ASOG Focus Area | News & Information

Source | ASOG Desk Editor

It’s not just a military capability anymore… If you didn’t know, SAT-phone and cellphone detection tools have quietly crossed into the civil aviation world. From aerial surveys to law enforcement support, these technologies are now part of the airborne sensor operator’s toolkit.

Mobile phones and satellite phones are an accidental, and now often intentional, beacon. Over the last decade, airborne platforms (manned helicopters/aircraft and UAS) have been equipped with Radio Frequency (RF) sensors, direction-finding suites, and even active “cell-site simulator” payloads to detect, locate, monitor, or broadcast over cellular and sat-phone signals. That capability is no longer purely military: search-and-rescue teams, public-safety aviation units, disaster responders, and some commercial operators use these systems to save lives, protect infrastructure, and support operations. However, their use raises technical, legal, and ethical questions that every ASO operator should know.

What the Sensors Are — A Quick Primer

When it comes to detecting and tracking satellite phones and cell phones from the air, airborne sensor operators now have access to a range of technologies once reserved for military and intelligence use.

One of the most common methods is passive RF detection combined with direction-finding (DF). These sensors quietly listen for transmissions from cellular or satellite phones and use antenna arrays along with DF algorithms to estimate the bearing of the signal source. You’ll find these systems integrated into ISR pods and compact drone payloads, especially for search-and-rescue or security missions.

Another technique is multilateration, also known as time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA). By capturing the timing of a signal across multiple receivers—or by flying different legs of a mission—operators can triangulate the location of a device based solely on its passive emissions. This is particularly useful when you can’t force a phone to transmit, making it a discreet and effective tool in complex environments.

Then there are active cell-site simulators, often referred to as IMSI-catchers or by brand names like StingRay. These devices mimic legitimate cell towers, tricking nearby phones into connecting and revealing unique identifiers such as IMSI or IMEI. While originally developed for law enforcement and military use, commercial variants now exist. However, their ability to intrude on privacy and potentially intercept communications makes them highly sensitive and often controversial.

Finally, satellite-phone monitoring and geolocation have become a specialized niche. Payloads designed to detect signals from networks like Iridium, Inmarsat, or Thuraya can pinpoint sat-phone users across vast areas, whether over land or sea. These systems are marketed for maritime domain awareness, search-and-rescue operations, and ISR tasks, and are increasingly available to civilian and government users alike.

Together, these technologies form a powerful toolkit for airborne detection, one that’s evolving rapidly and raising important operational and ethical questions.

How RF Detection Tools Are Used in Civilian Aerial Operations

Once confined to military and intelligence circles, RF detection and geolocation technologies have quietly become indispensable tools in civilian aerial work. From search-and-rescue to wildfire response, airborne platforms, both manned and unmanned, are now equipped to detect and track mobile devices and sat-phones, offering new layers of situational awareness and operational reach.

In search and rescue (SAR) missions, these systems turn a survivor’s phone into a beacon. Even when a person can’t place a call, their handset may still emit periodic signals that airborne sensors can detect and geolocate. This passive capability has proven life-saving in remote terrain, disaster zones, and maritime incidents, with vendors and SAR teams reporting successful recoveries using drone-borne and aircraft-mounted payloads.

Aerial firefighting is another emerging application. As wildfires grow more complex and unpredictable, RF detection tools can help identify the location of ground crews, monitor sat-phone traffic from remote teams, and even detect unauthorized drone activity in restricted airspace. In some cases, these systems assist in coordinating multi-agency responses by tracking mobile signals across rugged terrain where conventional comms may fail.

During disaster response and humanitarian operations, RF sensors play a critical role when cellular networks are degraded or offline. Passive detection allows aircraft to locate survivors, identify clusters of displaced people, and guide ground teams through obstructed or hazardous environments. In some scenarios, short-range cooperative solutions, like airborne repeaters or tactical cell systems, are deployed to restore minimal connectivity and aid coordination.

Public-safety aviation units also rely on RF geolocation to support tactical missions. Whether searching for missing persons or securing a perimeter during high-risk operations, these tools complement visual surveillance and thermal imaging. However, active systems like cell-site simulators (CSS) remain tightly regulated and are typically reserved for law enforcement with legal authorization due to their invasive nature.

In the realm of critical infrastructure and maritime awareness, airborne sat-phone monitoring systems are used to detect RF signatures from vessels, offshore platforms, and remote installations. These tools help identify unauthorized activity, support border surveillance, and enhance maritime domain awareness. Commercial systems like Horizon Technologies’ FlyingFish and BlackFish are marketed to civilian ISR operators and government agencies alike.

Finally, counter-UAS and airspace security missions increasingly depend on RF sensors to detect and classify transmitters, including drone control links and associated mobile devices. Integrated sensor suites that combine RF, radar, video, and acoustics offer robust detection and tracking capabilities, helping protect sensitive airspace from unauthorized incursions.

Together, these applications reflect a growing trend: RF detection and geolocation are no longer niche capabilities; they’re becoming standard tools in the airborne operator’s kit, reshaping how civilian missions are planned, executed, and supported.

Sample Representative Systems and Suppliers

As RF detection and geolocation tools become more common in civilian aerial operations, a handful of systems and suppliers stand out for their practical impact and technical maturity.

One of the most widely adopted solutions in search and rescue (SAR) is Lifeseeker by Centum Research & Technology. This compact airborne payload, deployable on both drones and manned aircraft, can locate mobile phones across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, even in areas with no cellular coverage. Lifeseeker has proven especially valuable for civilian SAR teams operating in remote or mountainous terrain, turning any mobile phone into a rescue beacon.

Another standout is ARTEMIS by Smith Myers, an award-winning RF sensor system designed specifically for SAR, disaster relief, border security, and now aerial firefighting. ARTEMIS can detect, locate, and communicate with mobile phones, even in no-service areas, using proprietary geolocation techniques that don’t rely on traditional direction-finding. It’s available in multiple configurations for manned and unmanned platforms and integrates seamlessly with mission systems like AIMS-ISR, offering real-time mapping and automatic cueing of EO/IR sensors.

For satellite phone monitoring and geolocation, Horizon Technologies leads the field with systems like FlyingFish and BlackFish. These payloads are designed for airborne ISR and maritime domain awareness, and they are capable of detecting and locating sat-phone signals from networks such as Iridium, Inmarsat, and Thuraya. Initially developed for defense and intelligence use, Horizon’s systems are now marketed to civilian and government operators for missions ranging from counter-smuggling to search-and-rescue.

Major ISR and electronic warfare integrators like L3Harris offer comprehensive airborne RF sensor suites under platforms such as L3Harris® Fast. Forward. These payloads include direction-finding, signal classification, and electronic surveillance capabilities. While traditionally used in government ISR roles, the same core technologies are increasingly applied in civil missions, provided legal and regulatory frameworks are respected.

In the fast-evolving world of counter-UAS and airspace security, companies like Dedrone demonstrate how RF detection can be fused with radar, video, and acoustic sensors to track small transmitters and mobile control links. Their airborne-compatible systems provide situational awareness of unauthorized drones and ground-based communications hubs, helping protect sensitive airspace during public events, infrastructure patrols, or wildfire operations.

Together, these systems reflect a growing convergence: military-grade RF capabilities are now being tailored for civilian use, offering airborne sensor operators powerful new tools to enhance safety, awareness, and mission success.

Technical and Operational Realities Every Operator Should Understand

As RF detection systems become more accessible to civilian airborne missions, operators need to grasp the technical nuances and operational constraints that shape their effectiveness and legality.

One of the most fundamental distinctions is between passive and active detection modes. Passive systems, such as those using direction-finding (DF) or time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA), listen for emissions and preserve metadata without interacting with the target device. These are generally less legally intrusive and more widely permitted in civilian contexts. In contrast, active systems like cell-site simulators (CSS) can force phones to connect, revealing identifiers like IMSI or IMEI and sometimes enabling precise geolocation or interception. While powerful, these tools raise significant legal and ethical concerns, especially in civilian airspace, and may even disrupt legitimate communications. Operators must know exactly which mode their payload uses, and whether their mission profile and jurisdiction allow it.

Beyond legal considerations, platform geometry plays a critical role in detection accuracy. Altitude, airspeed, sensor boresight, and flight path all influence how well a system can fix a signal’s location. Multilateration techniques, for example, benefit from multiple observation points, either through repeated flyovers or coordinated use of multiple aircraft. Environmental factors like wind, dense foliage, and urban structures can introduce multipath effects, distorting signal bearings and degrading TDOA accuracy. Understanding these variables is key to planning effective flight profiles and interpreting sensor data correctly.

The evolution of mobile networks adds another layer of complexity. With the rise of 5G and the proliferation of devices that roam across multiple frequency bands, passive detection becomes more challenging. While some modern systems claim to support multi-generation coverage, from 2G through 5G, they require constant software updates and RF database maintenance to stay effective. Operators must be prepared for this technical upkeep, especially when operating in regions with diverse or rapidly evolving telecom infrastructure.

Finally, interference and false positives are real operational risks. In crowded RF environments, commercial picocells or temporary event networks can mimic suspicious activity. Without context, these signals may trigger unnecessary alarms or misdirect resources. That’s why sensor fusion, combining RF data with video, infrared, or other modalities, is increasingly important. By correlating RF bearings with visual or thermal cues, operators can reduce false positives and make more informed decisions in real time.

In short, while RF detection tools offer powerful capabilities, their effectiveness depends on a deep understanding of both the technology and the operational environment. For ASOG operators, staying informed and mission-aware is just as important as the gear itself.

Legal, Privacy, and Policy Considerations Every Operator Must Know

As RF detection tools become more prevalent in civilian aerial missions, ASO operators must navigate a complex landscape of legal, ethical, and operational responsibilities. These systems offer powerful capabilities, but they also demand careful oversight.

One of the most sensitive areas involves active interception, particularly the use of cell-site simulators (CSS). These devices can capture unique identifiers such as IMSI and IMEI, and in some cases, even intercept content. Because of their intrusive nature, active systems are tightly regulated in many jurisdictions. Typically, only law enforcement agencies with proper legal authority, such as warrants or court orders, are permitted to deploy them. Civilian SAR teams, by contrast, rely on passive techniques, cooperative device behavior, or consented use. Recent reporting continues to highlight the controversy surrounding airborne CSS deployments, underscoring the need for ASOs to verify legal frameworks before equipping or activating such systems.

Beyond the mode of collection, data minimization and chain of custody are critical. Operators should store only the data necessary to fulfill the mission, such as bearings and timestamps for a SAR fix, and avoid collecting or retaining excess metadata. Proper documentation of collection methods and secure handling of data help prevent mission creep and reduce the risk of legal exposure.

Transparency with stakeholders is equally important. When working alongside public-safety agencies, operators should establish written standard operating procedures (SOPs), secure legal signoffs, and define clear rules of engagement for RF payload use. Missions that combine RF detection with imagery, especially in populated areas, must be handled with heightened sensitivity to privacy and public trust.

To support these principles, ASO operators should follow a set of practical guidelines:

• Know your payload: Understand whether your system is passive or active, which frequency bands it supports (2G–5G, Iridium, Inmarsat), its direction-finding accuracy, and how its software is maintained.
• Confirm legal authority: Always obtain written authorization for active collection. For SAR or disaster missions, ensure you have permission to operate RF sensors over private property and a clear plan for data handling.
• Plan your flight geometry: Design search tracks that allow for intersecting bearings, such as a lawnmower pattern with cross-legs, and log precise GNSS timestamps for each bearing to support multilateration.
• Use sensor fusion: Before committing ground teams, correlate RF fixes with EO/IR imagery and human intelligence. Redundancy helps reduce false positives and improves mission confidence.
• Protect data and privacy: Implement strict limits on data retention, enforce access controls, maintain audit logs, and brief all crew members on acceptable use policies.

Final Thoughts for ASOG Readers

Airborne cell phone and sat-phone detection tools are transformative assets in SAR, disaster response, maritime awareness, and public-safety aviation. But with that capability comes a duty to operate responsibly. ASO sensor operators must master the technical trade-offs between passive and active systems, insist on clear legal authority and privacy safeguards, integrate RF data with other sensors to validate targets, and document every mission with precision. When used correctly, these tools save lives and elevate mission effectiveness. When used without clear rules, they risk eroding public trust and triggering legal consequences.

ASOG Focus Area | Flight Safety

Source | ASOG Safety Center

Flying at night changes everything. The familiar landscape transforms into shadow and uncertainty, and for Airborne Sensor Operators (ASOs), the ability to guide a mission through darkness becomes critical.

 Lessons drawn from operations in public safety, defense, and commercial aerial surveying consistently show that night operations demand more than just equipment; they require technique, anticipation, and effective team coordination.

Sensors

Thermal, EO/IR, and low-light cameras are powerful, but they are not foolproof. Each behaves differently depending on the presence of fog, city lights, or moonlight. Crews that succeed at night know how to make proactive adjustments, such as tuning thermal gain or switching between EO and IR modes, to reveal hidden signatures and avoid false alerts. These minor refinements often make a big difference. Means the difference between success and failure in the darkness.

Comm’s

Communication becomes your lifeline. In darkness, visual cues fade, and every word counts. During a search-and-rescue mission, I called out the location of a moving target, repeating coordinates to ensure the pilot and fellow crew were aligned. That single act of clear, concise communication turned what could have been a near-miss into a successful recovery. Night ops amplify the need for shared situational awareness, whether it’s through overlays, maps, or simply confirming what each crew member sees.

Human Factors

Even with technology and coordination, your own eyes and mind are just as important. NVGs extend vision, but they distort depth and distance, so cross-checking sensor feeds is vital. Fatigue hits harder at night, and tunnel vision is an ever-present risk. On long missions, I rotate my focus between screens, maps, and the cockpit view, and I make sure to rest and refuel properly before takeoff. These small habits have a huge impact on performance.

Tactics & Techniques

Environmental awareness also becomes a silent partner. Streetlights, reflections, and moonlit terrain can deceive even experienced operators. Knowing the terrain, anticipating shadow zones, and planning sensor sweeps around obstacles are all part of the craft. In one defense ISR patrol, understanding how the terrain would block our thermal sensors allowed us to position the aircraft perfectly for uninterrupted coverage.

Practice, Practice & Practice

Practice is non-negotiable. Chair flying, simulations, and controlled night exercises build the mental patterns needed to act decisively when darkness obscures reality. Each mission, each flight, sharpens recognition patterns and strengthens crew coordination, skills that can’t be improvised in a real-world scenario.

A Dozen Eyeballs

Finally, night ops demand trust. You rely on your pilot, fellow ASOs, and mission coordinators more than ever. Darkness magnifies every mistake, but it also rewards preparation, communication, and teamwork. The best crews move as one, interpreting, anticipating, and acting in concert to navigate the unseen.

Night isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a domain. And for ASOs, operating in the dark is an art: combining technology, human skill, and team coordination to see beyond what the eye can reach. The darkness may hide the world below, but with practice and vigilance, it cannot hide the mission’s objectives.

ASOG Article of the Month | September 2025

Source | Patrick Ryan

Ask someone about airborne sensor operations, and they'll likely mention the equipment, the aircraft, or the task. Rarely do they consider the human behind the console, the operator who makes it all work. The operator is less visible but just as important. 

The job of an Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) is very demanding on people. It requires skill, flexibility, and the ability to work for years or even decades. Much of the discussion focuses on how to launch an ASO career, but not as much attention is given to maintaining it over the long term, i.e., “Sustainment!”

After the First Decade

Most ASOs do well in their first few years because they are excited and curious. Each mission feels new, each system is challenging to learn, and each deployment is filled with excitement and discovery. But as the years turn into decades, the problems change. Operators start to ask different questions, like, "How can I keep doing well when my reflexes and eyesight aren't what they used to be?"  How can I stay up-to-date with technology as it changes rapidly? And maybe most importantly, how do I keep my body and mind safe from the stress that comes with the job?

I can understand this from my own career experience. As a navigator and HAL UAV pilot for twenty years, I've seen how the initial excitement fades as people become tired, travel frequently, and must keep up with constantly changing systems. Long missions were just part of the adventure when I was younger. Later, they became a test of my endurance and discipline, prompting me to reassess how I managed rest, training, and adaptation if I wanted to remain effective in the cockpit and at the console.

Keeping the Body Safe

Flying an airplane is not as obvious as flying an airborne sensor, but anyone who has spent hours strapped into a seat and staring at a screen knows how hard it is. If not managed carefully, back pain, repetitive strain, and fatigue can become common problems.

For instance, survey and mapping operators often have to do two missions in a row over long distances. Flying for hours over and over again in rough weather is hard on both your posture and your stamina. One ASOG member said it simply: "The flying is steady, the sensors are accurate, but the body eventually complains."  I learned the hard way that a good chair cushion and daily stretching were just as important as any mission checklist.

ASOs can be called out at any time for public safety missions, even if they've already worked a full shift. This doesn't give them much time to recover. As the moderator for this year's Police Aviation Conference, I heard many operators say, "It's not the one-off night call that gets you; it's the fifth or sixth in a week."  You can get burned out quickly if you don't have a regular recovery schedule.

In defense operations, the pace is often unrelenting, and operators must work with heavy gear, body armor, or UAV control stations that weren't designed for prolonged comfort. I personally thought that fitness and flexibility routines were necessary, not optional. Without them, the stress of sitting for long periods and poor posture would have ended my career. I eventually learned that sleeping well and obtaining regular flight physicals were just as important as learning how to do my job effectively. I still do these things every day, even though I'm no longer in the military.

Keeping Your Mind Sharp

The mind is the other side of the coin from the body. Technology changes constantly, and the tools an operator used twenty years ago are almost unrecognizable today. To stay in the field for a long time, you need to be able to adapt, which means continually learning.

During my time working with UAVs, I observed that platforms and payloads have improved significantly, evolving from simple systems to highly complex sensor suites. To stay relevant, operators had to learn new interfaces and understand how automation, data management, and communication were changing their jobs.

This is true in all fields. In aerial surveying, individuals who initially used analog cameras had to transition to LiDAR and high-resolution digital mapping systems. A veteran in the field told me, "At first, I thought digital was taking my place."  Then I realized that my ability to read terrain and light conditions made me more valuable, not less.

In public safety aviation, police and fire ASOs went from using early thermal imagers to today's advanced EO/IR systems with AI-assisted analytics. I recall that the fire aviation ASO stated that, despite technological advancements, fires remained the same. What changed was how people understood information when they were under stress, which made them depend on both their own experience and the machine.

In defense, operators who previously worked with single-sensor payloads now work with multi-sensor, networked systems, where cognitive agility is just as important as stick-and-rudder skills. Cognitive fitness, which can be achieved through taking classes, practicing drills, or learning a new language independently, helps ASOs stay up to date. Resilience is just as important. This means being able to handle stress, getting help from friends, and knowing when you're about to burn out.

Adapting to Changes

Not all ASOs spend thirty years strapped into a mission seat. To keep a job, you often have to move into related ones.

I've seen operators in defense move into training, where they pass on lessons learned in the field to the next generation. Survey and mapping experts often transition to system integration, project management, or selling the systems they previously worked on. Their knowledge of how things work directly affects how new tools are used. In public safety, experienced operators often become supervisors, which means they must lead a team while continuing to perform their own duties.

When I help other ASOs or ASOG members with their careers, I always tell them, "At some point, your worth isn't just what you see on the screen; it's what you've seen on hundreds of missions. That point of view can help teams and programs achieve their organizational goals. I personally found that transitioning into roles where I could apply my operational knowledge beyond the immediate mission made my career both sustainable and rewarding.

The Importance of Community

Maintaining identity is just as crucial as maintaining performance. Airborne sensor operations can be lonely because operators work long hours, have unpredictable schedules, and go on missions that take them far from home. Being part of a professional community gives you perspective and support. Groups like ASOG make that network possible by providing a platform for individuals from mapping, public safety, defense, and other fields to share ideas, compare experiences, and recognize that they are all part of something bigger than their own mission.

What I hear all the time from ASOG followers and members is "Before ASOG, I felt like we were all working in our own silos. I can see the bigger picture now: we're not just a job, we're a profession."

Playing the Long Game

The true measure of an ASO career is not just the missions flown or the systems mastered, but also the ability to play the long game. It takes effort and discipline to stay effective, flexible, and strong over the years, but the reward is much more than just living longer. It's a chance to leave a lasting mark on the field, to show that a career in airborne sensor operations can be a long-term commitment, not just a short-term one.

When people ask me if I would do anything differently in my long career as an aircrew member, I always say "No Way! I wouldn’t change a thing."

ASOG Focus Area | News & Information

Source | ASOG Desk Editor

Once a year, we open the hangar doors and share our ASOG e-Newsletter with the public....and that time is now!

We’re proud to release Issue 8-2025, a packed edition featuring member insights, industry updates, mission stories, and the latest in airborne sensor operations. Whether you're a seasoned ASO, a tech innovator, or just curious about the profession, this issue offers a glimpse into the heartbeat of our global community.

 ASOG e-Newsletter Issue 8-2025

Want More? Join ASOG for Free

To get the newsletter every month, plus access to:

• Member-only articles and forums
• Networking opportunities
• Job postings and training updates
• Event meet-ups and webinars

…just sign up as a member—it’s free and takes less than a minute.

👉 Become a Member Today

Let’s keep building the airborne sensor operator community—one mission, one member, one story at a time.

Airborne Sensor Operators (ASOs) are not universally required to undergo flight physicals—but they absolutely should be considered part of professional readiness.

ASOG Focus Area | Training & Education

Source | ASOG Training Center

When most people think of flight physicals, they picture pilots sitting in the doctor’s office, vision charts on the wall, heart rate monitors at the ready. It’s an accepted part of being a pilot...after all, aviation demands a level of health and readiness that goes beyond everyday standards. But there’s another group of professionals who spend just as many hours in the air, shoulder-to-shoulder with pilots, and who are equally vital to mission success: Airborne Sensor Operators (ASOs).

And yet, for many organizations, routine medical certification is not part of the ASO’s professional checklist.

The Other Side of the Cockpit Door

“Pilots can’t do their jobs alone. If we’re flying a mission, the crew in the back is just as critical,” says one veteran Aerial Surveying & Mapping ASO. “If an ASO isn’t sharp, if they’re tired, struggling with vision or health issues his or her effectiveness and safety drop instantly.”

ASOs are not passive passengers. They monitor sophisticated sensor systems, interpret real-time data, coordinate with pilots and ground teams, and maintain situational awareness across the entire mission. The workload is demanding, often involving long hours of concentration in noisy, turbulent, and ergonomically challenging environments.

Hidden Risks in the Air

The cockpit may draw the spotlight, but the mission position carries its own hazards:

• Fatigue: Long flights and rotating schedules strain the body and impair decision-making.
• Noise & Vibration: Constant exposure wears down hearing, balance, and focus.
• Ergonomic Strain: Hours spent hunched over consoles can damage posture, eyes, and musculoskeletal health.
• Stress: Missions often involve high stakes, from search and rescue to surveillance to wildfire support.

For example, the Flight Medicine Clinic at MacDill Air Force Base outlines that flight physicals are not just for pilots—they’re also provided to aircrew, air traffic controllers, special duty operators, and firefighters. These exams include cardiovascular screening, vision and hearing tests, and occupational health evaluations.

Professionalism in Practice

Aviation is built on standards. The reason flight physicals exist for pilots is not just about individual health, it’s about protecting the crew, the aircraft, and the job at hand. That same logic applies to ASOs.

By adopting flight physicals as part of their professional identity, ASOs elevate their role in the aviation safety chain. It demonstrates commitment not only to personal well-being but to crew readiness and mission success.

Some progressive organizations already require annual or bi-annual physicals for all crew members, regardless of their role. Others leave it optional, placing the responsibility in the hands of the operator. But as the profession continues to evolve, ASOG advocates that “fit-to-fly” should be a standard across the board.

Raising the Bar

Airborne Sensor Operation is more than a job—it’s a profession. And professions come with standards of excellence. Flight physicals should be part of that standard.

For ASOs, a medical checkup is not about passing or failing—it’s about ensuring that when you step onto the aircraft, you are bringing your best, both for your own safety and for the team that depends on you.

After all, the next time you look to the back of the aircraft and see the crew working seamlessly, you’ll know it’s not just training and technology keeping the mission on track. It’s also the health and readiness of every person on board.

Fit to fly? It shouldn’t just be a pilot’s question—it should be an ASO’s too.

ASOG Focus Area | News & Information

Source | ASOG Desk Editor

Last week marked a major milestone for the Airborne Sensor Operators Group (ASOG), i.e., we successfully hosted our first-ever webinar, bringing together professionals from across the globe to explore the latest in airborne imaging innovation.

A heartfelt thank you to all who attended, and a special shoutout to Jean-Philippe Gagnon (JP) from Telops for delivering a standout presentation. His insights into hyperspectral imaging and infrared systems sparked meaningful discussion and showcased the kind of expertise that defines our community.

From an ASOG perspective, this inaugural webinar was more than just a technical session—it was a proof of concept. It showed that our global network of operators, integrators, and mission specialists is ready to connect in new ways, share knowledge, and elevate the profession.

Missed the live session?  No problem—you can watch the full recording:

ASOG TechTalk Webinar - Next-Generation Infrared & Hyperspectral Technologies for       Passcode: *67fWhqo

What’s Next: ASOG Spotlight – Fall 2025

Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce our next webinar: ASOG Spotlight, coming this fall. Unlike our TechTalks, this session will shift focus from technology to the human side of our aircrew profession.

We’ll explore the mindset, leadership, and lived experiences that shape airborne missions—from the mission bay to the cockpit. It’s a chance to hear real stories, share lessons learned, and reflect on what it means to be part of this unique community.

Whether you're an operator, pilot, technician, or supporter, ASOG webinars are designed to connect, inspire, and inform. Stay tuned for registration details and speaker announcements.

Join the conversation. Share the mission. Fly the future.

ASOG Focus Area | News & Information

Source | ASOG Desk Editor

ASOG is excited to introduce Helios Airborne Solutions as our newest Corporate Supporter! Based in Kansas City, Helios provides advanced aerial data acquisition services supported by cutting-edge fleet and crew management practices. Their commitment to reliable equipment, experienced crews, and a nationwide network of geospatial professionals allows them to deliver complete, cost-effective remote sensing solutions across the United States.

Since launching in 2021, Helios has built a reputation for agility and efficiency in supporting data-driven missions—from infrastructure mapping to environmental monitoring—tailored to each client's operational needs.

Visit the ASOG Corporate Supporter page to explore Helios’s capabilities, or connect directly with ASOG member Quinton Lewis, your go-to contact for all things Helios.

Welcome aboard, Helios and Quinton—let’s elevate geospatial excellence together!

ASOG Article of the Month | August 2025

Source | Patrick Ryan

We looked at the concept of backend leadership in Part I (July 2025), outlining its characteristics, significance, and function in airborne operations. That idea is now brought to life in Part II (August 2025) through the made-up tale of Recon Riggins, a seasoned aerial sensor operator whose quiet leadership and constant presence from the mission bay prove to be just as important as any order from the cockpit.

Recon Riggins enjoyed the fact that he wasn't a well-known figure in aviation. However, his name was well-known among those who had flown with him, including energy corridor crews, fire mapping pilots, law enforcement air units, and scientific remote sensing teams.
Riggins was not a pilot. He didn't sit up front making flight plans or giving orders. His domain was the mission bay of a modified turboprop survey aircraft, tucked away behind hyperspectral arrays, lidar consoles, and dual screens. To his crew, he was more than just his official title of Senior Sensor Operator; he was a silent pillar of every successful sortie.

The Pre-Fire

At 02:30, the call was received. A rural community close to the state line was in danger after a swift-moving wildfire crossed a ridge line. Prior to sunrise, the regional fire coordination center requested aerial thermal mapping. With a weary crew and an equally weary contract pilot, Kate Rowe, Recon was wheels-up at 0415.

Tension filled the plane like smoke as they climbed over the western slope to 12,000 feet. The mission tasking had changed again in mid-flight, visibility was poor, and communications were disorganized. The swath of the mapping had almost doubled.

Over the intercom, Kate sighed in frustration. "This is crazy. If we don't skip calibration, we won't have time for both zones.

Calmly, Riggins keyed his microphone. "Let's give Sector Bravo priority. On the second pass, I'll manually realign. In order to clean the active fire head, we will lose 3% of the coverage on the edge.

Kate hesitated. "Are you certain you can do that?"

"The offset is already being built. With Riggins' eyes sweeping over a deluge of heat signatures, data overlays, and fluctuating wind vectors, he responded, "I'll feed you lateral cueing in real-time."

She didn't answer verbally. She simply trusted him and banked the plane.

Clarity in Chaos

Later that morning, a forestry agency operations director returned to mission control and inquired as to how they had managed to create such intricate overlays in a single pass. Without hesitation, the pilot gestured to Riggins.

She said, "He always knows what needs to be done, but he never tells you what to do."
Riggins simply shrugged. "The burn front remained mapped, and we had the data we required at the appropriate resolution. That is the only thing that counts.

He failed to disclose how he had adjusted communications to support a simultaneous relay to ground teams, reprogrammed the mapping grid in mid-flight, and matched sensor gain to the intensity of the thermal signatures. Presence, not power, is leadership.

You Have to Earn Trust

A new crew joined the operation two weeks later. A new contractor, a hotshot from a UAV program, manned the sensor seat. He was undoubtedly technically proficient, but he remained silent when the brief became tense because the flight crew and the customer had different mission goals.

Riggins took over. "We're flying a strategic scan route, but we're being asked for tactical-grade overlays. We are unable to satisfy both demands. Suggest that the aircraft be re-tasked for a high-angle sortie this evening after giving priority to the corridor scan.

No one had inquired about his thoughts. However, he did so with operational clarity and with respect. The flight leader gave a nod. The customer gave in. Expectations were clear as the mission moved forward.

Then the younger operator came up to him. "How can you tell when it's acceptable to speak up?"

Riggins grinned. "When the mission would fail if you remained silent."

The Silent People

Recon Riggins didn't pursue stripes or command positions. He led without a call sign or a clipboard. However, he brought with him a greater influence, initiative, situational awareness, and unwavering professionalism in high-pressure situations.

He never raised his voice when things went wrong. He became the calming influence in the cockpit when tensions rose. He viewed the mission as a team effort that depended on accuracy, coordination, and clarity rather than merely a data run. Backend leadership is that.

Post Mission Debrief

Although Riggins isn't real, the kind of professional he represents is. Every flight is led by mission-critical personnel, including sensor operators, tactical mission specialists, and airborne technicians like "Recon," frequently without rank. Frequently, without acknowledgment. But always with a big impact.

The next time you fly and notice the mission running smoothly, the course staying true, and the crew working in harmony like a practiced orchestra….look to the back of the aircraft. That’s where you’ll often find your true leader.

ASOG Focus Area | News & Information

Source | ASOG Desk Editor

Even though this article focuses on helicopters and offers guidance to Airborne Law Enforcement Tactical Flight Officers (TFOs), the airmanship principles it highlights apply broadly across many Aerial Work aviation domains and ASO (Airborne Sensor Operator) roles.

Recently, I was part of an email exchange about the responsibilities of TFOs. The discussion was so insightful, I felt compelled to share it with the ASOG community. As ASOG Desk Editor, and with the help of fellow member Gareth Davies, I had the privilege of engaging with a seasoned police helicopter pilot who generously shared his thoughts on what junior TFOs should know.

But before we get to the wisdom, let me introduce you to the source: Bill Probets. Bill brings over 30 years of helicopter flying experience across multiple mission sets, from instructing in both fixed-wing and rotorcraft to working offshore. For the past 24 years, he's served as Chief Pilot and deputized Sergeant for the East Bay Regional Park District's Air Support Unit in Oakland, California. He also serves as the Lead Accreditation Assessor for the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA), helping public safety aviation programs meet safety management, operational, training, and maintenance standards.

In the email exchange, Gareth posed a simple but critical question to Bill:

"What should a TFO know to support the pilot when the S* hits the fan?"**

Here's Bill's no-nonsense response:

You're absolutely right that TFOs must understand in-flight emergency procedures and their roles during those situations.

There are two main types of emergencies:

1. Immediate action emergencies – These require a memory-based response, such as engine failure, in-flight fire, or loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
2. Procedural emergencies – These involve systems issues that require checklist-based responses, such as generator failure, fuel transfer issues, or loss of de-icing capabilities.

TFOs should be familiar with both categories. They must be included in emergency procedures training and have immediate access to the Emergency Procedures checklist. They should practice these scenarios regularly with their pilots and crews using a challenge-and-response format or whatever Crew Resource Management (CRM) system is in place.

Today's autopilots can fly aircraft down to a low hover (see Airbus Helionix, for example), but if a TFO is seated up front, they should be competent in using the flight controls. Personally, I'm not a fan of removing dual controls—doing so often reflects pilot ego more than a genuine safety concern. With the increasing risk of mid-air collisions from unregulated drones (not the professional UAV operators, but the "drones flown by drones"), a TFO's ability to safely land the aircraft in the event of pilot incapacitation is a real safety factor.

Also essential: full use of Aircraft Life Support Equipment (ALSE) by all crewmembers. This includes:

• Flight suits
• Helicopter helmets with visors down
• Gloves
• 8-inch boots
• And for overwater operations: life vests and devices like HEEDS (Helicopter Emergency Egress Device)

Finally, remember the fundamentals. For airplanes, three things matter above all else: control, airspeed, and landing area. For helicopters, there are four: control, rotor RPM, airspeed, and landing area.

"Fly the aircraft first—and don't stop flying until every last piece stops moving!"

Final Thoughts

Bill's advice is more than just practical; it's a reminder that safety, skill, and teamwork are universal across all Aerial Work operations. Whether you're flying law enforcement missions, powerline patrols, wildlife surveys, or offshore ops, these airmanship principles apply.

So, no matter what your mission is or what platform you operate, take this advice to heart—and make it part of your standard crew mindset.

ASOG Focus Area | Training & Education

Source | ASOG Training Center

Humans navigate the world through five core senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. These senses form the basis of how we experience and interpret our surroundings—from the mundane to the extraordinary. But when you lift off the runway and strap into the mission position of an airborne surveillance platform, the nature of perception changes.

For an Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO), senses are no longer biological—they become technological, intentional, and sharpened by training.

Sight, for instance, no longer belongs solely to the eye. An ASO’s vision is amplified through electro-optical systems, infrared sensors, and synthetic aperture radar. They don’t just see across great distances—they see through haze, across night, through foliage, and into the thermal signature of a landscape. Their vision is layered: thermal overlay, GPS correlation, datalink feeds, and real-time mapping all blend into a single field of awareness. It’s not seeing more—it’s seeing meaning.

Hearing takes on a multidimensional form. In place of simple acoustic awareness, ASOs process overlapping channels: aircraft comms, mission updates, pilot briefings, even encrypted data feeds. Where most people can focus on a single conversation, a seasoned operator learns to filter signal from noise—sifting critical information from background chatter, catching call signs and sensor prompts while coordinating seamlessly with the flight crew.

Touch becomes the dialogue between human and machine. It’s in the control stick that slews a turret precisely onto target, the tactile layout of hotkeys for quick reference, and the intuitive muscle memory developed from hundreds of hours on mission. Where a surgeon develops sensitivity through a scalpel, an ASO channels finesse into how they capture, lock, and track data—every motion calibrated to purpose.

The sense of smell may not find obvious use inside a high-altitude aircraft (outside smoke and fumes problem), but that doesn’t mean awareness is absent. Experienced operators develop what could be called a “mission scent,” i.e., this idea stinks, i.e., a gut-level intuition for when something’s off. It's a pattern recognition that grows with exposure: a flicker in the feed that doesn’t match the terrain, a delay in metadata that hints at system lag, a behavioral anomaly on-screen that foreshadows action. This isn't smell, exactly—but it's just as primal.

And then there’s taste—the ability to discern, to choose wisely. For the ASO, this translates into judgment. Knowing when a contact matters and when it doesn’t. Recognizing the difference between background motion and mission-essential movement. Exercising restraint when required, and precision when it counts. This “taste” emerges from training, yes, but also from mentorship, from mistakes learned and instincts earned.

Perhaps, above all, the airborne sensor operator cultivates a sixth sense: decision-making under pressure. It’s the unteachable awareness that lives between systems—the mental map of risk, timing, and consequence. It’s what turns a technician into a teammate, and a crewmember into a mission leader.

In the sky, the body may sit still—but the senses are fully airborne.

Date: August 20, 2025   Time: 14:00 UTC   Location: Online (Webinar)

ASOG is proud to launch its first TechTalk webinar, featuring a cutting-edge conversation with Jean-Philippe Gagnon, a leading expert from Telops, part of Exosens, the Canadian innovator in hyperspectral imaging systems and infrared cameras.

Topic | Next-Generation Infrared & Hyperspectral Technologies for Airborne Applications

Jean-Philippe will unveil the latest advancements Telops is developing for airborne platforms—including compact, high-performance systems like the Hyper-Cam Nano, designed for drone-based chemical imaging and remote sensing. These technologies are transforming how we detect, analyze, and respond to complex environments from the sky.

Whether you're in defense, environmental monitoring, or airborne operations, this webinar will offer exclusive insights into the future of airborne imaging.

About the Guest

Jean-Philippe Gagnon is a Field Application Scientist at Telops, where he has been a driving force in infrared and hyperspectral imaging innovation since 2005. He holds a master’s degree in physics from McGill University, and has spent nearly two decades collaborating with defense labs, industrial partners, and academic research centers around the world.

Jean-Philippe specializes in airborne measurement campaigns and advanced data analysis. Most recently, he has been part of the Telops team pioneering the use of miniaturized hyperspectral imagers to detect and quantify emissions—such as methane—from the oil, gas, and maritime industries, helping improve environmental monitoring and operational efficiency.

About the Host

Patrick Ryan is the Founder and President of the Airborne Sensor Operators Group (ASOG), a global association dedicated to advancing airborne sensing professionalism. With over 30 years of experience in manned and unmanned C4ISR and Aerial Surveying & Mapping operations, Patrick has led missions across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East in both military and civilian roles.

He served as a senior officer in the U.S. Air Force, including as Chief of the Joint Reconnaissance Center at U.S. European Command, and helped establish the first RQ-4 Global Hawk squadron. Today, he also writes for AvBuyer Magazine and consults for aviation firms, specializing in branding and operational strategy.

About ASOG TechTalks

ASOG TechTalks are a new initiative by the Airborne Sensor Operators Group to bring members closer to the latest innovations, industry leaders, and operational insights. These webinars are designed to foster learning, collaboration, and professional growth across the airborne sensing community.

You will receive information about how to join the webinar on Zoom after you register

ASOG Article of the Month | July 2025

Source | Patrick Ryan

The front seat, the pilot, the commander, and the mission lead, often comes to mind when people think of leadership in aviation, especially in airborne operations. However, a set of flight controls or a commanding voice over the intercom are not always necessary for leadership in the fast-paced field of Airborne Sensor Operations (ASO). Usually, the systems specialist, tactical flight officer, or sensor operator quietly exercises it from the rear.

I refer to this as "Back-End Leadership.” Position and rank are irrelevant. It concerns operational efficacy, accountability, and influence from non-front seat positions. Back-end leadership is a mission-critical capability in today's increasingly complex multi-crew and mission-integrated platforms, not just a soft skill.

What Does Back-End Leadership Look Like?

Back-end leaders are the people in the cabin or mission bay who improve crew coordination, drive mission tempo, and provide clarity in the midst of chaos. They are the ones who:

• Keep the mission in mind in non-nominal situations;
• Provide timely, pertinent input without going beyond their designated roles;
• Recognize needs and match system performance with mission demands;
• Lead by example rather than by command; and
• Professionally speak up when safety, integrity, or results are in jeopardy.

These leadership styles might not garner much attention, but they frequently determine whether a sortie is successful or compromised.

Leadership Without the Title

The person in the back may not have command authority or the highest rank in many ASO roles. However, exercising leadership involves:

• Situational Awareness: Seeing the wider picture from the mission perspective;
• Initiative: Acting without waiting to be told;
• Communication: Providing succinct, helpful inputs that improve crew performance;
• Calm Under Pressure: Being the voice of reason when others are at their most agitated

This type of leadership requires presence, competence, and trust rather than stripes.

Why It Matters in the ASO World

Data streams, multi-sensor platforms, and inter-agency coordination are all part of the increasingly complex airborne sensor operations. The importance of back-end leadership only rises with mission complexity. To keep the mission on course, front-seat decision-makers depend on the experience and advice of their back-seat counterparts.

Back-end leadership makes sure that the sensor operator is actively contributing to crew effectiveness and mission success, rather than just "running the sensor," whether in utility patrol, ISR, environmental monitoring, or law enforcement.

Cultivating Back-End Leaders

Companies can support this kind of leadership by:

• Promoting professional growth beyond technical instruction;
• Giving sensor operators a voice and accountability;
• Establishing cultures that value initiative and feedback; and
• Acknowledging contributions, even those made in the background.

Our knowledge of who leads—and how—must change along with airborne operations. It's time to broaden our perspective and recognize the vital leadership taking place in the back of the plane.

Final Thoughts

Supporting professionals who lead from every seat is something we at ASOG are proud to do. The results of every flight are shaped by your leadership skills, whether you are in charge of mission systems, on the sensor, or at the stick.

The next time you hear the term "leadership in aviation," keep in mind that sometimes the person in the back seat has the most influence.

In this article, we explored the concept of Back-End Leadership—what it looks like, why it matters, and how it impacts airborne operations. Now, to illustrate those traits in action, Part II (August, 2025) tells the fictional story of Recon Riggins, a seasoned aerial sensor operator whose calm influence and behind-the-scenes leadership are key to mission success.

ASOG Focus Area | News & Information

Source | ASOG Desk Editor

We're excited to announce the launch of two new professional development webinar series as part of our ongoing commitment to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and career growth within the Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) community.

ASOG Spotlight – People Behind the Profession

This series will highlight the individuals and teams shaping the ASO field. Through informal interviews and panel discussions, we'll explore their career paths, missions, and lessons learned. From seasoned veterans to rising professionals, ASOG Spotlight shines a light on the people who make this profession extraordinary.

ASOG TechTalk – Tools, Trends, and Tradecraft

TechTalk dives into the operational, technical, and procedural side of ASO work. Each session will feature subject-matter experts presenting and discussing new technologies, platform integration, workflow best practices, and innovation in airborne sensor operations.

Webinar Schedule

Our goal is to conduct one webinar each quarter, alternating between ASOG TechTalk and ASOG Spotlight. This ensures a balanced mix of technical insight and personal perspective throughout the year.

These series are designed to educate, inspire, and connect our global community. Whether you're flying missions, developing systems, or supporting operations, there will be something valuable for everyone.

First episodes coming soon – stay tuned for event dates and guest announcements!

ASOG Focus Area | News & Information

Source | ASOG Desk Editor

ASOG is proud to welcome EASP AIR NL/UK into our Corporate Supporter family! As a leader in Maritime Patrol, ISR surveillance, Search and Rescue (SAR), and airborne mission support, EASP AIR NL/UK provides critical aerial solutions that enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness.

With a fleet of long-range Dornier DO328-100 Special Mission Aircraft, EASP AIR NL/UK specializes in real-time surveillance, sensor integration, and emergency response capabilities, ensuring operators have the tools they need for mission success. Their dedication to precision and reliability makes them a valuable partner in the world of airborne intelligence.

We’re excited about this partnership and the opportunities it brings to the ASOG community. To explore more about EASP AIR NL/UK and its advanced aerial solutions, visit the ASOG Corporate Supporter page and click their logo to find out about their latest projects!

Welcome aboard, EASP AIR NL/UK.....together, we’ll reach new heights!

ASOG Focus Area | Training & Education

Source | ASOG Training Center

In an ideal world, every airborne sensor operator (ASO) and Aerial Work aircrew would have access to state-of-the-art simulators, full-spectrum training programs, and unlimited flight hours. However, in the real world, especially for small units, startups, contractors, or resource-constrained government teams, training budgets are often tight, time is limited, and formal instruction opportunities are scarce.

So how do professionals keep skills sharp and teams mission-ready under those constraints?

Enter "Peer-to-Peer Training!"

What Is Peer-to-Peer Training?

Peer-to-peer (P2P) training is a decentralized, experience-based learning method in which operators teach, mentor, and challenge one another using shared knowledge, lessons learned, and real-world scenarios. It leverages crew room expertise, mission debriefs insights, and informal knowledge sharing to fill training gaps.

It’s not new; military crews, law enforcement units, and contractor teams have done it for decades. However, in today’s environment of limited resources and evolving Aerial Work demands, P2P training is more valuable than ever.

Why It Works

• Experience is currency: Veteran ASOs, pilots, and UAS operators carry a wealth of insight gained through real-world missions. When that experience is passed down informally, it enhances team proficiency organically.
• Tailored learning: Unlike rigid training packages, P2P sessions can focus on what your crew needs, be it radar mode nuances, tactical callouts, or mission planning shortcuts.
• Builds team cohesion: Teaching and learning together naturally strengthen communication and trust within the team, a core component of Crew Resource Management (CRM).
• Cost-effective: No simulator bookings. There are no extra contracts, just a whiteboard, a crew lounge, and a few willing professionals.

Examples of Peer-to-Peer Training in Action

• Mission Debrief Roundtables: After flights, crews gather to replay key moments—what worked, what didn’t, and why. Everyone speaks, and everyone learns.
• Tactical “What Would You Do?” Scenarios: One crew member presents a mission problem, including lost comms, changing tasking, and ambiguous targets, and others walk through their response strategies.
• Sensor Skill Refreshers: A senior sensor operator guides the team through interpreting specific radar returns, recognizing deceptive targets, or working with challenging EO/IR imagery.
• Knowledge Swap Days: UAS operators teach manned crews about autonomous systems, pilots explain aircraft limitations to newer ASOs, and contractors share insights from foreign mission sets.

Best Practices for Effective Peer Training

• Create a Safe Learning Environment
  Rank or flight hours shouldn’t prevent questions or honest discussion. Peer learning thrives on humility and curiosity.
• Rotate Roles
  Don’t always have the most senior person lead. Let junior members run scenarios or brief a mission. It builds confidence and fresh perspectives.
• Stay Mission-Relevant
  Focus on your actual taskings. Discuss local airspace quirks, current threats, and platform-specific quirks, not generic textbook content.
• Document and Share
  Capture great insights, techniques, or checklists from your sessions. Share them within your team, or better, with the wider ASOG community.

A Word of Caution

Peer-to-peer training isn’t a silver bullet. It should complement, not replace, formal instruction, check rides, and certification processes. And it relies heavily on accurate information and responsible mentorship—a bad habit passed peer-to-peer is still a bad habit.

When done right, however, it becomes a powerful way to sustain readiness, boost morale, and elevate performance, even when formal resources are lacking.

Final Thoughts

In ASOG’s global network, many of us operate on small teams in diverse environments with varying levels of institutional support. Peer-to-peer training is one of our most powerful tools for maintaining excellence despite these challenges.

If you’ve developed a successful P2P technique, built a local SOP from scratch, or created a clever scenario that sharpened your crew’s edge, share it. The ASOG community thrives when knowledge flows freely. Because in this business, experience is too valuable to keep to yourself.

ASOG Focus Area | Career Management

Source | ASOG Career Center

Strapped into an aircraft, sensors humming, you scan the terrain below; every detail matters. Your first five years as an Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) will push your adaptability, precision, and decision-making under pressure. From mastering complex systems to becoming a trusted asset in airborne operations, this journey is intense but rewarding. Ready to take flight? Let's dive in.

Starting your career as an Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) can be both exciting and demanding. From mastering technical skills to adapting to high-pressure environments, your first five years will shape your expertise and confidence in the role. This article will guide you through what to expect and how to excel.

Year 1 - Training and Foundations

Your first year will focus on acquiring fundamental skills. Expect rigorous training in sensor operation, aircraft systems, and mission protocols. This period focuses on learning to work alongside pilots, analysts, and mission planners while refining your ability to accurately interpret sensor data. Challenges include adapting to varied flight conditions and overcoming initial information overload.

Example: During your initial training, you may spend hours reviewing aerial imagery, identifying terrain features, and familiarizing yourself with sensor limitations. You might also participate in a simulated mission where you track a moving target over a dense urban environment, learning how to adjust settings for optimal visibility.

Years 2-3 - Building Expertise

By now, you should be gaining operational experience. You'll deepen your knowledge of sensor technology, terrain analysis, and target tracking. You'll also be expected to work efficiently under high-pressure situations, such as real-time decision-making in dynamic mission environments. Expect to take on increasing responsibilities, including briefing teams and contributing to mission planning.

Example: You might be deployed on a surveillance mission where unexpected weather conditions impact sensor clarity. You'll need to quickly assess alternative techniques, adjust camera angles, and collaborate with analysts to ensure accurate data collection.

Years 4-5 - Leadership and Specialization

As you approach the five-year mark, your expertise positions you for leadership roles. You may mentor new ASOs, lead mission debriefs, and refine your specialization—whether in reconnaissance, surveillance, or targeting. This is also a time to consider further career development, such as instructor qualifications or advanced certifications.

Example: You could find yourself training a junior ASO, guiding them in real-time on how to operate in fast-moving environments, analyzing aerial images, and providing constructive feedback on how to enhance accuracy in all aspects of the job. Additionally, you may participate in advanced certification courses that focus on expanding your knowledge of new technologies or trending remote-sensing applications.

Final Thoughts

The journey from novice ASO to seasoned professional is both demanding and rewarding. By focusing on continuous learning, teamwork, and adaptability, you'll set yourself up for success in an essential role within airborne operations.

ASOG is proud to introduce Air Attack Technologies (AAT) as our newest Corporate Supporter! With expertise in aerial surveillance, airborne reconnaissance (ISR), environmental monitoring, and specialized air transport, AAT is a trusted partner in airborne intelligence and operations.

Their capabilities include multi-source data analysis, JTAC training, advanced sensor integration, and tailored aerial solutions that support professionals in defence, environmental protection, and intelligence gathering. With a commitment to precision and innovation, AAT delivers the expertise needed for mission success.

We’re excited about this collaboration and the opportunities it brings to the ASOG community. To learn more about Air Attack Technologies and their advanced aerial solutions, visit the ASOG Corporate Supporter page and explore their offerings, i.e., click their logo!

Welcome aboard, Air Attack Technologies—we look forward to soaring to new heights together!

ASOG Article of the Month | June 2025

Source | Patrick Ryan

In the diverse and evolving world of airborne operations, mission success increasingly depends on how well crew members, whether seated in a cockpit or at a ground control station, work together as one cohesive team. The traditional model of pilot and sensor operator coordination is expanding to include unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operators and ground-based sensor teams, each bringing unique expertise to complex, data-driven missions. But.....

But with different platforms, technologies, and workflows come new challenges in communication, collaboration, and shared situational awareness. Whether in manned, unmanned, or hybrid operations, bridging the operational divide between flight crews and mission crews is essential. The mindset of “One Team, One Flight” is more relevant than ever.

The Cold Cockpit (Professional Disrespect & Hesitation)

Not every mission begins with a cohesive team. Consider a scenario many of us have either seen or experienced: A seasoned pilot with thousands of flight hours takes command of a surveillance mission. The sensor operator is technically proficient but unfamiliar with the specific aircraft and operating environment. From the start, communication is one-way. The pilot views the ASO as “just a tech,” not a full member of the crew. Requests from the ASO for minor heading or altitude adjustments to improve sensor coverage are dismissed with curt replies. The cockpit and the mission station may as well be two different aircraft.

As the mission progresses, frustration builds. The ASO hesitates to speak up, unsure whether to push back or stay silent. Critical moments, where timing, coordination, and precision are crucial, are often missed. Sensor footage is compromised, and the final mission report falls short of expectations. No safety violations occurred, but the mission failed to meet its potential—not because of lack of skill, but because the crew never functioned as a team.

Situations like this don’t just affect morale—they impact mission success, operational efficiency, and long-term crew development. These breakdowns are preventable when leadership, humility, and open communication are prioritized—regardless of experience level or role.

Diverse Roles, Shared Mission

Manned pilots focus on airspace management, flight safety, and mission navigation. UAS operators manage remotely piloted aircraft with precision, often under tight procedural and regulatory constraints. Sensor operators, whether on board a manned platform or in a remote ground station, are tasked with achieving mission objectives, managing sensor payloads, and ensuring data quality.

While their operating environments may differ, these roles are part of a single system—one that thrives when coordination is seamless and intent is shared.

Communication Across the Platform Divide

In hybrid or distributed crew environments, the risk of disjointed operations grows. Pilots may not always see what the sensor operator sees. UAS crews may lack the same visual context as manned crews. And sensor operators may have limited influence over aircraft maneuvering decisions.

Overcoming these challenges requires more than just good gear. It demands a common operational language, regular joint planning, and clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Successful teams make an effort to align expectations before the mission begins and maintain open, structured communication throughout the operation.

Joint Training, Unified Outcomes

Training programs that include manned and unmanned aircrew, sensor operators, and mission coordinators in integrated scenarios are proving vital. These environments help teams practice real-world decision-making, build trust, and gain a deeper understanding of each other’s workflows and constraints.

Technology can support this with shared mission planning tools, integrated video and telemetry feeds, and collaborative interfaces that put everyone—pilot, UAS operator, and sensor professional—on the same operational page.

However, even with the best technology, mission success still hinges on crew culture—how we communicate, plan, adapt, and debrief. Cross-training, shadowing roles, and joint after-action reviews build the kind of respect and understanding that enable truly integrated operations.

“One Team, One Flight” in Action

From maritime ISR to border surveillance, aerial surveying, air-to-air photography, and environmental monitoring, ASOG members worldwide operate in diverse crew configurations, manned, unmanned, or a combination of both. What unites the most effective teams isn’t just their platform—it’s their shared commitment to the job and one another.

Being “One Team, One Flight” means tearing down silos between cockpits, control rooms, and sensor stations. It means acknowledging that every role, whether in the air or on the ground, contributes to the success of the mission. And it means fostering a crew mindset where every member has a voice, a role, and a shared stake in the outcome.

Conclusion

As airborne operations evolve, so must our approach to teamwork. Whether flying manned missions, operating remotely piloted systems, or managing advanced sensors, we are all part of a larger, integrated crew. By embracing the mindset of “One Team, One Flight,” we break down operational barriers, enhance mission performance, and strengthen the bonds that define professional aircrew culture—no matter where we sit.

ASOG Focus Area | Industry Support

Source | ASOG Desk Editor

Airborne Sensor Operators (ASOs) are the vital link between cutting-edge technology and actionable intelligence in the rapidly evolving world of aerial data collection. OFIL Airborne, a global leader in aerial inspection systems, is reshaping how ASOs operate—streamlining workflows, reducing cognitive load, and unlocking unprecedented capabilities in real-time data acquisition.

At the heart of OFIL’s mission is a clear principle: technology should empower the operator, not replace them. That’s why OFIL designs every system with the ASO in mind—ensuring that even the most sophisticated tools remain intuitive, efficient, and mission-ready in the most demanding environments.

From high-resolution UV and IR sensors to 4K, 8K, and full-frame still cameras with long-range zoom, OFIL systems integrate a full sensor suite into compact payloads. This allows ASOs to independently manage complex, multi-modal data collection without requiring multiple operators or post-flight processing teams.

“Our philosophy is simple: empower the operator,” explains Ray Hyland, Director of Airborne Solutions. “We build systems that allow ASOs to focus on what matters—getting the right data, safely and efficiently—without wrestling with complicated interfaces or unreliable hardware.”

What sets OFIL apart is how it leverages AI, not to replace the ASO, but to assist them. For example, the system’s AI can be trained to detect anomalies and issue real-time alerts, acting as a second set of eyes if the ASO is focused on another task or screen. It can also auto-steer the gimbal to track objects of interest, allowing the operator to multi-task and take control only when needed. This AI-human teaming approach enhances mission success without compromising situational awareness.

This ease of use is especially critical in fast-moving scenarios like wildfire response or energy infrastructure inspections. With OFIL’s systems, a single ASO can control gimbals, operate multiple sensors, and generate actionable outputs, such as orthomosaics, fire-intensity maps, or gas leak visuals, right from the aircraft. The system’s efficiency enables ASOs to deliver a finished product at the end of the mission, eliminating the need for additional GIS or IT staff on the ground.

OFIL’s innovations go even further: if an ASO encounters an unfamiliar situation mid-flight, OFIL experts can remotely connect to the system in real time, providing immediate technical support and mentoring. This enhances operational performance and accelerates the learning curve—ASOs don’t need to be trained on every possible scenario beforehand.

Dr. Peter Morawitz, OFIL’s founder and CEO, underscores this operator-centric philosophy: “Our systems turn the ASO into a true mission commander—capable of mapping fires, detecting gas leaks, and inspecting powerlines, all in a single sortie. We’re not just supporting the role of the ASO—we’re elevating it.”

Operational readiness is also reinforced by OFIL’s OFIL’s comprehensive annual service program, which includes a complete system overhaul. With rugged system durability and remote software updates, ASOs can rely on their gear to perform when and where it counts.

By seamlessly integrating LiDAR, radiometric IR, optical gas imaging, and AI-enhanced automation into a unified platform, OFIL is redefining the ASO’s role—not merely as a sensor technician, but as a central decision-maker in airborne operations.

As demand for high-quality aerial data rises, OFIL Airborne remains at the forefront, delivering smarter, operator-focused systems for the professionals who bring the mission to life.

ASOG Focus Area | Training & Education

Source | ASOG Training Center

In every professional domain—whether aviation, education, healthcare, or corporate development—the role of the trainer is often seen as the pinnacle of expertise; these are the individuals entrusted to pass on skills, shape competencies, and guide others toward excellence. But even the most seasoned instructors aren't immune to one of the quietest threats to their effectiveness: stagnation.

With experience comes confidence, efficiency, and a well-honed toolkit of teaching techniques. However, familiarity can also breed complacency. Over time, it's easy for any instructor to slip into a comfortable rhythm—delivering the same material in the same way, year after year. When training becomes too routine, the spark that once animated each session can fade, and learners begin to sense it.

Recognizing this potential pitfall is crucial. Training the trainer isn't just a box to check during onboarding or certification—it's an ongoing journey. Experienced instructors, just like the students they mentor, benefit from moments that challenge, refresh, and inspire.

Step Back to Move Forward

One of the most powerful ways to stay sharp is to return briefly to the learner's seat. Participating in instructor development workshops or "train-the-trainer" seminars—far from being remedial—can offer a renewed perspective. These settings provide opportunities to reflect on new research in adult learning, experiment with evolving technologies, and share experiences with fellow professionals.

For a veteran instructor, exposure to fresh teaching philosophies or new digital tools can feel like stepping into a new classroom. It reignites curiosity and often challenges long-held assumptions constructively and energizingly.

The Value of Peer Collaboration

No matter how experienced, trainers benefit from the perspectives of others. Peer observation—inviting a colleague to sit in on a session or even co-teach—can shed light on habits and blind spots that are difficult to self-diagnose. These interactions open the door to meaningful, constructive feedback, often leading to breakthroughs in delivery style, classroom management, or instructional design.

Learning from peers also reaffirms that growth is a shared journey, not a solitary pursuit. It fosters community among trainers and builds a culture of continuous improvement.

Evolving with Technology

Today's learning environments are rapidly evolving, and so should our approach to instruction. Embracing new tools—like audience engagement apps, interactive multimedia, or AI-assisted learning platforms—can re-energize how content is delivered and received. These technologies don't replace the trainer's role; they enhance it, enabling deeper connection and more flexible learning experiences.

That said, it's not about using tech for tech's sake. The key is thoughtful integration—selecting tools that support your learners' goals and align with your teaching style.

Let Your Learners Teach You

Feedback is more than a formality—it's a vital source of insight. Instructors who regularly seek input from their students and adjust accordingly demonstrate humility, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to quality. Whether through post-course surveys, anonymous polls, or simple one-on-one conversations, listening to your students can lead to valuable refinements.

Just as important is closing the loop—letting students know their voices were heard and showing how their suggestions translated into real change. This transparency builds trust and deepens engagement.

Sharpening the Human Edge

Technical skills are essential, but the most effective trainers are those who connect on a human level. Emotional intelligence—the ability to read the room, respond with empathy, and navigate diverse learner needs—is a skill set worth revisiting regularly. Workshops in instructing can enrich the trainer's presence and impact.

As today's learning environments grow more diverse and dynamic, these soft skills are no longer optional—they're foundational.

Keep Climbing, No Matter How High You've Risen

The most impactful trainers are those who continue to grow. They recognize that expertise isn't a destination—it's a lifelong pursuit. These individuals model the same curiosity and humility they hope to inspire in others. They see training not as a static job, but as a craft, and they invest in themselves as much as they invest in their learners.

So, whether you've been teaching for five years or twenty-five, take a moment to ask yourself: what's one new thing I can try this month to become a better instructor? Because no matter how long you've been in the role, the best trainers never stop learning.