If i want to be a pilot, do i have to be really good at maths?

Question

i heard that poeple who want to be pilots must have studied 2 Unit Mathematics in year 11 and 12, and they should be very good with maths? But i am not very good at maths and i want to be a pilot. Do you have any advice for me?

Answer 1

yes, not just math, but algebra specifically....

you have to be able to figure rate of descent, based on altitude, miles from your destination and airspeed....you've have to be able to compute fuel burn and center of gravity envelope based on flight time and rate of burn....you have to be able to figure almost every aspect of flight and the parameters involved using algebreic equations and almost all of them are configured as word problems....

sure, there are automated systems to handle most of this in modern, large, commercial aircraft, but it will be a long long time before you have the hours or experience to get into them, if ever....for the private pilot functions and most basic instrument flying, you have to do this yourself, in flight, and dealing with changing conditions....meaning that alot of time you have to refigure your flight plan based on changing winds aloft, re-routing by air traffic control and/or dealing with turbulence and watching for other traffic as well.... for the written exams you will have to do them without the benefit of inflight computers....strictly calculator, pen and what's between your ears....and what happens if all of your automated sytems fail and you can't figure your distance, speed, time and rate of descent into your destination?....not only will you die, but also the passengers you are carrying....it is a math intensive occupation and if you really want to do it.....then you need to get a good solid foundation in basic math and at least algebra 1 before you even attempt it....but it is a very satisfying occupation and well worth the effort you put into it if you want to pursue it....good luck to you....

Answer 2

Absolute minimum would be grade C at GCSE, but if you want to stand any chance against the competition for an airline career you should be taking A level maths and physics. Many professional pilots are qualified to degree level in engineering or science.

Mental arithmetic / mental agility is particularly important.

You also need to be able to calculate whether the large amount of money you invest in your training will ever make a return on investment.

Answer 3

No, but you should be interested in it.  You'll need to get skilled at ratios and interpolation.

Answer 4

I know that a couple of universities make you take Calc 1, along with trig, algebra, and I dont know about stats.

Answer 5

Remedial maths classes.  Pilots do a lot of calculations pre-flight so you really need the maths.  Also in aerodynamics which you will have to study there's a lot of maths.