ASOG 2022 Focus Area | Networking

Posted By | ASOG Desk Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Next ASOG Meet-Up

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

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

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

ASOG Article of the Month | August 2022

ASOG Author | Patrick Ryan

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

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

What is "Staying Ahead of the Airplane?"

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

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

How to "Stay Ahead of the Airplane?"

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

Before Flight

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

During Flight

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

After a Flight

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

Conclusion

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

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

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | Industry Support

Posted By |ASOG Desk Editor

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

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

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

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | News & Information, Networking

Posted By | ASOG Desk Editor

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

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

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

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

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

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | Industry Support

Posted By |ASOG Desk Editor

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

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

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

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | News & Information

Posted By | ASOG Safety Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

Track 1 (Self-Study):

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

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

Track 2 (Training Course):

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

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

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

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | Industry Support

Posted By |ASOG Desk Editor

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

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

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

ASOG Article of the Month | June 2022

ASOG Author | Patrick Ryan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | News & Information

Shared By | GA Buyer Europe, 10th June 2022

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

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

---Break, Break---

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

The History of Aerial Surveying

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | Education & Training

Posted By | ASOG Desk Editor

We’re proud to announce the Airborne Sensor Operators Group aircrew association completed its first-ever training event. Participants worldwide came together to learn something new and network with fellow aircrew members from across the spectrum of the commercial, public safety, and defense flying sectors. In this case, it was at the ASOG EO/IR Flight Operations course. In a series of presentations, simulator exercises, and roundtable discussions, attendees learned about operating an aerial Electro-Optical/InfraRed (EO/IR) sensor system and non-rated aircrew best practices. The ASOG EO/IR Flight Operation course took place at the Airborne Technologies facility in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, 9-10 June 2022.

The ASOG EO/IR Flight Operations course was sponsored by Airborne Technologies GmbH, who contributed their staff, simulator, and facilities to ensure the course was a success. Senior Airborne Technologies Instructor David Clarke spent the first training day concentrated on the basic operating principles of an EO/IR system and how to apply them to real-world situations using recorded videos, followed by hands-on simulator exercises on day two. 

Other highlights of the 2-day course included a live demonstration of a simulated search & rescue operation using the ARTEMIS mobile phone locator system and SHOT OVER imagery unit. Plus, a tour of Airborne Technologies facilities with an educational emphasis on how to turn a general aviation airplane into a certified special mission aircraft.

In his introduction, Patrick Ryan, ASOG President, opened the course and highlighted the importance of the ASOG Association and the need for training & education in the continuous evolution of the ASO profession. He also emphasized the Association’s focus on aviation safety, improving aerial sensing operations, and supporting non-rated aircrew career opportunities. Additionally, Patrick stressed the need for the Association to work closely with industry, which is part of the ASO eco-system, that provides the platforms & systems ASOs work with or utilize Airborne Sensor Operators in their everyday operations. 

Patrick says, “Because of the separation from COVID in the last few years, it was great to realize once again how much personal contact boosts the positive effect of networking and learning something new as a group.” Moreover, “I want to thank everyone involved in this event. By coming together as a professional association and community, we took a big step in moving forward as a non-profit aircrew association with a defined set of objectives and the activities required to achieve them.”

Scheduled Future ASOG Events

• ASOG Conference & Networking Event: EUROPEAN ROTOR 2022 - VTOL show and Safety Conference, Sponsored by EUROPEAN ROTOR (More information to follow)

Tentative Future ASOG Events

• ASOG Training Event: Paris, France, Sponsored by Lumensea
• ASOG Training Event: Kranj, Slovenia, Sponsored by Flycom Technologies d.o.o.

With just over one week to go until the ASOG EO/IR Flight Operation Course, i.e., on Final Approach. We want to remind you that there is still time to join us.

We currently have a great mix of attendees (members and non-members) registered from North America, Europe, and Africa who want to expand their sensor and flight operations knowledge. Plus, networking with fellow professionals for further career advancement.

Also, If you didn't know, the Police Aviation Conference (PAvCON) is taking place the same week and hanger as the ASOG course, i.e., back-to-back one another :

• PAvCON (6-8 Jun)
• ASOG EO/IR Flight Operations Course (9-10 Jun)

Having two events in the same place and the same week is an excellent opportunity to expand your professional development. Plus, it streamlines your travel efforts.

We don’t want you to miss out - Register now to secure your place!

With that, if you have any questions or need more information regarding the course, please e-mail info@aso-group.org.

We're looking forward to having you join us!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

ASOG Article of the Month | May 2022

ASOG Author | Patrick Ryan

Last week (20 June 2022), the following poll question was posted in the ASOG LinkedIn group:

"Do you favor an internationally recognized standardized basic civil certification for Airborne Sensor Operators (ASO)?"

The result was:

• 67% "Yes"
• 28% "No"
• 6% "Other" (sadly to say with no comments)

Just to let you know, I was one of the folks who voted "Yes." Here's my reasoning for clicking the "Yes" button.

Obtaining a professional internationally recognized civil ASO certification (which does not exist today…only in individual uniform services or one-off countries like Australia) would have numerous pros and almost no cons. The top two pros on my list are improving the aviation safety awareness of non-rated aircrew members and improving aerial remote-sensing operations.  

Acquiring an ASO certification would be a designation voluntarily earned by ASOs that identify they have demonstrated a standard level of experience, skills, and expertise. This certification would be issued to individuals by a professional society or association (hint, hint…ASOG) that has a certifying body. In the long run, investing time, money, and energy to obtain this certification would only help and not hurt an individual ASO or the organizations they work for.

In addition, I think the following are additional benefits of having an ASO certification program and why ASOs should obtain one: 

• Competitive Advantage - When you have a certification, you'll be one step ahead of many others in your career field. You become more preferred than other candidates for a job because it shows that you are committed to improving yourself and excelling in your profession.
• Improving Productivity - Gaining a certification requires taking professional courses, i.e., learning something new or what is trending. With this, the knowledge you get will transfer to your coworkers and, in turn, affect your organization's productivity.
• Pay Increase - Employers are willing and ready to pay their employees better salaries, i.e., if they have the required skills and knowledge and are professionally certified.
• Mitigates Lagging Behind - Instead of complaining about how things are changing so fast and how much you are lagging regarding trends in your ASO sector, getting professional certifications and keeping it current will help you update your skills

Finally, I believe it improves your professional network. Without a doubt, networking is a critical instrument in your career management "flight bag." Going through a certification program allows you to expand your network by engaging both fellow participants and the certifying body itself.

Additionally, when it comes to the workplace, it also increases the brand of a company or organization when they can reference their crews are certified, i.e., especially in the eyes of competitors and clients alike.

To sum it all up and the reason I clicked "Yes," you would agree with me that the benefits of getting an internationally recognized civil ASO Certification would be invaluable and cannot be overemphasized. Or, do you disagree, kind of disagree, somewhat agree? …O.K., enough, Patrick, they get the point.

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | Training & Education (#asotraining)

Posted By | ASOG Desk Editor

The non-profit “Airborne Sensor Operators Group” association, in cooperation with “Airborne Technologies GmbH”, will conduct an EO/IR Flight Operations Course following the Police Aviation Conference (PAvCON).

The purpose of this course is to provide affordable training to average individual non-rated aircrew members who would otherwise would not be able to obtain such training through other education programs or avenues.

ATTENDEES

This course is designed for beginning and active non-rated aircrew members (Airborne Sensor Operators, TFOs, etc.), Specialist & Technicians, and Supervisors associated with Aerial Work aviation operations (Public Safety, Défense, Commercial)

The course focuses on individuals who have general experience with basic flight operations and sensors and want to learn more about aerial EO/IR sensor operations and non-rated aircrew airmanship principles.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The EO/IR Flight Operations Course is two days of intensive training designed to increase operator airmanship skills and allow attendees to operate an airborne electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor system. In addition, attendees will be exposed to the equipment, tools, and techniques necessary to expand their operator knowledge.

The course will consist of classroom instruction and practical training, applying EO/IR capabilities to real-world scenarios. Attendees will:  

• Be made aware of the functions and operations of an airborne EO/IR sensor system.
• Participate in simulated EO/IR exercises linked to the practical use and operation of an EO/IR sensor system.
• Be made aware of basic non-rated aircrew airmanship principles and practices.

DATES:

June 9 - 10, 2022 | 09:00 – 17:00 Daily

LOCATION:

Airborne Technologies GmbH | Viktor-Lang-Straße 8 | 2700 Wiener Neustadt | Austria

REGISTRATION:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Course Cost: €239

Please call +43 650 8736873 if you need assistance with registering. All attendees must be registered to participate.

NEARBY LODGING:

• Hilton Garden Inn | +43 2622 29400 | info@hgi-wn.at | Promenade 6. | 2700 Wiener Neustadt | Austria
• Hotel Garni Steinfeld | +43 2622 26907 | hotel-steinfeld.at/en/ | Nikolaus-August-Otto Straße 4 | 2700 Wiener Neustadt | Austria

ABOUT THE ORGANIZER - AIRBORNE SENSOR OPERATORS GROUP (ASOG)

The Airborne Sensor Operators Group (ASOG) is a non-profit global professional aircrew association based in Vienna, Austria (Registration No. 1843575903).

ASOG allows members to network, collaborate, and share information to shape the Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) profession, individual careers, and the industries associated with aerial remote-sensing operations. As such, ASOG's focus areas are:

• Aviation Safety
• Aerial Remote-Sensing Operations
• Non-rated Aircrew Career Management
• Industry Support

ABOUT THE SPONSOR - AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH

Airborne Technologies consists of a team of experts in aviation and system engineering. This unique combination of know-how provides innovative and flexible solutions customized for governments, police, military, and many industry sectors. The companies' scope of services includes integrating any Airborne Remote Sensor into the customers' platform and the development of customized ISR Turnkey Solutions. Airborne Technologies is manufacturer-independent but close-partnered with a range of established and reliable sensor and aircraft manufacturers to guarantee the best results for their customers.

ASOG 2022 Focus Area: Aviation Safety (#aviationsafety)

Posted By: ASOG Safety Center

I'm sure you've heard the phrase "Never Assume." Unfortunately, when it comes to your aircraft and mission systems, this old phrase is still alive and correct – Check your Aircraft Configuration & Systems Multiple Times!

They say that there are two types of aircrew. "Those that have had an accident and those that will." Maybe that is not entirely true, but it has its possibilities (who is "they," anyway?).

If you operate as an ASO or non-rated crewmember on manned aircraft or with unmanned aircraft, check your aircraft & sensor systems multiple times during all phases of flight. For example, did the pilot put the landing gear down before landing, or if you fly an unmanned aircraft, do you have a good data link. Just because you turned on a system and it was good-to-go 30 minutes ago doesn't mean it's working or configured correctly now.

Many accident reports highlight that a crewmember was not regularly checking their aircraft configuration and mission systems. Don't be a statistic. Check your systems regularly and consistently, "just to be safe!"

ASOG 2022 Focus Area: Industry Support

Posted By: ASOG Desk Editor 

We're delighted to announce that Euramec NV is now an ASOG corporate supporter. In addition, Euramec's merged with Aerosimulators Group (already an ASOG Corporate Supporter) to expand its capabilities.

If you didn't know, Euramec delivers Flight Training Devices & Solutions across the spectrum of aviation – GA, Commercial, Defense, and Special Missions. Their goal is to be their customers' go-to designers and builders of world-class mission-focused flight training solutions.

If you want to learn more about Euramec NV and its products, check them out on the ASOG Corporate Supporter page (click their Logo). – OR - You can "Friend" Piet De Backer (ASOG Member) and send him a message via the ASOG e-mail service.

ASOG 2022 Focus Areas: Network & Events

Posted By: ASOG Desk Editor

ASOG Members,

Day one and two of the ASOG Meet-Up at AERO Friedrichshafen Expo was outstanding. However, Day 2 is still not over. Happy Hour is about to start in one Hour. We’re definitely meeting the group’s goal of bringing professional ASOs (A2A) and Industry & ASOs together (B2A)….and gaining more members and corporate supporters. On top of that, we presented at the Expo regarding the ASO profession and the ASOG association.

If Day 3 is anything like Day 1 and 2, we’ve exceeded our ASOG goals and objectives for this ASO Meet Up event.

More to follow tomorrow!

ASOG 2022 Focus Area: News & Information (#airnavigation, #latlong)

Shared By: ASOG Desk Editor

Source: Bret Koebbe, Sporty's iPad Pilot News, 24 August 2016

As many of you know, a major part of our trade is using latitude and longitude as aviators and sensor operators in our everyday work. If you didn't know, there are several ways of noting or inputting Lat/Longs. Not knowing could be hazardous to your health.

This article from Sporty's iPad Pilot News provides an excellent and quick explanation of the basics of Lat/Longs and things to think about when it comes to coordinates and the systems (avionics, sensors, software, etc.) you work with.

 Understanding Latitude and Longitude in Aviation Apps

ASOG Article of the Month: April 2022

ASOG Author: Patrick Ryan

I had a chance this month to interview one of our long-running ASOG members – Charlie Locke. When I heard that Charlie, after 40 years, was parking his ASO job into the hanger, I thought it would be good to reach out to Charlie to do a quick “Post-Flight Debrief” of his ASO career. So with that, I connected with Charlie to learn more about his career, thoughts about the ASO profession, and the future.

Charlie, you said you’re retiring after 40 years of working. Could you give us a rundown of what kind of jobs and aircraft you flew over those years?

USAF – Sensor Operator AC-130 A & H model Gunships - Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Storm & Shield. Those Gunships had the AAD-7 IR and required hooking up a LOX Cart to the aircraft to cool it down - which took 20 minutes to achieve. Also, there was no GPS, no moving maps, no nice floating north arrows, no grids on the screen, just a reticle. Instead, we used a whiskey compass and 1 to 50 charts, navigation by INS and Loran when available.

Airscan, Inc - Cessna 337, Tigershark UAV, and Hunter UAV – Kosovo, Bosnia, Africa, Iraq, and Afghanistan – Used ISS v-14, MX-15, SAR Radar.

What were some of the “Positives” and “Negatives” of being an ASO?

Positives – good pay, made some great friends.

Negatives - Away from home a lot, sometimes months at a time.

What was the most challenging or dangerous flight or flights you ever experienced, and what did you learn?

1991 Battle of Al Khafji – being shot at by 57mm, 85mm, dodging AAA, not fun - I was on Spectre 02 that night when Spectre 03 was shot down, and 14 of my friends died.

As a civilian contractor in Iraq, we were flying along the Syrian and Iraqi border looking for smugglers when we were shot at by Quad 23mm ZSU-23x4s  from the Syrians. Plus, an SA-7 from the Iraqi side.

In Afghanistan, while at FOB Ghazni in 2013 as a SAR Operator on UAVs doing counter IED missions, we were attacked by the Taliban. A VBIED blew out 75 FT of Hesco Barriers, followed by Taliban suicide fighters storming in.

What would you recommend to future ASOs and non-rated aircrew members regarding the type of training and education they should pursue?

Survival Training, practicing counter AAA and SAM evasion techniques, learning how to find targets with a compass and a map, and not relying on GPS or moving maps. Unfortunately, I have seen a lot of sensor operators who don’t know how to do that!

O.K. Charlie, before “Shutting Down the Engines,” will you miss flying?

I do miss it sometimes!

On behalf of the ASOG community, Charlie, I want to say super Congratulations on your retirement and wish you all the best with your future! You and I know many of the same people in our profession, and the word is that you were always the mainstay as an ASO! With that – don’t “punch out” of ASOG yet. We still need your experience & wisdom!

ASOG 2022 Focus Area | Networking

Posted By | ASOG Desk Editor

As many of you know, one of ASOG’s Focus Areas is supporting in-person professional networking opportunities. We have an excellent opportunity to do this at this year’s AERO Friedrichshafen Expo (Friedrichshafen, Germany: 27 - 30 April 2022).

One of our ASOG Corporate Supporters – GA Buyer Europe Magazine - is making space in their booth for ASOG members to gather and network. You can find the booth in Hall A4 at Stand 321.

There will be plenty of refreshments in their hospitality area, i.e., coffee & snacks available throughout the day and beer & wine later in the afternoon. So, if you need a break from walking or working at the show, remember to head over to Stand 321 and chill out with your fellow ASOGers!

Therefore, if you’re attending this year’s AERO Friedrichshafen trade show and want to connect with other members or learn more about ASOG, please let me know. We want to make sure we don’t miss you. You can do this by:

RSVP – pryan@aso-group.org  - or - go to the “ASOG Event Calendar" and click the “Going” button for AERO Friedrichshafen.

Again, this is an excellent opportunity for our community to rendezvous and network. I’m looking forward to meeting every member and the future member who can make it to the show. If you have any questions regarding this event or other ASOG topics, please let me know.

ASOG 2022 Focus Area: ASOG Article of the Month – March 2022

ASOG Author: Patrick Ryan

Pilots are not the only living organism on the flight deck affected by human frailties. “Task Fixation”—the cousin of “Task saturation”—is another common psychological concept that at best causes financial ruin and, at worst, takes many lives in aviation.

Fixation causes all cognitive capacity to focus on one task. If this task is something other than flying the aircraft or managing the big picture of the mission, then the potential for an accident or mission failure rises exponentially. Furthermore, fixation is not just a single pilot issue, but everyone on a flight crew (e.g., ASOs), as highlighted in many accident reports worldwide.

Based on many studies in the aviation safety community, the top-level fixation causes are equipment problems, abnormal situations, and task fixation.

Equipment Problems – Equipment problems range from malfunctioning gear indicator lights, mission sensors, or erroneous systems (e.g., the piss tube is frozen) as some of the things that cause crews to fixate.

Abnormal Situation – Abnormal situation is an out-of-the-ordinary event that disrupts the orderly sequence of expected events or focus. The crew often tends to focus all cognitive capacity on resolving the abnormality or non-routine event, even when there is “no” emergency, such as dealing with a non-critical piece of equipment, e.g., a personal smartphone not behaving correctly.

Task Fixation - The final primary cause of fixation is task fixation. In this case, the crew concentrates exclusively on a task that is secondary to basic aircraft control, such as navigating around terrain, resulting in the aircraft being flown into the ground, or keeping one eye out of the aircraft from multiple crew positions to avoid a mid-air collision.

To mitigate this human frailty, learn to recognize when you and your crew are getting too deep into something and not keeping up with your routine Aviate, Navigate & Communicate duties. For example, is the aircraft still flying the way it should be, are you keeping an eye on traffic, are you heading in the right direction, and are you maintaining routine communication discipline internally & externally of the aircraft.

So, if you don’t want to return home to your family or dispense with your savings, get “fixated” on “not getting fixated!”