I have a question about pilots....?

Question

i have a math project due next week and i need to know 3 specific ways how PILOTS deal with math...thxs

Answer 1

1. Calculators
2. Ask a buddy
3. Guessing

Answer 2

Pilots use math:

1) Addition/subtraction to calculate the weight & balance for each flight (although widely it is computerized now)

Reciprocal headings
If known heading is 0 -180, add 200 and subtract 20. If known heading is 181 - 360, subtract 200 and add 20. This is easier and quicker than trying to add or substract 180. Example: the heading of 120 is 120 + 200 = 320, 320 - 20 =300 degrees
Reciprocal of 210 is 210 - 200 = 10, 10 + 20 = 30 degrees

2) Basic multiplication or algebra to calculate:

Rate of decsent/RD required to be at certain altitude in a given distance (a pilot may be asked to cross a navigation fix at specific altitude and they need to know how fast to descent to do so) . Figure R/D (feet/min) = speed number x altitude (feet) divided by the distance (NM) Example descend 17000 feet in the next 28 NM and your speed is 240 kt, R/D = 4 x 17000 / 28 = 2400 feet/min

3) These are "rules of thumb" using rounded numbers that pilots apply to find out:

To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply the current temperature by 9, divide that number by 5 then add 32.
A temp of 35 C multiplied by 9 it equals 315, divided b y 5 equals 63, then add 32, which equals 95 F.

Density altitude
It increases by about 120 feet for each degree Celsius above standard temperature. Example: Pressure altitude = 1600 ft, temperature = 35°C. Standard temperature at this altitude is 15 - (1.6 x 2) » 12°C. Ambient temperature of 35°C is 23°C above standard. So density altitude is about 1600 + (120 x 23) = 1600 + 2760 » 4360 feet. The correct value is about 4220 ft.

To estimate the distance from the airport to begin a descent, multiply altitude (whole numbers) by three and add ten
Example: to descend from (35,000 feet) 3 x 35 = 105 + 10 = 115 miles

The approximate descent rate (in fpm) needed to stay on an ILS glide slope, they multiply the ground speed (in knots) by 5.

Figure visibility required to see threshold at VDP/visual descent point (Non-Precision Approach)
Vis (m) = 6 x MDA (feet)

Ground speed times GS (in NM/min) = 10 x Mach number

While there may be a lot of terminology you don't quite understand, you can still get the idea of what kind of math is required via these examples. It is basically only simple formulas using rounded numbers in their heads. Every thing else is done via computers these days.

Answer 3

There are time speed and distance problems, fuel burn problems, and weight and balance problems.
When I first started my career in aviation we did not have electronic calculators, we used the E6B or "whiz wheel" Going through flight engineer school back in the day, the very first FE class I had was on how to use a slide rule to do your calculations. Life has sure gotten better since those days.

Answer 4

Pilots use math in calculating weight and balance to assure a safe takeoff and flight.

They also use it to calculate fuel consumption to make sure they have enough fuel for the flight.

They also use it for navigation, to determine how far they have gone, what speed they have traveled and when they can estimate arriving at their destination.

Answer 5

1.) projected angle to enter the tarmac at when landing. too high, and the planes nose will hit. too low, and the plane will bottom out.

2.) Pilots have to set speed according to flight plan, cant arrive too early, or too late, it will mess up other flights.

3.) Pilots have to figure out fuel mileage if im not mistaken.

Answer 6

We calculate how far we can safely fly the aircraft given the wind, the amount of fuel on board, the speed of the aircraft, and the rate of fuel burn.

We calculate the center of gravity of the airplane, as it is loaded, to ensure that it is within limits.

We calculate the effect of atmospheric conditions on the aircraft's ability to take off.

Answer 7

Navigation plotting, weight & balance of the aircraft, fuel consumption. You only asked for three.

Answer 8

multipliing
dividing
making a sum of numbers.