Michael J Ostlund <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Thursday, January 9, 2020 1:46 PM
Michael J Ostlund
AERO Year End Report
Dear AERO Partners -
Over the past few weeks, I have been pondering how best to explain the work of AERO (Association of Emergency Radio Organizations) over the past year to you. I hope that you have had an enjoyable holiday season with friends and family. And now, it seems, we’re back to the grind-stone.
While AERO has been part of Amateur Radio in the Metro area since the 1980’s, 2019 was a banner year for AERO, as well as for the volunteers who serve your agencies and our communities with communications expertise. 2019 was the year that we launched the completed initial AERO Curriculum, thanks in large part to Curriculum Chair, Ryc Lyden. While Ryc did the heavy lifting required to put AERO classes in front of students, he didn’t do it alone. There were a<![if !vml]> number of instructors, Board members and volunteers that all pitched in to make the AERO classes a success.
And a success, they were! In 2019 we saw 57 students participate in 8 classes held in Ramsey County, Maple Grove and Bloomington. 2019 was also the year that we saw 14 students (right) complete all three of the AERO 200 Series classes including AERO 202 – Advanced Net Control Operations and Planning.
2020 is shaping up to be another great year for AERO – but we need your help and support to keep the momentum going forward. We need venues for the 5 AERO courses we’ll present this year. If you would be willing to host a class, please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
And if you would like the ‘Beginners’ class – AERO 100 - just send me a note. The materials are free of charge. AERO 100 is for people who got their ham radio license and are trying to figure out what’s next and if Public Service and Public Safety Communications is something they’d like to pursue. AERO 100 is a good follow-up class to a Tech licensing class, a Metro SKYWARN class or for new communications volunteers. AERO classes are a great way to engage new members in your club or organization, or continuing education training for existing members.
AERO courses take students through Emergency Communications Operations and Net Control Ops. Whether serving a Public Safety Agency or serving their communities during public service events, AERO courses have become the ‘Gold Standard” for training volunteers who want to serve as communications professionals. AERO is all about training to a base-level standard. As we tell every AERO Class, “Volunteer is just a Pay Grade!”
Finally, I would ask you to spread the word about AERO. Please let your volunteers know about the upcoming courses and don’t be afraid to get involved in AERO. Our mission is to support you and we can only do that with your help. Our website AEROMN.org is where you’ll find information about classes. Also check the Facebook Pages ‘MN EmComm and Public Service’ or ‘AEROMinn’ for dates and locations of AERO classes.
The entire Board of Directors of AERO appreciates your help and support and wish you the best in 2020.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Ostlund, CEM, COMT, AUXCOMM, EMR
AERO Board Chair
There is no the need to register or logins. Anyone can sign up for classes at the link above.
We ask that you honor our requirement for prerequisites.
All students of AERO classes are required to take all prerequisites as noted below. You may be required to present documentation of you have taken prerequisites on demand. This is most likely to occur with your sponsoring government affiliated emergency communication organization. AERO reserves the right to verify your credentials at any time. In all cases, you will need to carry with you a copy of your Amateur Radio license. To take AERO 101, you are required to complete IS100c and IS700b. To take AERO 102, you are required to complete AERO 101, IS200c and IS800c. To take AERO 200, you are required to complete AERO 101 and AERO 102. To take AERO 201, with the sole exception of the May 25th class intended for experienced Net Control Operators, you are required to complete AERO 101, AERO 102 and AERO 200. To take AERO 202, you are required to complete AERO 101, AERO 200 and AERO 201.
Association of Emergency Radio Organizations in Minnesota