Do I need to know a lot of math and physics to obtain a private pilot's license?

Answer 1

Basic math skills, and just some decent understanding of how engines work can be a help. If you ever took auto shop, you should be fine. Some physics knowledge will help, but you don't need to understand the nitty gritty, just the basics.

I found the biggest problem with new pilot students was their almost complete lack of any knowledge dealing with maps, directions, or a compass. Many had no clue about the relation of compass degrees to the major compass points (north, south, etc.), and many could not even read a road map, let alone an aircraft chart. So, brush up on these if you're not a Boy Scout.

Aside from the flying, a great deal of what you must study are rules and regulations, and since they are written in governmentese, there's not much you can learn in advance that will help. It's basically memorizing, and creating some memory tricks to help you sort them all out.

Note that you don't necessarily need to know these topics before you start training, just that you have to be able to learn. A good course and instructor will teach you what you need.

Answer 2

No, you don't need to know a lot of math. What physics you need to know you either already know -- stuff falls DOWN, hot air RISES -- or they teach you in the courses, like how to tell if the center of gravity of your plane is within limits, and most of THAT comes with cookbook formulas.

If you can balance a checkbook, follow a recipe and read a street map, you've got 90% of what you need to start with.

Typical calculations you need to do as a pilot are:
I'm HERE and I want to go THERE, which is 270 miles away, and my plane flies at 135 mph; how long will it take? (2 hours)
It takes two hours to get there and my plane burns 12 gallons an hour; how much fuel will it take? (24 gallons)
Do I have enough gas? (look in the tank, if it holds 30 gallons and it's full, you're good.)

If that doesn't scare you off, go for it! Getting my pilot's license was one of the most rewarding things I ever did.

Answer 3

Concentrate on the followings:

BASIC LEVEL of-
1. Trignometry (height, base & hypotenuse) calculations
2. Physics (so that you understand transitors, computers) to understand cockpit control panels.
3. A bit of Thermodynamics (so that you understand the Engines)
4. Calculus

You will need to appear in the exams as you graduate from Student Pilot to a Private Pilot Licence and then to a Commercial Pilot which are based on the above subjects as well as on Meterology (Weather conditions).

Generally, if you concerned only for Private Pilot Licence (not Commercial Pilot Licence) then only basics of the above subjects shall suffice.

Best of Luck!

Answer 4

Part 1:
No you don't - but as danK said it helps to be able to learn things, and memorize things. Learning to do the nav work and figure out recip headings is part of the fun, do spend time learning how to use a map and compass. One of the things I figured out while I was getting my PPL a few years ago was that the FAA isn't looking for great pilots, they're looking for predictable ones. Study the questions, study the flight requirements, them give it back to them exactly as they ask for it. It's easy, if you can memorize things.
Part 2:
I was a glider pilot before I was a power pilot, and one of the most fun things about flying is learning the physics involved - energy management, induced drag, etc., really will help you be a better pilot.

Answer 5

Math, Physics, and Geography fairly. It variety of sounds humorous, yet video games ought to help you out plenty. the way ahead for aviation is already the following the position pilots are looking a flat reflects and pcs contained in the cockpit as a substitute of gauges. I easily have executed rather of flying with this variety of technologies contained in the cockpit which we call a "glass" cockpit and that i heavily exceedingly a lot forgot that i became flying a genuine airplane...it felt like i became sitting decrease back at my computer on some variety of recreation.

Answer 6

No. A basic highschool education will probably give you more than enough background. In fact the minimum age to get a license is 16

Answer 7

well, at least the physics part about gravity.

Answer 8

no, you need basic math and science skills