AI Is Coming to the Cockpit | Former NASA Engineer DJ Catlin

Would you trust artificial intelligence in the cockpit of your next flight? For former NASA Flight Research Engineer De’Schzunell “DJ” Catlin, the future of aviation isn't simply about replacing humans with machines. It's about making humans and machines better together. In this episode of the RISE Urban Nation Podcast, host Taryell Simmons sits down with DJ Catlin, Co-Founder and CEO of Osoosi, to explore his journey from NASA engineer to entrepreneur building an aerospace AI startup focused on the future of human-machine collaboration in aviation. DJ shares what it takes to build artificial intelligence for an industry where safety, trust, precision, and human decision-making aren't optional. The conversation explores Osoosi's work around Artificial Pilot Awareness, real-time cockpit intelligence, and the Halo AI Copilot—technology designed around enhancing human capabilities rather than simply replacing them. But building the technology is only part of DJ's story. He also had to make another transformation: ENGINEER → ENTREPRENEUR → CEO IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER: • How DJ's engineering journey led him to NASA • Why he transitioned from aerospace engineer to startup founder • What it takes to build an aerospace AI company • The vision behind Osoosi's Halo AI Copilot • What Artificial Pilot Awareness means • How AI could support human decision-making in aviation • Why trust and safety matter when developing aviation AI • The difference between human vs. machine and human + machine • How technical founders make the mindset shift from engineer to CEO • DJ's experience navigating aerospace and AI as a Black founder • Why representation matters in industries shaping our future • Lessons for young Black engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs And underneath the technology is an even bigger question: Who gets to build the future? For young Black engineers and entrepreneurs who don't always see themselves represented in aerospace, artificial intelligence, or emerging technology, DJ's journey offers an important reminder: You don't have to wait for permission to enter the future. You can help build it. This episode is for engineers, entrepreneurs, AI enthusiasts, aviation professionals, tech founders, students, and innovators interested in the future of artificial intelligence and aviation. CONNECT WITH DJ CATLIN & OSOOSI Osoosi: Osoosi.com EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: De’Schzunell “DJ” Catlin Featured Company: Osoosi Music: wil maker Production: RISE Urban Nation :fire: JOIN THE RISE URBAN NATION MOVEMENT RISE Urban Nation amplifies Black and Pan-African entrepreneurs, innovators, engineers, creatives, and changemakers building the future of business, technology, and culture. If this conversation expanded how you think about AI: LIKE this episode SUBSCRIBE to RISE Urban Nation COMMENT below SHARE this episode with an engineer, entrepreneur, student, or innovator QUESTION FOR YOU: Would you trust an AI copilot assisting the pilots on your next flight? YES, NO, or IT DEPENDS? Tell us why in the comments. Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation Unite. Uplift. Ignite. #RISEUrbanNation #ArtificialIntelligence #Aerospace #Aviation #AI #FutureOfFlight #AerospaceEngineering #BlackTech #BlackFounders #TechEntrepreneur #NASA #AviationTechnology #AIStartup #BlackEngineers #FutureOfAI