JHof

I'm interested in working in aircraft automation and technology related to single-pilot airline operations, NextGen, etc. (not drones) after completing a CS degree. Does contributing in this space require a masters/PhD? What knowledge would make an applicant competitive for a job like this? Are there smaller companies working on these things or is it primarily Lockheed, Boeing, etc.

Does anyone here work with the FAA, ATC, commercial aviation, NextGen, etc.? Everything about the National Airspace System seems dated and wrong. Here's a stream of questions that immediately come to mind that all sort of convey the same thing: Why do we still talk over the radio instead of receiving instructions digitally to accept/change/deny? Why don’t controllers and pilots have the same information? Why aren’t the arrivals/departures at many major airports fully utilized? Why do controllers so frequently step aircraft down instead of letting us reach our ‘top-of-descent’ and utilize more efficient vertical navigation capabilities? Why are new aircraft, with processors from the 80s, considered "advanced"? Why do I get slowed down, then sped up, then slowed down? Why don’t controllers just control the aircraft themselves from the ground since they’re the ones who know what’s happening? Why are so few airlines approved for LPV (and why do we still use ILS)? Why is it true that an airline pilot today could operate in 1970 without missing a beat (the competent ones, at least)? Why does my job still exist? So much more is possible, but nothing seems to change. Source: Current airline captain.

Does anyone here work with the FAA, ATC, commercial aviation, NextGen, etc.? Everything about the National Airspace System seems dated and wrong. Here's a stream of questions that immediately come to mind that all sort of convey the same thing: Why do we still talk over the radio instead of receiving instructions digitally to accept/change/deny? Why don’t controllers and pilots have the same information? Why aren’t the arrivals/departures at many major airports fully utilized? Why do controllers so frequently step aircraft down instead of letting us reach our ‘top-of-descent’ and utilize more efficient vertical navigation capabilities? Why are new aircraft, with processors from the 80s, considered "advanced"? Why do I get slowed down, then sped up, then slowed down? Why don’t controllers just control the aircraft themselves from the ground since they’re the ones who know what’s happening? Why are so few airlines approved for LPV (and why do we still use ILS)? Why is it true that an airline pilot today could operate in 1970 without missing a beat (the competent ones, at least)? Why does my job still exist? So much more is possible, but nothing seems to change.

Source: Current airline captain.

(Traveling today. Sorry if I don’t comment much)

Numerous online application systems have you first upload a resume in .docx, .pdf, .txt, from which an attempt is then made to pre-fill out much of the online application. This doesn't work very well and basically requires one to complete the entire app. Anyone out there have experience creating these programs? How do they work and what's the best way to format a resume so that they work properly?

It's my understanding that aviation as a hobby is popular among a certain technology set. Are they doing their training with regular flight schools or hiring long-term private instructors for a more personal approach? Are they doing lessons or learning on longer trips? Do they end up buying planes?

Say I want to create an app in which users can earn points for purchases at different, unrelated coffee shops in town. What would merchants need to get on board? It seems like a separate scanner or special software would be necessary, or maybe the ability to print scannable codes on receipts.

I'd like to build something similar. If anyone can point me toward resources or products I can look into that help make this possible it's much appreciated.

I realize this is a strange question for HN, however, the reasons behind it may elicit more help from the dev community than those my own industry. Plus, you guys are just plain smart and well connected.

I'm a pilot and flight instructor who has been learning to code. I want to move to the Bay Area to continue my education. Eventually, I'd like to find a junior developer position, or reach a level where I can offer my services as a freelancer. As I grow as a developer, I want to continue working in my current trade, which can offer a lot of down time - perfect fit for someone with a side project.

Any leads? I know all the airlines/big fleets. What you can help me with is individuals/companies/flight schools who need pilots, part-time included.

As a 30 year old career-changer, would you keep your current job and pursue an online CS degree (Oregon State) while learning to code on the side or go to one of the developer boot camps? (Or do neither and just build things for fun)