The tech industry claims AI will boost developer productivity, but evidence is mixed. While AI may increase task-level productivity, its impact on end-to-end productivity in complex brownfield situations is unclear. The aviation industry’s experience with fly-by-wire automation offers insights, highlighting the need for a balance between human expertise and AI assistance, as well as the importance of ongoing training and skill development.

The aviation industry is regulated by bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization, which enforce standards and practices, including UPRT. In contrast, the medical and counselling industries lack similar regulatory oversight, leading to concerns about AI-induced deskilling and loss of expertise. The software engineering industry, while facing similar challenges, can learn from aviation’s approach by prioritizing foundational skills, mandatory unassisted practice, and institutional oversight to ensure responsible AI adoption.

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