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Ask HN: Pilot jobs in San Fran?

4 points by JHof ↗ HN
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.

7 comments

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hiddenfeatures
I'm certainly not an expert, but a quick question: Does it have to be SF ? If you just want to learn coding, have you considered working at a company that combines what you know (aviation, physics of flight) with what you want to learn (software development)?

First think that comes to mind is Microsoft (Flight Simulator), but they are probably strongly in the camp of "University degree required". Anyways, I hope the general idea / different POV is of some help

JHof
No, it doesn't have to be SF. And of course I can learn on my own anywhere. I just think it'd be really motivational to be where it's all 'happening' for a while. Also, my industry (with some exceptions) seems late to adopt any new school of thought in this space. Outside of my own projects/ideas, I'd rather contribute where it counts.
Donito
Would you be interested in trading services? I can teach you how to code, in exchange for flight instruction. I'm in SF.
eduardordm
Maybe you are taking a similar path that I did, good luck. (I went further getting ATP and working at an airline, which I regret a bit now I'm just CPL/CFI/CFII, I teach at a local flight school just to keep my licenses)

/r/flying is pretty active. If you are CFII you shouldn't have a problem getting a part-time classes, just find a school, I'm sure there are plenty near SF.

I wrote this:

"How to build aviation software and why I quit flying to do it"

http://eduardo.intermeta.com.br/posts/2013/2/10/making-aviat...

JHof
I think your post is fascinating. I've always wondered how avionics software compares non-certified tools/apps like Foreflight, especially Garmin. It all just looks so outdated compared to what's possible.