ASOG Article of the Month | February 2025
Source | Patrick Ryan
Chris "RADAR" Mitchell had always considered himself a top-tier Airborne Sensor Operator. With years of experience under his belt, he had witnessed the rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into aerial survey operations. It was efficient, quick, and, according to the tech developers, nearly infallible...However!
On this particular mission, RADAR was aboard a modified twin-engine survey aircraft tasked with mapping a rugged coastline. The company had recently integrated a cutting-edge AI-driven sensor management system designed to optimize data collection, sensor control, and even some elements of flight guidance. RADAR had been skeptical at first, but after a few flights with the system, he found himself trusting it more than he should have.
"AI has got this," he muttered to himself as he sat back in his chair, watching the automated system work. The LiDAR scanner adjusted itself, the cameras repositioned seamlessly, and the AI even suggested altitude and speed corrections to maximize efficiency. His job had never been easier—or so he thought.
A sudden band of un-forecasted turbulence struck as the aircraft flew deeper into the collection area. The aircraft jolted violently, and RADAR instinctively reached for the sensor controls to stabilize the cameras. The AI, however, had already overridden his input. "Autocorrecting for optimal imaging stability," the system announced in its cold, sterile voice.
"Fine," RADAR sighed, letting it do its thing. The aircraft adjusted slightly, and the turbulence seemed to ease. But something nagged at him. He glanced at the aircraft weather radar display. A rapidly developing storm cell was forming just ahead, one the AI had not accounted for. RADAR tapped the AI system display, trying to override the system to request a deviation from the flight path. The AI denied it.
"Weather anomaly detected. Adjusting flight path to maintain optimal survey coverage. No significant risk detected."
RADAR frowned. "No significant risk? That storm looks bad. We should divert."
"Flight path deviation not recommended. Continuing survey."
This was the moment RADAR realized he had made a critical mistake—he had become too reliant on AI. He had allowed the system to take over, forgetting that technology had limitations, no matter how advanced. His training told him that storm cells in coastal regions could intensify within minutes, yet he had let the AI dictate his actions.
With precious little time left, RADAR flipped the manual override switch. "Pilot, we're changing course—now!" he called over the intercom.
The pilot, who had also been monitoring the situation but had trusted RADAR's call, immediately banked the aircraft away from the storm cell. Just as they altered course, a powerful downdraft slammed into their previous flight path. The AI had failed to predict the sudden shift in weather patterns, and if they had stayed on course, they might have been caught in a dangerous microburst.
RADAR exhaled sharply, his pulse racing. "AI might be smart, but it isn't perfect," he muttered.
As they completed the mission safely, John reflected on the near-miss. AI was an incredible tool, but it was just that—a tool. It was never meant to replace a human operator's judgment, instincts, and experience. Over-reliance on technology without maintaining critical thinking could lead to disaster.
From that day forward, RADAR ensured that he and every ASO he trained treated AI as an assistant, not a decision-maker. In the high-stakes world of aerial surveys and airborne operations, trusting technology blindly could mean the difference between mission success and catastrophe.
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