We’re all aware that the information, innovation and disruptive (I2D) technology revolution is greatly affecting our world. Besides society in general, one of the main discussion points in this human experience is the effect it will have on jobs & professions in the future, i.e., ” taking the man out of the loop.” Today, the effect of this revolution in the aviation and remote-sensing sector has already started with the everyday application of scalable (size, reliability & cost) unmanned/manned air vehicle systems, sensors, and data processing capabilities. With the fog of tech revolution all around us, what effect does this have on the Airborne Sensor Operator (ASO) Profession?
Based on my experience of over twenty-five years in the airborne remote-sensing profession, both manned and unmanned, I believe the answer to this question is twofold. The first is “Yes,” It is and will affect the ASO profession. The ASO profession is no different than other professions that are seeing or hearing the word “redundant” or “not necessary.” The threat of job loss or shrinking opportunities due to technology changes is “High.” Technology has simplified many functions that an ASO is required to accomplish…e.g… from mission planning to process data. Currently, this technological change has made the ASOs job easier, but the next tech change (which is coming) could be less forgiving regard to “need” of a person in the traditional aerial collection process. Bottom-line, denial, and resistance to this change will only decrease opportunities for ASOs to provide a needed service regarding aerial remote-sensing capabilities to both its clients and society in general.
The second part of this answer is “No”…it will not affect the ASO community as it did to the Air Navigator or other professions…ie…extinction. However, by history or definition when it comes to aerial remote-sensing, ASOs have always been in a critical position (more so than pilots, flight engineers & navigators) of managing or influencing aerial remote-sensing technology & data. The ASO profession is the Technical Liaison between the collection platform, sensor, and the end-user. Typically, the ASO comes from the end-user community (be it surveying, cinematography, public safety or ISR) with the ability/skill to satisfy collection requirements from the sky. Because of this position, the ASO profession can adapt to the fog of tech revolution better than many professions and continue to satisfy a critical need. Bottom-line, individual ASOs will need to abandon old professional models and innovate new roles & responsibilities as aerial remote-sensing technology changes. How does this look like ASOs will need to expand out of the back seat and take more of a technical or operator lead in the development, implementation, and employment of new aerial/remote-sensing technology at the controls & back offices. Additionally, to be a lead, ASOs will need to adapt to a never-ending rhythm of continual learning & certifying with new systems, aerial platforms, and processes.
So, to Taxi this post to Parking, the I2D tech revolution is in full swing, and many professions are at risk. The professions that have a chance, because of their technical & client base knowledge & relationship, will adapt & succeed effectively with the advancement of technology. However, the only way for a profession like the Airborne Sensor Operator to leverage their position and advance it into the future is to re-learn, lead and innovate. I believe the ASO in the aerial remote-sensing sector is in a perfect position be it on the ground or in the air!
So, what are your thoughts? Does our profession have a future?
Image: Wikimedia commons - Mattbuck
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