I'm planning to take up aviation once I graduate high school. So can anyone give me the FULL list of high school subjects (giving emphasis to fields of mathematics) that I need to be proficient at so I'll be well equipped when I join flight school?
Thanks for the help!
Don't get me wrong, the more you learn the better, but some people who don't know any better feel like you have to have a PhD in physics to be a pilot and completely ignore the bigger issues.
This is my experience as a person who has trained through their commercial pilot land. I know there are many airline pilots on YA who could give a far more detailed answer especially as the ATP written is concerned.
The only math I'd suggest putting extra emphasis on is algebra and trig. Really most of math in flying (time enroute, fuel burn etc) at the most low tech levels is done on an E6B. Takes about 15 minutes to learn the ropes and once you pass your private you can use an electronic one which is just like a calculator. Flying big iron you'll have a flight computer to handle all that for you. Trig only really comes in handy when you're running a ground speed check sans area nav equipment (GPS, intertial or LORAN). Even then a) 99% of all speed math in aviation can be done by either multiplying or dividing a number by 60 and b) it is much easier just to ask a controller for your ground speed readout if you're talking to ATC. There are other advanced formulas requiring trig or the like, but they only really qualify as cool to know, but nothing you'd ever use for the most part. As long as you have an average understanding of math, the formulas will be taught (hence the it would be good to be decent at algebra) such as weight and balance shift. As an example, drop the last zero in your groundspeed to get how far you'll fly in 6 minutes. I don't need a PhD to drop a zero. Fuel burn is X pounds / gallons per hour and at my speed I'll need to fly for Y hours. I have Z pounds and X times Y is less than Z and i stil have the FAA or company required reserve fuel left over, yup I'll get there. That is all pretty basic math.
It would be nice to know some physics, but like everything else, if you are decent at science it will be taught to you and you'll be able to put 2 and 2 together. Sure when you learn about P factor early on it might be cool to know the force applied given RPM and prop size and know the rudder effectiveness and the exact deflection needed, but really, just keep your foot on the rudder and keep the pointy end aimed down the runway.
If it is offered focus on weather, fluid dynamics, electronics, law and auto shop. Not saying to skimp on the math or science, they are important. Don't take the dummy math class, but don't take AP calc at the expense of a weather class. You're far more likely to get killed not knowing about weather or mechanics than by not knowing the lift drag ratio. A micro burst is going to ruin your day / life if you don't know what conditions they form in. Likewise while no HS auto shop won't teach you how a jet engine works, all engines suck in air, suck in fuel, compress the two, blow it up and spit it out. The other three, well, air is essentially a fluid and the fuel is a fluid. Also you'll have to know a decent bit about avionics etc. Lastly, law seems odd, but if you get around to reading the FAR's (and you will know them all too well) it'd be nice to know how to read lawyer speak.
Lastly, I'd strongly advise against going to a university that only offers aviation degrees as has been suggested. While the person that suggested that is very young and most certianly far more mature for their age than many, I ask you to consider this. I've never seen an airline that specified a math or science related degree. Most commercial pilots I know have degrees in liberal arts (english, poly sci and the like). They didn't have any trouble getting hired by major airlines. On the flip side, if (and most pilots do) you get fulroughed, how are you going to support yourself? Your flight hours and degree in aviation are virtually worthless on the general job market. I'd look in to getting a degree in something other than aviation as a fall back. All the airlines want is a 4 year degree, doesn't matter in what.
Again, I'm not bashing math or science, I'm just saying there are other subjects that would be more relevant. Best of luck to you in the future.
#1 by Kurt T on June 11th, 2009
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Hi!
Are you taking A-Levels, an IB diploma or AP classes? Well good luck to you! Haha
Anyway, I believe that almost every technical or science endeavour requires mathematics. After all, it is part of your job to be knowledgeable in Mathematics.
As to which topics in Mathematics you need to know, you need to know Algebra, Calculus and Analysis, Geometry, Trigonometry, Number Theory and Probability & Statistics. These topics are usually covered in high school so don't worry. Other than these topics, you might want to pursue mathematical physics (if there's such an elective in your school).
Other than Mathematics, you must also have a competent knowledge of Chemistry and Physics. Chemistry well, after all, is the central science. It is very essential when it comes to matter, and how electrons flow and all that… the usual Chem stuff. Physics, on the other hand, will provide you a basic knowledge of matter exposed to atmosphere, such as vectors, kinematics, air resistance – all essential in learing how to fly.
I hope this helps. I hope you can get into a flight school.
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#2 by Mark on June 11th, 2009
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–In what country?
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#3 by ben p on June 11th, 2009
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Depends but mostlikely PHysics.
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#4 by Future Airline Pilot on June 11th, 2009
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You can begin flight school at any age – why are you waiting? Look at me – I'm only 13 but I'm starting right now. Since it takes a good 10-15 years before you get hired, you shouldn't wait. I don't know about high school but before you get hired by the airlines you need a four-year degree in either science, math or aeronautics. I highly recommend Embry-Riddle. It's an aviation college located in Arizona and Daytona, FL. As far as high-school goes, just try to do your best in math and science. You don't need to be good in any subjects to get into flight school. You can find schools near you at learntofly.com & beapilot.com If you attend Embry-Riddle I think you can take flying lessons and get a degree at the same place.
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#5 by rinky on June 11th, 2009
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english, physics, mathamatics, drama.
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#6 by terry r on June 11th, 2009
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math, math and more math
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#7 by deltax27 on June 11th, 2009
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To pursue an Aeronautical degree after high school the best prepping in high school would be for you to take all the maths you can to prepare you for the levels of math and physics you will need to take in college. Earth Science so you will be prepared for the Meteorology classes in college and it will also help you to understand Navigation a bit more. Physics so you will have a nice foundation for the physics classes you will need to take in college. Some principles of chemistry are very useful as well. Astronomy could be useful as well.
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Currently pursuing B.S. in Aeronautics
#8 by Kevin on June 11th, 2009
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Don't get me wrong, the more you learn the better, but some people who don't know any better feel like you have to have a PhD in physics to be a pilot and completely ignore the bigger issues.
This is my experience as a person who has trained through their commercial pilot land. I know there are many airline pilots on YA who could give a far more detailed answer especially as the ATP written is concerned.
The only math I'd suggest putting extra emphasis on is algebra and trig. Really most of math in flying (time enroute, fuel burn etc) at the most low tech levels is done on an E6B. Takes about 15 minutes to learn the ropes and once you pass your private you can use an electronic one which is just like a calculator. Flying big iron you'll have a flight computer to handle all that for you. Trig only really comes in handy when you're running a ground speed check sans area nav equipment (GPS, intertial or LORAN). Even then a) 99% of all speed math in aviation can be done by either multiplying or dividing a number by 60 and b) it is much easier just to ask a controller for your ground speed readout if you're talking to ATC. There are other advanced formulas requiring trig or the like, but they only really qualify as cool to know, but nothing you'd ever use for the most part. As long as you have an average understanding of math, the formulas will be taught (hence the it would be good to be decent at algebra) such as weight and balance shift. As an example, drop the last zero in your groundspeed to get how far you'll fly in 6 minutes. I don't need a PhD to drop a zero. Fuel burn is X pounds / gallons per hour and at my speed I'll need to fly for Y hours. I have Z pounds and X times Y is less than Z and i stil have the FAA or company required reserve fuel left over, yup I'll get there. That is all pretty basic math.
It would be nice to know some physics, but like everything else, if you are decent at science it will be taught to you and you'll be able to put 2 and 2 together. Sure when you learn about P factor early on it might be cool to know the force applied given RPM and prop size and know the rudder effectiveness and the exact deflection needed, but really, just keep your foot on the rudder and keep the pointy end aimed down the runway.
If it is offered focus on weather, fluid dynamics, electronics, law and auto shop. Not saying to skimp on the math or science, they are important. Don't take the dummy math class, but don't take AP calc at the expense of a weather class. You're far more likely to get killed not knowing about weather or mechanics than by not knowing the lift drag ratio. A micro burst is going to ruin your day / life if you don't know what conditions they form in. Likewise while no HS auto shop won't teach you how a jet engine works, all engines suck in air, suck in fuel, compress the two, blow it up and spit it out. The other three, well, air is essentially a fluid and the fuel is a fluid. Also you'll have to know a decent bit about avionics etc. Lastly, law seems odd, but if you get around to reading the FAR's (and you will know them all too well) it'd be nice to know how to read lawyer speak.
Lastly, I'd strongly advise against going to a university that only offers aviation degrees as has been suggested. While the person that suggested that is very young and most certianly far more mature for their age than many, I ask you to consider this. I've never seen an airline that specified a math or science related degree. Most commercial pilots I know have degrees in liberal arts (english, poly sci and the like). They didn't have any trouble getting hired by major airlines. On the flip side, if (and most pilots do) you get fulroughed, how are you going to support yourself? Your flight hours and degree in aviation are virtually worthless on the general job market. I'd look in to getting a degree in something other than aviation as a fall back. All the airlines want is a 4 year degree, doesn't matter in what.
Again, I'm not bashing math or science, I'm just saying there are other subjects that would be more relevant. Best of luck to you in the future.
References :