ASCI 202: Intro to Aeronautical Science

     In the past decades, terrorism has consistently been one of the largest threats to aviation safety and security. Recently, terrorist groups have turned to use of CBRN threats, or use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. These materials can be used in creating explosives or to " create mass casualties and vastly disrupt the society by causing illness or even death" (Ivona, 2023). CBRN agents are especially dangerous due to the fact that are often invisible or difficult to detect.    TSA can take measures to mitigate the threat of CBRN through layers of security. Firstly, passengers are screened when they purchase tickets to detect known terrorists or terrorist suspects. Additionally, canines can often be found at airports to detect any explosive materials. Passengers are also screened and any carry-on luggage is thoroughly checked for any materials that fall under the umbrella of CBRN threats. TSA agents can be trained in visually spotting indicat

     With rising advancements in the field of autonomous flying, ethical dilemmas naturally present themselves. One such dilemma is the decisions made by artificial intelligence in the event of an emergency. Dr. Robert Joslin relates this decision making to the famous philosophical trolley problem where “a person controlling the tracks must make the moral decision to either run over five people on one track or one person on a different track” (Joslin, 2023). In the event of an emergency, an unmanned autonomous aircraft is not capable of human rationalization and ethical decision-making as to whether to “prioritize the safety of its passengers or those on the ground” (Joslin, 2023). Much more than that, pilots can attest to the nuances of performing in the event of an emergency and the countless variables that present themselves when forming a decision for the best course of action. Personally, I am wary of autonomous flying, and I believe that experienced pilots with first-hand account