Do you need to know a lot of math in an aviation maintenance tech (powerplant) program?

Question

Do you need to know a lot of math in an aviation maintenance tech (powerplant) program?

Answer 1

I've had my powerplant license for about three years now, and work on jet engines every day. For the actual powerplant license there is not much math involved. You need to know how to measure and read micrometers and calipers. You will need to know how to convert from millimeters to inches, and Fahrenheit to Celsius. If you can do basic math and algebra you will be fine.

However, to get your powerplant license, you have to pass the general test as well. This test includes a fair amount of electronics. You will be given wiring diagrams and be told to simplify them or find their total resistance. I believe weight and balance is also part of the general test. For this you basically have to use a good amount of math to determine how adding or removing weight from a certain point in the aircraft will affect its center of gravity and its balance.

If you decide to get your airframe license there is even more math involved. The airframe part of the test includes working with sheet metal. There is a lot of trigonometry involved with bending different thicknesses of metals.

If you're just going to a tech school to get your license this should be all the math you need. If you're going to a university to get an actual degree you will also have to take an algebra and trig class, and a calculus class. You will normally have to take a lab science class like physics or chemistry, which both involve a fair amount of math.

Good luck. Don't let math scare you. If you study and find a good tutor, it shouldn't stop you from doing something you want to do.

Answer 2

not much as explained by no. 1 answerer just basic and if you're going to be a in an overhaul shop doing engines even less unless you're in line doing 3-4 engine fan blades and you have to balance it by vectorial (3 pt) but then again with a good tutor you'll learn them all.