From Cockpit to Code: Why Pilots Make Great Developers

Two Worlds, One Mindset

At first glance, flying planes and writing code seem unrelated. But spend time in both worlds, and you'll discover remarkable similarities.

Shared Principles

1. Systems Thinking

In Aviation:

• Aircraft have interdependent systems (electrical, hydraulic, fuel)
• Changing one affects others
• Understanding the whole is crucial

In Software:

• Applications have interconnected components (frontend, backend, database)
• Modifying one impacts others
• Architecture matters

2. Risk Management

In Aviation:

If (weather < minimums):  Don't flyElse if (aircraft maintenance = overdue):  Ground the planeElse:  Proceed with caution

If (weather < minimums):  Don't flyElse if (aircraft maintenance = overdue):  Ground the planeElse:  Proceed with caution

In Software:

if (deploymentRisk === 'high') {  rollbackPlan.prepare();  monitoring.enable();}

if (deploymentRisk === 'high') {  rollbackPlan.prepare();  monitoring.enable();}

3. Standard Operating Procedures

Pilots use checklists. Developers use pull request templates.

Same concept, different context.

Skills That Transfer

From Aviation → Development

1. Attention to Detail

• Pre-flight inspections → Code reviews
• Fuel calculations → Memory management
• Weight and balance → Performance optimization

2. Decision-Making

• Weather analysis → Technology selection
• Emergency procedures → Incident response
• Go/no-go decisions → Ship/don't ship choices

3. Continuous Learning

• Recurrent training → Professional development
• Flight reviews → Performance reviews
• Staying current → Keeping skills sharp

From Development → Aviation

1. Debugging Mindset

• Troubleshooting → Aircraft systems diagnostics
• Root cause analysis → Accident investigation
• Iterative testing → Flight test programs

2. Automation

• CI/CD pipelines → Autopilot systems
• Testing frameworks → Simulation training
• Monitoring tools → Flight instruments

The Systematic Advantage

Both disciplines reward systematic thinking:

Problem → Analysis → Plan → Execute → Verify → Improve

Problem → Analysis → Plan → Execute → Verify → Improve

This cycle works whether you're:

• Debugging a production issue
• Troubleshooting an engine problem
• Designing a new feature
• Planning a complex flight

Career Transitions

Pilot → Developer

Your advantages:

• ✅ Systematic problem-solving
• ✅ High-pressure decision-making
• ✅ Attention to detail
• ✅ Understanding complex systems

Challenges:

• ⚠️ Different technical domain
• ⚠️ Sedentary vs. active work
• ⚠️ Team collaboration patterns

Developer → Pilot

Your advantages:

• ✅ Logical thinking
• ✅ Systems understanding
• ✅ Process discipline
• ✅ Self-directed learning

Challenges:

• ⚠️ Physical skill development
• ⚠️ Real-time decision pressure
• ⚠️ Weather/environment variables

The Best of Both Worlds

You don't have to choose one or the other. Many successful people do both:

• Fly for clarity and perspective
• Code for creativity and impact
• Apply lessons from each to the other

Final Approach

Whether you're transitioning between fields or exploring both, remember:

The fundamentals of systematic thinking apply everywhere.

Master the basics. Build on them deliberately. Never stop learning.

The sky's not the limit - it's just the beginning.

Marcus Gollahon is a CFI and software developer teaching systematic thinking from 30,000 feet.