There are many managers/CEOs who are/were pilot's but did not fly the line. IE Gordon Bethune rated on 767 and flies it occasionally but not on the line. Great airline and one of the few which made a profit. Frank Borman ran Eastern/Great astronaut but did not translate into CEO skills. Juan Trippe (PAN AM founder) was a pilot but had found his skills at developing the airline were more fulfilling (financially and otherwise). Niki Lauda-you decide.
Management is half common sense and half business sense. One you were born with and the other you learn or at least have the common sense to hire good people who do. Unfortunately, managers are not always hired for the business acumen but rather their political skill in getting the job. In the final analysis, the company culture comes from the top and he/she will be the model for all other managers.