Brett Stevens
Mt Cotton,QLD
Summary
Airborne Sensor Operator with over 20 years’ experience working on LiDAR and airborne imagery missions across fixed-wing, rotary-wing and RPAS platforms. Comfortable operating sensitive optical and laser systems in aircraft and maintaining data quality during long, demanding sorties. Experienced in working independently, making real-time operational decisions, and adapting to changing conditions to ensure safe and compliant data capture. Has worked on a wide range of domestic and international projects for government and commercial clients, consistently delivering reliable, usable data. Also experienced in training, mentoring and assessing Airborne Sensor Operators and pilots through both classroom and in-aircraft instruction.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Airborne Sensor Operator
Outline Global
Melbourne, VIC
11.2025 - Current
- Execute airborne sensor missions and maintain equipment readiness, implementing new aerial systems while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Coordinate with aircrew, and project teams to align mission goals, schedules, and risk mitigation measures.
- Train aircrew and integrate new sensors with existing data processing workflows.
- Develop and maintain operational procedures and perform aerial survey QA/QC.
- Operate proprietary planning and processing software from leading aerial survey equipment manufacturers.
- Support standardised QA/QC processes and improve data management procedures to ensure consistent, high-quality survey outcomes.
Aerial Operations Manager
National Fire Ant Eradication Program
10.2024 - 10.2025
- Lead planning, execution and evaluation of aerial flight operations to meet annual program treatment schedules and targets
- Direct aerial treatment implementation with a focus on quality, evidence-based risk assessment and stakeholder outcomes
- Manage operational workforce performance, reporting, and resource planning in line with public sector accountability standards
- Develop and enforce operational policies and procedures to meet scientific, legislative, and environmental requirements
- Oversee procurement and contract management for aerial services, ensuring cost-effective and timely delivery
- Provide high-level strategic and technical advice to senior leadership on risk, efficiency, operational performance and innovation
- Monitor and mitigate operational and safety risks, ensuring compliance with WHS and HR frameworks
- Lead internal and external stakeholder engagement to build trust, manage expectations, and maintain program visibility
- Conduct operational process reviews to drive innovation, improve efficiency
- Manage delivery of major projects and new initiatives within the aerial operations portfolio
- Foster a high-performance team culture focused on continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation
Aviation Operations Manager
Fugro Land Australia
01.2023 - 09.2024
- Plan and manage complex aviation activities for aerial surveying projects
- Coordinate with suppliers, project managers, stakeholders, and clients to meet project milestones, priorities, and results
- Ensure regulatory and legislative compliance
- Lead a multidisciplinary team including pilots, sensor operators, technicians, GIS professionals, and administrators
- Conduct performance reviews, implement training plans, and foster team cohesion
- Manage project planning, execution, and reporting to meet client specifications and regulatory requirements
- Develop aviation procedures and policies to enhance safety and compliance
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement by addressing community and environmental impact
- Manage project budgets, negotiate contracts, and forecast flying costs using flight planning software
- Provide advice to senior management on aviation-related risk assessments, emergency response plans, and project execution plans
Senior Airborne Sensor Operator
FUGRO LAND AUSTRALIA
12.2022 - 01.2023
- Planned and executed flight operations, ensuring readiness and compliance with regulatory permissions
- Liaised with surveying and mining companies on safety issues and operational standards
- Generate sensor flight plans for accurate data collection within designated areas.
- Mentor aircrew on operational standards and safety protocols
- Operate and maintain remote sensing equipment, ensuring data accuracy and quality
- Oversaw various sensor installations into aircraft (fixed and rotary wing)
- Developed and refined competency-based training modules for ASO aircrew through verification of competency processes
Aviation Manager
AETHON AERIAL SOLUTIONS
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed technical operations for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft servicing energy infrastructure
- Built and managed supplier partnerships to meet service commitments
- Defined communications strategies and reporting frameworks for stakeholder engagement
- Oversaw project management, crew resourcing, and operational performance
- Monitored operational budgets and reported on status to stakeholders.
Airborne Sensor Operator
Australian AERIAL MAPPING (AAM)
10.2007 - 01.2021
- Managed LIDAR and imagery projects both domestically and internationally, ensuring project efficiency
- Trained and managed aircrew and operated sensor equipment for data collection, data quality checks and dispatching
- Facilitated flight planning and collaborated with other aircrew to obtain necessary ATC clearances and negotiate operational requirements
- Conducted field operations and equipment maintenance to support aerial survey missions
- Conduct both imagery and LIDAR sensor equipment installation into various aircraft types
Skills
- Coordinating operations
- Technical expertise
- Stakeholder engagement
- Complex problem solving
- Hard working and Proactive
- Common sense and Practical
- Team leadership
- Equipment maintenance
- Training development
Communication And Systems
- I have demonstrated extensive experience working with a broad range of systems and software, including both in-house and proprietary flight planning tools developed by leading manufacturers such as Leica, RIEGL, Optech Teledyne, and others. This includes hands-on involvement in planning and configuring airborne survey missions, ensuring optimal data acquisition through the effective use of sensor-specific flight planning platforms.
- I have a comprehensive understanding of flight management systems (FMS) used across a wide range of aerial survey platforms. My experience spans the setup, calibration and operation of FMS associated with LiDAR and aerial imagery systems, allowing me to effectively manage mission execution and troubleshoot system issues in real time. I am familiar with the specific requirements and operational characteristics of flight management systems from most major sensor and platform manufacturers.
Leadership Experience
- Successfully completed Fugro's Leadership Program Certification, the following topics were covered to enhance my understanding of:
- Wellbeing, Culture & Resilience
- Leadership fundamentals
- Managing Conflicts
- Decision Making/Problem Solving
- Managing team performance
- Leading current, future and diverse workforce
- Demonstrated work experience leading aerial survey missions of varying complexities in Malaysia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, New Caledonia and Australia
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Airborne Sensor Operator
Outline Global
11.2025 - Current
Aerial Operations Manager
National Fire Ant Eradication Program
10.2024 - 10.2025
Aviation Operations Manager
Fugro Land Australia
01.2023 - 09.2024
Senior Airborne Sensor Operator
FUGRO LAND AUSTRALIA
12.2022 - 01.2023
Aviation Manager
AETHON AERIAL SOLUTIONS
01.2021 - 01.2022
Airborne Sensor Operator
Australian AERIAL MAPPING (AAM)
10.2007 - 01.2021