How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviation?

Jeremy

Jeremy

New Member
I know that Math and Sciences are very important things to proficient in when becoming a pilot.

I realize that Physics and calculus and stuff like that are necessary to have down, but do you really use it day-to-day as a pilot?

Also, I wanted to ask for anyone's opinion. Right now I have all A's and one B in Algebra (highest math class for my grade). Is it of high importance that I get high A's in math to become a pilot, or am I doing fine?
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

Math is important but its not rocket science math you have to do, basic algebra for the most part.

and you have lots of tools to help: calculators, flight computers, performance charts, etc....
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

Sounds like you're on the right track. The grades are to get you into a decent college not really to make you a super pilot. What a pilot really needs to know as far as math goes is very simple.
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

I think being a pilot requires about a 5th or 6th grade level of math proficiency.
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

Quick, simple, mental math will make you a better pilot.
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

2 sugars per 1 cup of coffee.
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

Okay... So when I've heard people say that majoring in Physics is the best thing to do in college (if you want to become a pilot), really just is telling companies that "I am really good at math"?
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

Jeremy said:
Okay... So when I've heard people say that majoring in Physics is the best thing to do in college (if you want to become a pilot), really just is telling companies that "I am really good at math"?
Click to expand...

Here is your poor post grad advice. Do whatever it takes to get a degree then beg, borrow, and steal flight time. Airlines aren't going to give a if you took physics 3 and got an A. They want to make sure you got the minimum hour requirements and maybe a rec or two. Stimulate the brain while your in college and try to get everything out of it that'll improve your LIFE not for what it'll do for your future career.
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

Good to hear this. :)
I'm not exactly the greatest when it comes to math.
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

All I know is 1+1=3 and look at me....I'm awesome.

May I ask where you heard the old "you MUST major in physics" line and why everyone who doesn't really know anything about aviation tells everyone that?

From my limited experience, mikecweb's advice was dead on. You will never need to find the cos/tan/ or square root of anything while flying, just know how to add, subtract, multiply and divide, throw in a side of common sense and you're golden. I hate math and am not good at it, and have never had an issue with it. The more you know the better, but majoring in physics doesn't make you a good pilot, being a good pilot makes you a good pilot.
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

I have worked for four airlines and literally know thousands of pilots. Only two of those had math degrees. Most have business, aviation, or liberal arts degrees. Mine is in Finance. BTW, I can barely count to ten without use of my fingers.;)
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

Okay, this is good news to me also...

How about majoring in aviation? How big of a difference will that make?
I probably would not do this, since I'm pretty messed up if flying doesn't work out for me.
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

Jeremy said:
Okay, this is good news to me also...

How about majoring in aviation? How big of a difference will that make?
I probably would not do this, since I'm pretty messed up if flying doesn't work out for me.
Click to expand...

Major in whatever you want. I have been on airline pilot interview boards. Airlines don't really care just as long it is a four-year degree.
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

Jeremy said:
I realize that Physics and calculus and stuff like that are necessary to have down
Click to expand...

ha, calculus to fly a plane?

I haven't yet seen anyone break out the TI-89 while at the controls.
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

Jeremy said:
Okay, this is good news to me also...

How about majoring in aviation? How big of a difference will that make?
I probably would not do this, since I'm pretty messed up if flying doesn't work out for me.
Click to expand...

well, there are tons of other jobs in aviation besides flying. Think airline management, airport management, and the list goes on. I have a degree in aviation management. IF you really like the aviation industry, its not a bad deal. Saying that, its equally beneficial to get a degree in something completely unrelated... i just had a single interest when I was in college.
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

SIUav8er said:
well, there are tons of other jobs in aviation besides flying. Think airline management, airport management, and the list goes on. I have a degree in aviation management. IF you really like the aviation industry, its not a bad deal. Saying that, its equally beneficial to get a degree in something completely unrelated... i just had a single interest when I was in college.
Click to expand...

Okay... But I was thinking that say I was laid off by my airline, and I needed to find a new job. If I had a degree in Airline Management, they wouldn't be hiring... Right?
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

So for a major it doesn't matter whatsoever?

I know this question is kind of hard to answer, since all airlines are different, but since my "back-up plan" would probably be something in journalism, it wouldn't make a difference to have on your degree Aviation or Journalism?
 
Re: How much does mathematics REALLY have to do with aviatio

Jeremy said:
So for a major it doesn't matter whatsoever?

I know this question is kind of hard to answer, since all airlines are different, but since my "back-up plan" would probably be something in journalism, it wouldn't make a difference to have on your degree Aviation or Journalism?
Click to expand...
Undergrad degrees check a box. I'd probably wouldn't have finished my degree if it wasn't anything but aviation. At the time it was my only interest. If you have something else that interest you by all means get a degree in something else. If I was going to school today I'd probably major in finance with a minor in getting laid.
 
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