2007-01-15 20:31:47 · 6 answers · asked by Jeff B 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
No matter what type of aircraft you fly, you use math extensively for every flight. It is critical in flight planning, in-flight decisions, weight and balance computations, etc. You need it to plan your course, taking into account the effect of winds aloft, you must compute weight and balance of the aircraft with passengers, baggage and fuel, both for takeoff and landing, to ensure it is within appropriate limits, it is necessary to calculate fuel consumption and fuel requirements for a given flight, it is used for knowing when to begin your descent, you keep track of fuel used and time between checkpoints and use math to determine the actual effect of winds aloft on your flight and the effects thereof, including estimated time to destination, fuel requirements, and if you need to divert to a closer airport for fuel due to unanticipated unfavorable winds, etc. Yes, math is a critical component of being a pilot - furthermore, you need to be able to do a lot of those calculations quickly in your head, while in flight, and it is important that you come up with the right answers.
2007-01-15 20:52:50 · answer #1 · answered by 310Pilot 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you made it through say, 7th grade, you should have no problem with the math. There is definitely math involved, but if you can't learn to do math of that sort of complexity, you will no doubt have trouble with many, many more things in life, like making change/balancing your checkbook, etc. I would say the more challenging (and equally important) part of flying is learning and remembering all of the rules.
2007-01-16 02:56:55 · answer #2 · answered by battistin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you need math skills, however you do not need ADVANCED math skills. If you have graduated high school, you have the necessary background to do all the math involved.
We have tools to help, a calculator and a slide rule type of aviation
calculator called an E6b.
Go for it!!!!!
2007-01-15 22:19:40 · answer #3 · answered by cherokeeflyer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to have a good handle on basic math and basic geometry to be any sort of pilot. You need to be able to calculate weight and balance, fuel consumption, course deviations, time, speed and distance calculations, etc.
2007-01-15 23:47:46 · answer #4 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes , especially when you need to calculate waypoints and fuel usuage.
The physics of flying is all Math
2007-01-15 20:46:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes.
2007-01-15 20:36:55 · answer #6 · answered by RANDELL 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋