Presented at
DEF CON 33 (2025),
Aug. 9, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
(20 minutes).
Voice cloning technology has advanced significantly, enabling the creation of convincing voice replicas using consumer-grade devices and publicly available tools. This poses critical challenges to aviation communication, where trust between pilots and air traffic controllers is paramount. The reliance on AM radio, with its low fidelity and lack of authentication, exacerbates the risk of fraudulent communications. This talk examines trust factors within aviation's air traffic control system, focusing on how air traffic controllers' voices can be cloned and where planes are most at risk. The talk explores FCC enforcement techniques for locating malicious actors, historical perspectives on alternative radio technologies, and the secondary systems pilots employ during communication failures. Simulated attacks will demonstrate how these vulnerabilities could disrupt operations, particularly at critical points such as runway crossings and in low-visibility conditions.
To mitigate these risks, this talk evaluates existing safeguards, including the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), and discusses emerging technologies such as stop bars and guided runway lighting.
References:
- Huber, M. (2024, May 21). Weaponized air traffic controller calls threaten African Air Safety: Ain. Aviation International News. [link](https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-02-19/weaponized-atc-calls-threaten-african-air-safety)
- Tackling Runway Risks. Flight Safety Foundation. (2019 May 17) [link](https://flightsafety.org/asw-article/tackling-runway-safety-risks/)
- Cooper, C. (2018, October 1). Charles Cooper. Pirate Radio and FCC Enforcement. YouTube. [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=TLGGOegNxN7U-XQxNzA0MjAyNQ&v=1p-h-En_cj8)
Presenters:
-
Andrew "Helicopters of DC" Logan
Andrew Logan is an audio engineer, independent aviation journalist and developer @HelicoptersofDC who presented Tracking Military Ghost Helicopters over Washington DC at Def Con 30. Since then his advocacy urging lawmakers to review ADS-B exemptions for government aircraft has been cited by the Senate in the wake of the Flight 5342 crash.