the ground.  For airborne operations these ground conditions don’t apply (very large screen size, operator-to-screen distance, etc),  except for the ability to have greater digital zoom.  But for post-mission analysis, via 8K recording or air-ground RF transmission, this may open up some more ‘visibility’ into target images. (GIZMODO, By Daniel Kolitz, 3 Jan 2022)

Can You Really Tell the Difference Between 4K and 8K?

ASOG Article of the Month: January 2022

ASOG Author: Patrick Ryan

More than a Pilot, you are the person expected (or should be expected) on a flight crew to know how the invisible and visible world of energy affects a wide range of things in a single flight or mission, i.e., sensor operations, data links, and even inflight smartphone usage. So, where are you on the map of understanding the basics of the Electromagnetic Spectrum?

Without saying, the word "Airborne Sensor Operator" projects you're the high-tech expert to others. But, especially when it comes to collection systems and aspects of what is going on in your particular Aerial Work flight operation. If you didn't perceive this sense, you need to "pickup your game" to help improve your working knowledge and aerial collection efforts.

So with that, what is the electromagnetic spectrum and its importance to you as an ASO?

ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM 101

At its core, The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is the scale of all types of EM radiation. Radiation is energy that travels and spreads out as it goes – the visible light that comes from a lamp in your house and the radio waves that come from a radio station are two types of electromagnetic radiation. The other kinds of EM radiation that make up the electromagnetic spectrum are microwaves, infrared light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma-rays. (NASA CILab, 2016)

Electromagnetic radiation can be described as a stream of mass-less particles, called photons, each traveling in a wave-like pattern at the speed of light. Each photon contains a certain amount of energy. The different types of radiation are defined by the amount of energy found in the photons. For example, radio waves have photons with low energies, and microwave photons have a little more energy than radio waves, infrared photons have still more, then visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, and, the most energetic of all, gamma-rays. (NASA GSFC, 2013)

WHY SHOULD YOU LEARN ABOUT THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM?

ASOs who choose to learn about the electromagnetic spectrum not only gain the skills needed to understand complex sensors and systems (e.g., EO/IR, LiDAR, SAR, etc.) but come away with strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, as well as technical understanding necessary to succeed in the ASO world. In fact, having a basic understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum can be helpful for professionals in all industries, not just in aviation and remote-sensing.

ADVANTAGES OF LEARNING ABOUT THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM

Here's a look at several advantages of learning about the electromagnetic spectrum and how it can benefit your aerial remote sensing organization, flight crew, and career:

• You'll Expand Your Vocabulary - Whether it's wavelength, hertz, or reflection, learning about the electromagnetic spectrum will give you confidence in fundamental terms needed to understand how systems operate and their relationship to the environment. Even if you don't use these words often in your current role, learning about these spectrum terms and principles will give you a better understanding of operational dynamics as a whole and how they apply to your work. Plus, depending on where you work, it will help you better communicate with clients, supervisors, and other co-workers.
• You'll Put New Knowledge into Practice - Electromagnetic spectrum isn't just learning a fancy set of terms and numbers; it's actually using them to understand, explain or manage the electronic sensors and systems you operate. When you understand this science, you can use principles and frameworks to assess situations and make a variety of operational decisions, e.g., whether to operate a LiDAR system in high sun angles and reflection conditions or the best ways to maximize an EO/IR sensor during certain kinds of conditions and environments.
• You'll Improve Your Career Prospects – Learning about the electromagnetic spectrum can improve your employability in various aerial remote sensing industry sectors. For example, here are a few job requirements taken from several different job posting which requires a candidate to have a good or excellent understanding of the spectrum:
  • “Experience and understanding of Remote Sensing”
  • “In-aircraft equipment alignment, calibration, and testing”
  • “Operating airborne LiDAR, digital imaging systems, and GPS instruments”
  • “Monitor the quality of GPS, image data performance”
  • “Routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laser sensor, GPS equipment, and other in-flight equipment”

OPTIONS FOR STUDYING THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM

There are many routes available for those looking to learn about the electromagnetic spectrum. Depending on your personal and professional goals, your current stage in life, and other important factors, you can learn about the spectrum from the comfort of your smartphone to taking a course at a local college.

So, if you are itching to get started to learn or just want to refresh yourself on the basics of the electromagnetic spectrum, here are a few sources that I think are perfect for the job:

• Tour of the Electromagnetic Spectrum (NASA, Video)
• Tour of the Electromagnetic Spectrum (NASA, Booklet)
• Electromagnetic Spectrum (Wikipedia, Article)

Whether you're new to the Airborne Sensor Operator world or an experienced ASO, having a thorough understanding of how radiation energy affects your job is essential to success.

ASOG 2022 Focus Area: Industry Support

Posted By: ASOG Desk Editor

It’s an honor to have a new corporate supporter who’s goal is to improve the Aerial Fire Fighting sector and to ensure our communities are safe from the devastating effects of wildfires. We are beyond delighted to announce - FireFlight Technologies Pty. Ltd – is now a new ASOG Corporate Supporter.

If you didn’t know, FireFlight Technologies provides real time wildfire intelligence using thermal sensors mounted on manned aircraft and UAVs. The FireFlight system comprises thermal imaging sensors; high precision GPS; flight management software; real time image processing algorithms; and web-delivery technology. The system delivers geospatially accurate fire maps to users in real time.

If you want to learn more about FireFlight Technologies and their products, check them out on the ASOG Corporate Supporter page (clicking their Logo). – OR - You can "Friend" David Bradshaw (Operations Manager at FireFlight Technologies) and send him a message via the ASOG e-mail service.

ASOG 2021 Focus Area: Career Management

Shared By: Sophie Nunn

Position Description: APEM Position Descriptions - Aerial Survey Task Specialist (UK)  ,  Airborne Sensor Operator (USA)

ASOG Members,

Sophie Nunn (ASOG LinkedIn Connection) sent us two new job opportunities. One ASO position is in the UK and the other is in the USA. If you are interested, review the job descriptions and contact APEM accordingly or network with Sophie Nunn (linkedin.com/in/sophie-nunn-19247013).

ASOG Career Center

ASOG 2022 Focus Area: News & Information

Shared By: AVBuyer, 23rd December 2021, Astrid Ayling

Have you ever thought you could have a large, hazardous pipeline underneath or near your neighbourhood? If so, you probably wondered “How is the pipeline industry keeping these pipes safe?” AVBuyer ‘unearths’ the truth of how one part of this industry, the Pipeline Patrol and ASOs of Aerial Work aviation, is part of that safety net, ensuring those critical lines are safe and effective.

Discover the Pipeline Monitors of Aerial Work Aviation

ASOG 2022 Focus Area: News & Information

Source: PictureCorrect, August 21st, 2017, Paul Schlismann

If you are interested in breaking into the ASO career field of Aerial Photography, here is a good article from a veteran professional Aerial Photographer. Paul provides many sensible tips and best practices when it comes to taking images from a moving aircraft.

BASICS OF AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY FROM AN AIRPLANE OR HELICOPTER

ASOG 2021 Focus Area: Industry Support

Posted By: ASOG Desk Editor

Once again, It's great to see industry recognize the ASO profession and our group's efforts. We are happy to announce another new ASOG Corporate Supporter this week and the start of the New Year – FLYSIGHT.

FlySight S.r.l., as a part of the Flyby Group, is the subsidiary company dedicated to the defence and security sector. This specific company was born exploiting the years of Flyby experience in satellite remote sensing and data analytics.

FlySight team is specialized in designing and developing cutting-edge software in the field of C4ISR systems (Command, Control, Computer, Communication for Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance).

If you want to learn more about FlySight and their products, check them out on the ASOG Corporate Supporter page (clicking their Logo). Also, you can "Friend" Andrea Masini (CTO at FlySight Srl & Board of Director at Flyby Srl at FlySight) and send him a message via the ASOG e-mail service.

ASOG Article of the Month: December 2021

ASOG Author: Patrick Ryan

How do professional Airborne Sensor Operators (ASO) keep from making errors regarding operating sensors and aircraft systems? Plus, how do they backup other crew members during flight operations? The answer is professional ASOs use the "Checklist."

As I've said many times before, many actions, procedures, and responsibilities are not on the shoulders of one crew member, i.e., the pilot. Everyone on a flight crew, be it rated crewmembers to non-rated, should be applying the same practices, methods, and techniques. In this case, it's Checklist Discipline.

In aviation, a checklist is a list of tasks that aircrew should perform during all phases of flight. Specifically, aircrew use checklists for normal and non-normal operations, be it the aircraft or specialized systems (e.g., sensors, mission management systems, data links, etc.): for routine situations, landings, take-offs, collection operations, malfunctions, and emergencies.

There are many ways to ensure critical and non-critical tasks are accomplished regarding any flight operation. However, one method heavily used by many aircrews (manned and unmanned aircraft) in aviation is the "Flow-Check" method. This method is based on an aircrew member training and gaining experience with a particular aircraft or remote-sensor system to quickly and correctly accomplish all critical tasks required for flight and the mission.

The "Flow – Check" Method

First, a checklist means you use the list to check things. It's not meant to be a to-do-list. If you use a checklist as a to-do-list, you only have one opportunity to catch an error. If you have a preflight sensor flow followed by a checklist review, you have two chances to catch a mistake.

Flow

The flow part of this method consists of conducting actions from memory in a logical direction, say from left to right or up and down in the cockpit, crew compartment, or drone operation area. A preflight flow, for example, typically involves checking nearly every switch and system as well as circuit breakers and emergency equipment. Subsequent flows are typically shorter but nearly always follow a logical order.

One technique used to help with remembering what to check and in what order to flow is a mnemonic device. A mnemonic device is a simple acronym that breaks down a particular checklist into hunks and chunks. Here is an example of such an aviation mnemonic device:

Check

Regarding checking, there is also a discipline in using checklists. Checklists are usually printed on a card or kneeboard size page, sometimes laminated, and often folded vertically or lengthways. A single page is divided into many separate checklists. Additionally, checklists are presented electronically on a screen with newer aircraft, though a hard copy is always available.

Disruptions are the most common form of checklist mistakes. Some practices to apply to be sure the checklist gets continued to accomplishment is to recall your place or you can keep your finger on the point where you stopped. Can't remember where you left off? Just start over if you are not sure.

Professional aircrew members also use various techniques to ensure they don't forget to do a checklist. Usually, they leave the checklist in a prominent place (i.e., in front of a sensor operator workstation screen or on a kneeboard) to not be forgotten. There are numerous ways to cover your tail when using checklist, and different aircraft require different disciplines.

Improving Your Discipline

As a non-rated aircrew member, you don't need the same level of knowledge or experience as rated crewmembers when flying the aircraft. However, what makes a true professional non-rated aircrew member or Airborne Sensor Operator is having a baseline knowledge of the task for each phase of flight.

One technique is to learn aviation mnemonic devices for each phase of flight. With this general level of knowledge, one can back up the pilot(s) or assist in accomplishing these tasks. Additionally, running these acronyms in your head will improve your Situational Awareness (SA) and keep you "ahead-of-the-jet."

Another technique, and depending on the type of aircraft you fly and your crew position, you can support the pilot or UAS operator by reading aloud in a "challenge/response format" items on the checklist. Basically, you read the checklist task, and the pilot calls out the completion of the task. By doing this, you improve your knowledge while you ensure your flight runs safely and smoothly.

Checklist Complete

As you can tell, using a checklist is a critical practice to ensure that mistakes like damaging a million-dollar sensor or landing gear-up don't happen. However, checklist discipline doesn't have to be complicated or a nuisance. Instead, applying some basic methods, techniques, and practices can be a quick, correct, and reassuring process.

So, the next time you're scheduled to fly, take a few minutes, review your crew position checklist, and see if you can improve on them. Additionally, to grow as a professional non-rated aircrew member or ASO, stretch yourself and learn about other crew position checklist and task with an eye on safety, SA, and teamwork.

ASOG 2021 Focus Area: News & Information

Posted By: ASOG Desk Editor

If we had an ASOG video of the month showing what our members do and what our profession is about, this would definitely be the winner for this month. One of our core ASOG members (Ax Verhij) is the clip's star. According to Ax remarks on LinkedIn:

"A short promotional video originally intended for the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard website, explaining what a Sensor Operator does and what the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard Dash 8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is capable of in terms of SAR and Counter Drug Operations in the Caribbean.

This video is in Dutch since it's mainly focused on the local Dutch viewers but still contains interesting footage that's probably recognizable to most of my fellow followers/colleagues in the ISR Aviation industry."

If you want to know more, you can "Friend" Ax here on the ASOG homepage and PM him on the ASOG e-mail service.

"Great job Ax! Keep up the Great Work!"

Dear ASOG Members & Visitors,

Best Wishes this Holiday Season! We pause to say thank you and wish you a joyous holiday with peace and prosperity in the New Year. With that, get out there and “Kick the Tires and Light the Fires.”

Again, Best Wishes and Enjoy Life!

Patrick

Patrick Ryan | ASOG Managing Director

ASOG 2021 Focus Area: News & Information

Posted By: ASOG Desk Editor | Mark Pomerleau, C4ISRNET, Dec 16, 2021

I thought this was an interesting article to share with the group. I came across this article published by C4ISRNET – "US Air Force cyber team demonstrates first-ever in-flight mission." It highlights the demonstration of cyber warfare teams conducting in-flight operations. That's a first for me. It's great to see the Airborne Sensor Operator profession and EW world innovating and expanding, i.e., the Airborne Sensor Operator career field continues to thrive and grow.

US Air Force cyber team demonstrates first-ever in-flight mission

ASOG 2021 Focus Area: General ASOG Management

Posted By: Patrick Ryan

ASOG Members,

Like the previous years, it's time as a group to review, adjust and prioritize ASOG's focus areas for 2022. The due date for inputs is 15 Jan 2022. The main Categories are:

• General ASOG Management
• Networking
• Information & News
• Advocacy
• Professional Standards
• Training & Education
• Certifications
• Individual Career Support
• Industry Support

Below this note, you can review each category's specifics (goals and objectives). Then, as members, you can recommend changes or additions. The rationale of the ASOG Focus Areas is to help manage everyone's interest and efforts regarding individuals' and corporate supporters' participation and end-states.

Again, ASOG is an open platform/network for professional individuals (like you) to share their experiences and knowledge to help individual career efforts, advance aircrew operations, and improve the aerial remote-sensing profession.

If you have an input, you can quickly respond here on the blog page or send me a separate message no later than 15 Jan 2022.  Again, like last year, I'm looking forward to your inputs and recommendations. Plus, I hope everyone has a safe and festive Holiday and New Year!

Best Regards,

Patrick

Patrick Ryan | ASOG Managing Director | pryan@aso-group.org

--------------------- Draft ASOG 2022 Focus Areas

ASOG 2022 Focus Areas

1. General ASOG Management

Goal: Enhance the operational functions of the Airborne Sensor Operators Group (ASOG).

Objective:

• Improve and expand administrative processes and capabilities.
• Enhance individual membership and corporate supporter management processes, services, and capabilities.
• Upgrade information, communication, and social media technologies & capabilities, e.g., webpage, feedback platforms, messaging, chat, etc.

2. Networking

Goal: Promote, support, and provide the means for individual members and corporate supporters to network professionally.

Objectives:

• Provide a virtual networking platform and encourage meetups.
• Highlight events and support local or regional in-person social networking meetups.
• Organize local or regional in-person social networking meetups.
• Develop a framework for regional in-person conference events.
• Formulate an international virtual conference event.

3. Information & News

Goal: Provide and support disseminating relevant information regarding the ASO profession, manned & unmanned aviation, and aerial remote sensing (IA/GIS), e.g., new technologies & services, trends, best practices, career management, safety topics, industry developments, etc.

Objectives:

• Produce and publish regular articles.
• Share a post, news, press releases, and content articles.
• Support and publish articles from individual members and corporate supporters.
• Conduct and publish surveys, polls, and quizzes.
• Produce and publish a monthly newsletter.

4. Advocacy

Goal: Promote and advocate the ASO profession.

Objectives:

• Promote the inclusion of the ASO profession in academic, media, and industry publications.
• Advocate the inclusion of ASO roles and responsibilities in global civil aviation regulatory guidance.

5. Professional Standards

Goal: Identify, promote, and advocate professional standards that enhance ASO skills, knowledge, and performance that result in excellent practices and support professional growth.

Objectives:

• Identify and formalize basic standards for the ASO profession/career field.
• Promote and advocate standards for the ASO profession/career field.
• Develop and publish Specialized ASO Standard Guides

6. Training & Education

Goal: Identify, promote, and advocate training and education standards and opportunities.

Objectives:

• Promote and advocate specialized training and education programs for the ASO profession/career field.
• Share or Post ASO profession/career field training and education opportunities.
• Support, Partner, or Sponsor educational courses, webinars, podcasts, etc., related to the ASO profession/career field.

7. Certifications

Goal: Identify, promote, and advocate professional certifications that validate ASO skills, knowledge, and performance.

Objectives:

• Share or Post specialized certification Opportunities related to the ASO profession/career field.
• Develop a framework for implementing civil ASO certifications.

8. Individual Career Support

Goal: Support individual members' career development and job placement.

Objectives:

• Share or Post Career Management Information.
• Share or Post Job Opportunities.
• Encourage Mentoring and Career Coaching.
• Provide individual members and industry a platform to be seen and connected.

9. Industry Support

Goal: Support corporate supporters' business development and operational requirements.

Objectives:

• Provide corporate directory information.
• Share Press Releases and surveys.
• Provide individual members and industry a platform to be seen and connected.