is the functional profession of gathering information from an airborne platform (Manned or Unmanned) and/or oversee mission management systems for academic, commercial, public safety or military remote sensing purposes.

The modern airborne sensor operator profession began in 1858 when Gaspard-Felix Tournachon “Nadar” first took aerial photographs of Paris from a hot air balloon.

[3] However, the airborne sensor operator profession developed ever so more in all industry sectors during these decades with the advancement of radar, lasers, radio/signal receivers and electro-optical/infra-red technology.

Most airborne sensor operators either work for specific government organizations or aerial surveying-imaging firms specializing in data acquisition & processing versus directly with the end user.

However, airborne sensor operators support many other sectors that include radio & television, private security, marketing and real estate.

In the academic sector, airborne sensor operators are currently supporting archeologist, geologist and meteorologist to integrate remote sensing data into their various disciplines, methods and studies.

The typical fixed-wing aircraft used in commercial, academic and public safety operations is either single or twin engine general aviation airframes (C-172, TECNAM 2006, King Air) with a minimum capability to support a crew of two, power supply, workstation, sensor payload, data links and endurance to meet collection requirements.

[12] The typical manned rotorcraft (R22/44, Eurocopter EC145, Bell 205 SH-60 M/R Seahawk) used by all industry sectors is either light turbine or twin engine helicopters with a minimum capability to support a crew of two, power supply, workstation, sensor payload, data link and endurance to meet collection requirements.

Informal training usually takes place in-house of established commercial airborne surveying & imaging firms or academic organizations.

A large percentage of sensor operators spend a considerable amount of time away from home because of the diverse locations of collection areas.

[20][21] However, the average airborne sensor operator hourly wages or salaries can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience and benefits.