Maths , how can I become Rachael Riley?

[PilotINOP]

I’ve been out of school a few years now, I wasn’t particularly a genius when it comes to maths in school, I was about average but struggled more than others, my fault mainly as I never really paid attention till it was too late, since leaving school and not using anymore than basic coin adding in my job for a few years my math talent has slipped massively, my mental maths isn’t as sharp as it use to be either. Looking to start flight training now next year, any of you people got tips to help get my math skills back up, areas to focus on, websites, books etc ? Be much appreciated to bring my maths skills back to how they was and hopefully become a male Rachael Riley.

All tears and no cheers
PilotINOP

[MechEngr]

Khan Academy. Start at the very beginning. You may think, I can handle addition, and probably so. Can you handle being quizzed on addition? Less probably so. It's free; a sign-up is only required to have them keep track of your progress and it takes you rather far into math.

[galm]

You will need to be proficient in basic GCSE level math.

Ratios, trigonometry, division and multiplication (typically by 60), and basic speed/distance/time calculations, unit conversions.

You should be able to roughly answer such questions mentally too, as the Mental Maths KSA should contain these.

Take a look at EASA’s learning objectives and look for the math-related points, typically under the subjects General Navigation, Flight Planning, Principles of Flight.

[RichardH]

PilotINOP as a former ATPL theory instructor I was alarmed at the standard of maths particularly from UK students, some had to get a calculator to work out 10% of 200.

However you don't need to be a maths genius (no differential calculus or quadratic equations) but these are some of the key areas:-
1. Being able to re-arrange basic formula eg. Distance = Speed * Time.
2. Cross multiplication of formula
3. Percentages - increase/decrease and back working net
4. Being able to interpolate tables and graphs
5. Pythagoras - SOHCAHTOA
6. Understand that your navigational computer (CRP-5) has a logarithmic scale

Most of the time any calculations will be done on a scientific calculator or CRP-5 in a classroom but when out flying and also recently introduced into ATPLs you are going to have to use some simple mental arithmetic.

​​​​​​​Even when using a calculator get into the habit of gross error checking your answer (is the answer reasonable & is the decimal point in the correct place).

You shall also need to know some basic physics such as the gas laws.

You could start with the BBC bitesize but Bristol Ground School (BGS), CATS & Padpilot (there may be more) offer a Maths & Physics for Pilots book/download which will be a more focused option.

​​​​​​​All the best RichardH.

[PilotINOP]

PilotINOP as a former ATPL theory instructor I was alarmed at the standard of maths particularly from UK students, some had to get a calculator to work out 10% of 200.

However you don't need to be a maths genius (no differential calculus or quadratic equations) but these are some of the key areas:-
1. Being able to re-arrange basic formula eg. Distance = Speed * Time.
2. Cross multiplication of formula
3. Percentages - increase/decrease and back working net
4. Being able to interpolate tables and graphs
5. Pythagoras - SOHCAHTOA
6. Understand that your navigational computer (CRP-5) has a logarithmic scale

Most of the time any calculations will be done on a scientific calculator or CRP-5 in a classroom but when out flying and also recently introduced into ATPLs you are going to have to use some simple mental arithmetic.

Even when using a calculator get into the habit of gross error checking your answer (is the answer reasonable & is the decimal point in the correct place).

You shall also need to know some basic physics such as the gas laws.

You could start with the BBC bitesize but Bristol Ground School (BGS), CATS & Padpilot (there may be more) offer a Maths & Physics for Pilots book/download which will be a more focused option.

​​​​​​​All the best RichardH.

I’m glad to say I’m not that **** 🤣, good to know I’m above some of the ATPL lot with my maths as I don’t mean to show off, I can do 10% of 200 without a calculator 😎🤣

Cheers for all the info! It’s good to read the focus areas though as I use to be semi decent at that stuff back in school, however having not done it for some many years the skill has slipped so just need to sharpen them back up.

I’ll check out all them websites and the downloadables from BGS. Thanks!

​​​​​​​-PilotINOP

[PilotINOP]

Khan Academy. Start at the very beginning. You may think, I can handle addition, and probably so. Can you handle being quizzed on addition? Less probably so. It's free; a sign-up is only required to have them keep track of your progress and it takes you rather far into math.

never seen that website before. Just checked it out. Looks pretty decent and signed up. Cheers!

-PilotINOP