Pilot question?

Question

Ok i just graduted highschool and i want to pursue my career as a pilot but the only thing is holding me back is that i wasnt good at math or phy. and i dont want to go out and spend about 70k and then flunk all the test and not get no where then have to pay all that money back when i didnt get no where..do you think i can still succeed in becoming a pilot. and what kind of math do pilots use? and what would you recommende me doing? If there is a pilot out there please respond

Answer 1

Hi Michael -

Some basic skills are required - mostly for instrument work. VFR flying - the first 100 hours or so, requires no math skills at all. However, I would recommend that you go on and take college classes - get a degree in some thing related to aviation. This demonstrates NOT that you are smart or good at math, but that you can stick to a program until you finish it. It will also open up a whole world of options for you. In the meantime, start taking flight training and learn what you need to learn. You don't even know yet what it is that you don't know... so go find out!

My Air Force instructor pilot said that he could teach a chimpanzee to fly if he had enough bananas. In my case, he was right.

Answer 2

you need to go to college to succeed.  no airline will hire u without 1... they say it is optional but if little billy has 1 and u dont... lil billy is getting the job.  in college u learn evrythng u need 2 know about the math

Answer 3

"I wasn't good at math or physics."

Do not let this bother you one bit. Many pilots are the same way. The math and physics are not too difficult. If you graduated from high school, then you already have enough background in math and physics. They will teach you everything you need to know in flight school, and you will have ample opportunities to practice.

"What kind of math do pilots use?"

It's basic algebra at its worst. You will use math to navigate from point A to point B, determine how much fuel you need to carry, make sure that your aircraft meets weight and balance limitations, use performance charts, etc. There is a lot to learn and practice, but it's a myth that you need to have a heavy math background to do it.

Check out some of the FAA textbooks to get a feel for the material. They are free for you to download.

Airplane Flying Handbook

http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aircr...

Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviat...

My apologies, but I disagree with some of the other answers given here. Every pilot has a different perspective, so get information from multiple sources, consider all possibilities, and make your own decisions before you start. Do your homework before getting into this field.

Microsoft Flight Simulator

I would recommend against using this program. This flight simulator does nothing to teach you the basic feel of aircraft flight. Also, learning from this program unsupervised may lead to bad habits. I think your first experiences should be in a real aircraft with an experienced flight instructor who can teach you properly the first time.

Pilot Training Kits

Many pilot shops offer a one-size-fits-all training kit that supposedly has all of the books and materials you need to learn to be a pilot. I advise against these kits, and suggest that you buy the books and supplies you need as you go, and again with the guidance of a flight instructor. Your instructor may or may not teach from the same books that are included in the kit. You may need to buy extra books, and you may have purchased books you don't need. Wait until you actually start training to purchase the supplies your instructor recommends, and when he/she recommends them.

Aviation Universities

The universities like Embry Riddle aren't bad schools, but I think that the price is not worth the benefit. There is no advantage over a local flight school at a nearby airport because at the end of the day you get the very same pilot certificates from the FAA, but your local school can do it at a much lower cost and in less time. In addition, a college degree in an unrelated field will give you more diverse experiences and allow for backup plan if you need it. Please do go to college, but at least consider degrees outside of aviation.

Cost

Your actual flight training will not cost $150K, and probably won't even cost $70K (although prices are rising). Your college degree, living expenses, and interest on any loans are what take the costs up into those levels. Plan ahead for the expenses carefully based on the rates in your area and the college you plan to attend. Again, do your homework before starting lest you get stuck half way through.

Check out flight school listings:

http://www.flightschoollist.com/flightsc...

http://flighttraining.aopa.org/learntofl...

http://www.bestaviation.net/flight_schoo...

http://www.aviationschoolsonline.com/sch...

General Information

http://flighttraining.aopa.org/learntofl...

http://science.howstuffworks.com/pilot.h...

http://www.beapilot.com/

http://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/

Good luck!

Answer 4

You can start now, forget the computer games and forget college graduation before taking lessons.

Go to Sporty's or one of the other hundred sites that sell test prep and get a Gleim or ASA version of the Private Pilot Written, you get to study and see exactly what's on the test.  Once you've done that I think you'll be in a lot better position to see what you need to do.

Answer 5

You don't need to be a math genius to get your pilot's license.  You do need to be good at basic math though.  The FAA has a great page with lots of information regarding what you're going to actually be tested on, both in the air and on the ground as well as a list of schools to look.

I would suggest finding a local school and talking to the instructors and the student pilots to see what they have to say.  I'd also pick up one of the Gleim books to study from, they have actual test questions for you to work on in order to better prepare yourself for the tests.

FAA:  http://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/

Gleim: http://www.gleim.com/

Answer 6

Glad the graduation went well.  I will not try to discourage you, however.....Your estimate of 70K is about HALF way there!!  The quickest and easiest way to get into aviation is through some sort of flight school academy or college.  I have flown with First Officers in the past that spent $150k on their ratings needed for a job, and they are making $1300a month after taxes..  Their loan costs are $1500 a month....You can figure the math on THAT one!!  Speaking of math, as long as you can add, subtract, simple division etc. etc in your head....you will be fine.  I prefer when the numbers are figured via calculator by the F.O.....   Not that I do not trust them, but it is sometimes quicker, unless "Rain man" does math real good!!   Yes, I know it is an error in grammar..  Anyway, I would suggest looking into Air traffic control.  Soon it has been rumored they will be hiring straight from high school.  It pays well, and has an adequate retirement.  Airlines, not so much.  They have and will continue to downsize THOUSANDS of pilots from ALL levels are currently on the street, without a job.  Having to work anywhere trying to pay the bills.  It just is not pretty.  Good luck.  I know my words sound discouraging however, I wish someone had told me the truths out there before I got into the industry.  I blindly compare it to a crack addict.  Never been one, but it seems the same.  You get so deep into the addiction of aviation, and it forms your entire life, then when you figure out your situation, you are trapped by the job, the money, the life. You just try to cope with the punches, kicks, beatings from the addiction.

Answer 7

Congrats on the graduation.  I took my commercial checkride a few weeks ago.  My advice to you is to purchase Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 (my favorite) or FS X and learn all you can about navigation, aircraft systems, etc.  You can also have a blast learning to fly all the cool aircraft.  Then I would go down to the airport and purchase a flight computer and a plotter and ask if anyone around had an old chart for you to play with.  Most of the math that pilots used is solved by using this device.  It is a simple slide rule that solves simple math problems.  If you are really serious, then I would try to hitch a ride with a pilot at the aiport that is just knocking around and then you can watch what he does in the cockpit for a local flight.  When you get more serious, then purchase the Private Pilot instruction kit from King Schools.  It will cost you a few hundred bucks, once you complete the course, if an instructor will sign you off, you can actually go and take the written portion of the test before you even pay for a flying lesson.  This way, you will be out around $600 or so and you will know first hand if this is something you can handle.  Dont let anyone say that you cannot do it.  It is a very rewarding accomplishment.  Good Luck!