Alison Northern is an Aerial Pilot at SAM, where she supports aerial mapping and geospatial data collection projects across the country. A U.S. Navy veteran with more than 15 years of aviation experience spanning military, aircraft maintenance, and law enforcement, Alison brings a strong commitment to safety, precision, and teamwork to every mission.
What does your role at SAM involve, and what does a typical day look like for you?
My role at SAM is Pilot in Command of a Cessna 206 Stationair. We are scheduled to fly for 14-day rotations, and anything can happen within those two weeks! On one trip, I started in California and spent two entire days repositioning the plane to North Dakota. On another trip, I started my rotation just outside of Tampa, FL and ended the trip in Colorado! No two days at SAM ever look the same. A typical day is usually getting the aircraft and sensor ready to fly in the morning, flying approximately four hours of data acquisition, landing for fuel, and flying another four hours of data acquisition. Another day, you may get the plane ready in the morning, fly a small job in one state, and spend the rest of the day repositioning the plane to another small job several states away. Some days are spent at the airport all day, waiting for weather to either improve enough to fly a job or safely leave an area.
How did you get started in aerial mapping, LiDAR, or geospatial technology?
I started in aerial mapping working as a Sensor Operator for Keystone Aerial Surveys. I performed in-flight data acquisition utilizing Microsoft UltraCam Eagle, Falcon, and Condor variants while onboard fixed-wing aircraft.
What is your favorite part of working on aerial or LiDAR projects?
The best part about working on aerial projects is actually in Question #1 above, that no two days are ever the same!
Is there a project you’ve worked on at SAM that stands out as especially interesting or rewarding?
My favorite project so far was collecting data over the Port of Newark, NJ. We flew at approximately 2000 feet right in between Newark Airport and Manhattan. The views all around were amazing!
What is something people might not realize about the work that goes into aerial or LiDAR data collection?
A big misconception about aerial acquisition is that if you look outside of your window and the weather looks nice, or if the weather man on tv says the weather should be good, then the crew will be able to collect data. There are a ton of “Swiss cheese holes” which need to line up for a data acquisition flight to happen. The aircraft and crew both need to be in place, and rested. The aircraft and sensor must both be in working order. There must be no adverse weather, including turbulence, that might preclude a safe flight or collection. If the weather is good, there must be no issues with Air Traffic Control, airspace, or other general traffic issues surrounding the project. Even if all those boxes are checked, the aircraft and sensor must still work properly once airborne! Every single flight is a massive undertaking of knowledge, headwork, planning, and coordination.
What technology, tool, or piece of equipment do you enjoy working with most?
My plane! The Cessna 206 is an amazing, reliable aircraft and our Maintenance Manager Kevin Brown keeps them flying in pristine condition!
What do you enjoy most about being part of the SAM team?
While I enjoy the opportunity to fly to unique locations and work in challenging environments, the aspect of SAM that brings me the most pride is the camaraderie of the aerial team. My fellow pilots and sensor operators are mission-oriented professionals who motivate me to do my best every single day. We support each other on and off the road, often fielding early or late night phone calls to troubleshoot a sensor or look over each other’s shoulders for incoming weather or flight planning issues.
When you’re not working, what are some hobbies or activities you enjoy outside the office?
When I’m not working, I enjoy volunteering at a local sanctuary farm in Northern Virginia and complete farm chores for a group of rescued horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, turkeys, and geese! I am also attending Penn State University World Campus and am only six classes away from graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Labor and Employee Relations.