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Math requirements for pilot

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Old 21st Nov 2013, 15:16
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Talking Math requirements for pilot

Hi hope u guyz are fine i wana know how much maths is required not jux getting a ppl licence but also getting ATPL upto airliner i know basic maths but i am very very weak in maths plz help n answer my question ill be helpful to u guyz
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Old 21st Nov 2013, 15:31
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A quick search brings up the following where someone has asked the same question, but the suggestion is at about A-Level, and in Europe you wont be accepted onto a sponsored course without A-Level maths:
Maths and Physics knowledge req'd for ATPL and airline flying? [Archive] - PPRuNe Forums
It would mainly be the mechanics (rather than pure) parts of the maths course I would expect you to need.

If it helps for comparison, A-Level is the top level qualification for those leaving secondary school (aged around 18) people are likely to get in the UK.

Would you be able to complete the ATPL course with less than that? Yes I'm sure you could but you are more likely to struggle.
At PPL level, the equivalent of GCSE Maths (Mechanics section, taken at aged 16 in the UK) would be ample although through the use of a "Wizz Wheel" even this level wouldn't be required, and it should be within most people's ability.

Judging by your "text speak", you'll need to brush up on your English too!
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Old 21st Nov 2013, 16:56
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Ooo the end part hurts me well thanks bro i will make my English good well english is my second language and i am asian not European :-)
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Old 21st Nov 2013, 17:15
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Your English will not be improved by using txt spk.

99.99% of posters here refrain from using txt spk out of courtesy to everyone else. Let's make it 100%, eh?

Thanks

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Old 21st Nov 2013, 19:45
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So if i only know the math upto class 10th will i be able to pass all my exams...
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Old 21st Nov 2013, 19:53
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The use of 'A' level math is to be able to chop people at the application stage.
I don't have a level math and yet here I am flying for a large uk charter company.
As long as you know how to use formula for some of the equations then it shouldn't be a problem.
In everyday flying life it's generally simple addition or subtraction

Don't feel that you need to become a math professor to become a pilot.
Go to a flight school and ask for some advice and be determined.

Good luck.
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Old 21st Nov 2013, 20:13
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A Level MATHS
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Old 21st Nov 2013, 21:32
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A great advice from rjay but others advice cannot be neglected, i cannot do maths now at this stage but i am good in theory of flight, n i have been dreaming to become a pilot since i was achild right now i am an aircraft technician in PIA airline, i hav 3 years deploma in apprentice aerospace... Bt i never liked that its very tough n hard and now i want to become a pilot. Jux a question rises here will my 3 years diploma apprentice aerospace will give any advantage in getting airline job?
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Old 21st Nov 2013, 23:36
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Captfahad, you may be able to get into the training with just the basic math skills, and there are lots and lots of devices available to compensate your shortcomings. Nevertheless, you may want to put some effort into improving your mental calculation skills above the required minimum level, as it will simplify your flying life immensely. Most flying-related tasks require four types of operations, in the order of decreasing importance:
  • Exact arithmetic operations - add/subtract, multiply by 2, divide by 2
  • Approximate arithmetic operations (with rounding) - multiply, divide
  • Approximate simple trigonometry
  • Use of Pythagorean theorem
Alternatively, try as many different types of devices as you can find and pick the one you like. I would also strongly recommend asking experienced military pilots for help in choosing one and/or learning the mental tricks, and do so while you are still in Pakistan - I was told your Air Force has a very strong training culture.
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Old 22nd Nov 2013, 06:31
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In addition to the precise math that you may learn at school, and which require pen, paper, calculator and whatnot to perform properly, I find that you also need to be pretty strong in guestimating. Without any tools, but possibly using some rules of thumb.

Here's a quick example. You fly due north for a minute at 100 knots. You then fly east for a minute at 100 knots. Wind is from the NW at 10 knots. Where approximately are you now (both distance and bearing) from the starting point?
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Old 22nd Nov 2013, 09:32
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Thanks ultranomad its a great advice yes i am in Pakistan and i am a technician in PIA airforce people are sooo hard to find on roads u hav to take time to meet the armed forces here because of the critical situation goin around yhe world but specialy in Pakistan but i will consider your advice n look forward to it bro thanks :-)
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Old 22nd Nov 2013, 11:44
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Learn the 3 times tables. An alleged A320 pilot asked how to work out descent point. What do they teach these days?
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Old 22nd Nov 2013, 12:03
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riverock 83 wrote:

A-Level is the top level qualification for those leaving secondary school (aged around 18) people are likely to get in the UK.

Would you be able to complete the ATPL course with less than that? Yes I'm sure you could but you are more likely to struggle.
Thought provoking. Circa 1980 you needed Grade C 'O' level maths to enter the RAF and RN for pilot training. I had Grade A '0' level maths and that certainly sufficed for both the RAF and my ATPL exams in the 1990's.

So, I am surprised at the comment that 'A' level maths is needed for the ATPL exams these days.

Unless, that is, the current GCSE maths syllabus is so dumbed down that it caused a problem . . .
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Old 22nd Nov 2013, 12:10
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Originally Posted by kharmael
A Level MATHS
mathematics!

"math" is the standard US-English abbreviation
"maths" is the standard British-English abbreviation.

Given that the OP is in Pakistan, where US English is quite commonly taught, I think he should be forgiven that (if not the txt spk).
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Old 22nd Nov 2013, 13:17
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And how have our vigilant mods left this question about ATPL training in the "private flying" forum all this while?
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Old 22nd Nov 2013, 16:02
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Why every one say abt my english here guyz my english may look wrong in text but i am fluent and second of all literacy rate of pakistan is very low and even there are many pilots whos english are not up to the level bt they are still flying... My english is not that bad it hurts i am still trying to make it better bt it really disappoint me :-(
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Old 22nd Nov 2013, 17:53
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Originally Posted by Captfahad
Why every one say abt my english here guyz my english may look wrong in text but i am fluent and second of all literacy rate of pakistan is very low and even there are many pilots whos english are not up to the level bt they are still flying... My english is not that bad it hurts i am still trying to make it better bt it really disappoint me :-(
And you're young and still studying - which we all understand.

But, globally, written English is important to aircraft engineers - it's how we send and receive work instructions, and log information. It will need to be a lot better than you're writing here to get far.

G
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Old 22nd Nov 2013, 18:02
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And how have our vigilant mods left this question about ATPL training in the "private flying" forum all this while?
I moved it to the correct forum before it was approved, but found it put back here - presumably because of the txt spk in the initial post. I guess they wanted to maintain standards!

SD
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Old 22nd Nov 2013, 19:24
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Could "A-Level Maths" not be considered a proper noun and have unique spelling?

Not solely correcting the OP in my spate of rage
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Old 23rd Nov 2013, 13:11
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Often wondered what you win, in a competition of pedantry ?
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