[enaceo]

Usually "showing the AI how to do it" by pointing at the enemy and firing some shots wakes up the AI as explaned above.
Cycling through stations also usually works.
Designating targets with the binocs doesn't always work for me ,but it might work some times.
It's generaly best not to attack aircraft,especially with the new GWX and NYGM where planes will actually attack you and not just shoot 2 bombs and go away.