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.
