Pilots are in high demand. If you are thinking of pursuing a career as a commercial pilot, you will need to complete basic flight training.

Flight training is often thought of as simply learning how to manage the controls of an airplane. While experience at the helm is an important part of flight training, learning to successfully perform in-flight calculations is also important.

You must be prepared to brush up on your math skills during flight training if you want to become a successful pilot in the future.

1. Basic Math

Basic math is the kind of math that you learned in elementary school. Addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication are basic math components that come easy to most people.

You will use basic math quite a bit during your flight training. Common scenarios where basic math must be applied to in-flight tasks include calculating magnetic compass deviation and variation and calculating your plane's fuel weight.

Although basic math is fairly simple, a pilot must be proficient in these basic concepts in order to operate a plane safely.

2. Algebra

Some aspiring pilots are surprised to discover that they must use algebra to calculate vital information while flying a plane. Algebra is essentially a type of math that deals with symbols and the rules that govern the manipulation of those symbols.

A pilot will use algebraic equations to calculate things like ground speed and time en route and true and magnetic headings.

Technology has made it easier for pilots to perform complex algebraic equations mid-flight. You will learn how to use things like an E6B flight computer during your flight training. With this kind of flight computer, you will quickly and accurately solve algebraic equations without doing any of the intense math yourself.

3. Geometry

Geometry is the study of spatial relationships between objects. Since a plane is constantly changing its spatial relationship with various objects while in flight, geometry plays an important role in piloting a plane successfully.

One of the most common applications of geometry used by pilots is the calculation of the wind triangle. You will learn to utilize your own speed and direction to calculate wind speed and direction (referred to as the wind triangle) at any time during your flight. This information is critical when adjusting flight patterns and plane settings.

Be sure that you focus not only on the practical skills needed to fly a plane during your flight training but also on the critical math skills that will help you safely navigate the skies. Contact a flight training program for more information.