I came across this photo of a modern aeroplane cockpit. It seems that increasingly pilots don't so much fly any more, rather they operate a computer (notice the keyboard and joystick where there used to a yoke). But where there's a computer, there's software; where there's software, there's programmers, and modern aircraft have no shortage of software: millions of lines of the stuff, all controlling endless aspects of the plane, and trying to ensure that the multi-ton behemoth stays in the sky.

So when you're on a plane, being guided along to your destination by a team of professional pilots, remember there's a team of programmers there also -- in spirit -- ensuring the plane runs flawlessly and without incident. Programmers like this chap:

I hope that makes you feel safer. I know I don't.