physics for a pilot

TheBoss11

So basically I've always wanted to become an airline pilot. I'm 20 and currently studying a degree in a field away from aviation (more business orientated). I've a few hours in a cessna and really love flying. However, I've never done physics for the leaving cert or any science at that. I'm fairly decent at maths (ordinary level C-B ish) although I'm aware that you just need the basics of maths. I'm thinking of going to Jerez after I finish my degree but I'm doubting they'd take someone who has never done physics, if they did - would I be at a disadvantage in terms of getting employed? Do airlines look above this or do they not consider LC grades once you've the qualification (fATPL)

Sorry for the big lecture it's just playing on my mind. What can I do in terms of making myself look better ro flight schools and airline HRs in this situation?

Cheers guys, I look forward to hearing from you.

yaeger

If you can write a cheque id say you will do fine!
Your doing a degree at present so have the ability to apply yourself to a course of study, it aint rocket science.

Good luck

TheBoss11

yaeger wrote: »

If you can write a cheque id say you will do fine!
Your doing a degree at present so have the ability to apply yourself to a course of study, it aint rocket science.

Good luck

Haha true, but I'm sure there's a tad bit if intelligence involved too. I suppose as you said the degree will show I can apply myself. Cheers for your response

FWVT

Like all things in the Universe, Physics explains how planes stay in the air, and also why the fall out of it, however, you do not need any level of Physics to become a pilot. Maths is more important, but a proper attitude is the most important.

TheBoss11

FWVT wrote: »

Like all things in the Universe, Physics explains how planes stay in the air, and also why the fall out of it, however, you do not need any level of Physics to become a pilot. Maths is more important, but a proper attitude is the most important.

Im constantly reading about flight and newtons theory and bernoullis theory of flight. I've a very good understanding of it and the physics of flight (stalling ect) it's just the fact I've never done it might make me a weak link in terms of finding employment. My maths is definitely up to standard though. I'd for any airline in any country, I'd devote my life to being a pilot and I have been, to the extent that I've hardly any social life anymore (saving every penny I earn leaving myself with no money to do anything)

FWVT

TheBoss11 wrote: »

Im constantly reading about flight and newtons theory and bernoullis theory of flight. I've a very good understanding of it and the physics of flight (stalling ect) it's just the fact I've never done it might make me a weak link in terms of finding employment. My maths is definitely up to standard though. I'd for any airline in any country, I'd devote my life to being a pilot and I have been, to the extent that I've hardly any social life anymore (saving every penny I earn leaving myself with no money to do anything)

There's the attitude bit I was talking about. No amount of Physics can better that.

As far as I know employers don't look for Physics qualificatìons. If you have your licenses then you have passed the knowledge part of the theory of flight and that's enough.

TheBoss11

FWVT wrote: »

There's the attitude bit I was talking about. No amount of Physics can better that.

As far as I know employers don't look for Physics qualificatìons. If you have your licenses then you have passed the knowledge part of the theory of flight and that's enough.

Thank you very much. I feel a bit better knowing that. Hopefully it all falls into place now. Cheers

Stovepipe

No physics required. I got a D in pass maths in LC and still passed my ATPL exams (melted my head but I passed!) and 99.99 % of all aviation maths is adding and subtraction, dividing and multiplying.The aeroplane is smarter than you are...there are a few calculations such as converting fuel delivery in litres to weight in kg or working out C of G on a load sheet but anything else is basic stuff.

Chuck Aaron

When those engines cut out I promise you the first thing on your mind will NOT be 'I wish to God I'd have taken a Physics class'.

Put the work in and study, get the exams, listen to the instructor and keep a positive safety oriented attitude...All you need then is the €70 grand to be able to pay for it all.

G'luck.

TheBoss11

Stovepipe wrote: »

No physics required. I got a D in pass maths in LC and still passed my ATPL exams (melted my head but I passed!) and 99.99 % of all aviation maths is adding and subtraction, dividing and multiplying.The aeroplane is smarter than you are...there are a few calculations such as converting fuel delivery in litres to weight in kg or working out C of G on a load sheet but anything else is basic stuff.

Yeah I've been in the flight deck for flights with airlines and have witnessed the maths during flight, I think people blow it out of proportion when they say you need higher level A in maths. You do need a decent background in maths though but the LC certainly doesn't justify this. did you get a cadetship in an airline?

Stovepipe

No, Im an aircraft engineer. Decided to get CPL, so did ATPLs and eventually got CPL and Multi-IR. tried various airlines but didn't get past first base in the end. Too costly to keep up IR and other things came along. I did do about a year as a parachute pilot and I fly GA aircraft for entertainment these days.But, when it came to the exams, I was daunted by the prospect of the maths but found that repeated practise and graft helped me pass. hardest maths in ATPLs is in Navigation exams. It takes application, not genius.

TheBoss11

Stovepipe wrote: »

No, Im an aircraft engineer. Decided to get CPL, so did ATPLs and eventually got CPL and Multi-IR. tried various airlines but didn't get past first base in the end. Too costly to keep up IR and other things came along. I did do about a year as a parachute pilot and I fly GA aircraft for entertainment these days.But, when it came to the exams, I was daunted by the prospect of the maths but found that repeated practise and graft helped me pass. hardest maths in ATPLs is in Navigation exams. It takes application, not genius.

My biggest fear would be spending the guts of 100,000 and not getting a job in the end. I suppose I could always fky for fun though.

Chuck Aaron

Stovepipe wrote: »

No, Im an aircraft engineer. Decided to get CPL, so did ATPLs and eventually got CPL and Multi-IR. tried various airlines but didn't get past first base in the end. Too costly to keep up IR and other things came along. I did do about a year as a parachute pilot and I fly GA aircraft for entertainment these days.But, when it came to the exams, I was daunted by the prospect of the maths but found that repeated practise and graft helped me pass. hardest maths in ATPLs is in Navigation exams. It takes application, not genius.

Persistence is the key with the theory and maths side of things as you said. Keep hammering away at it and eventually it'll all be as simple as pie, trick is to realise this and not to get too overwhelmed, especially if you're under the gun time wise.

That's very disheartening to hear you went all the way only to not get a job with the airlines, you seem to have dealt with it and got on with things, FairPlay.

TheBoss11

I've another question guys. I done terrible in my junior cert it was a very difficult period in my life. My leaving cert was pretty average too (320 points) I passed everything though. I'm just wondering do airlines actually take into consideration the 2nd level exam results or would they be more concerned about the ATPL results?

Chuck Aaron

TheBoss11 wrote: »

I've another question guys. I done terrible in my junior cert it was a very difficult period in my life. My leaving cert was pretty average too (320 points) I passed everything though. I'm just wondering do airlines actually take into consideration the 2nd level exam results or would they be more concerned about the ATPL results?

Don't worry about the secondary school exams lad, get through the ATPL's, even then the TRI will be tougher than the ATPL's in certain circumstances.

If you can download one or two of the iPad ATPL Pad Pilot books and become familiar with what you're going to have to learn might be a good idea.

Irish Steve

from a practical point of view, being able to use the computer (not a PC style) keyboard at 20 words per minute will be more important than physics.

The Flight management systems are the core to just about everything on the modern aircraft, and while they've improved over time, there are times when the interface into those system is pretty basic, and not altogether user friendly.

Where it can get very "interesting" is if the input system uses the track ball system, and you're in turbulence, which means that accurate cursor placement can be "challenging", if not almost impossible. Those are the scenarios where you don't want a late change of runway and arrival route just before it's going to happen, getting the computer to agree with the change made to the clearance by ATC can be hard if you're not fast on the interface devices. The older FMS keyboards can be a also be an interesting challenge if you're not used to them.

TheBoss11

Chuck Aaron wrote: »

Don't worry about the secondary school exams lad, get through the ATPL's, even then the TRI will be tougher than the ATPL's in certain circumstances.

If you can download one or two of the iPad ATPL Pad Pilot books and become familiar with what you're going to have to learn might be a good idea.

That's the best news I've heard in ages! Thank god the secondary exams don't matter.

Yes I've heard the TR courses are very very intense, but with commitment and effort it's achievable. Thanks for the advice I truly appreciate it!!

cerastes

Irish Steve wrote: »

from a practical point of view, being able to use the computer (not a PC style) keyboard at 20 words per minute will be more important than physics.

The Flight management systems are the core to just about everything on the modern aircraft, and while they've improved over time, there are times when the interface into those system is pretty basic, and not altogether user friendly.

Where it can get very "interesting" is if the input system uses the track ball system, and you're in turbulence, which means that accurate cursor placement can be "challenging", if not almost impossible. Those are the scenarios where you don't want a late change of runway and arrival route just before it's going to happen, getting the computer to agree with the change made to the clearance by ATC can be hard if you're not fast on the interface devices. The older FMS keyboards can be a also be an interesting challenge if you're not used to them.

What do you mean not a PC style? What layout are you referring too.

TheBoss11

cerastes wrote: »

What do you mean not a PC style? What layout are you referring too.

A flight management system

cerastes

Looks like a qwerty layout

Cessna_Pilot

As much as saying the LC results don't matter it certainly doesn't excuse you from trying your best to get good marks.
Say for example you didn't do great in the LC but went on and got your cpl but still couldn't get a job interview, or lost your medical etc so couldn't fly. You need something to fall back on, possibly the ability to go do a degree etc.

TheBoss11

Cessna_Pilot wrote: »

As much as saying the LC results don't matter it certainly doesn't excuse you from trying your best to get good marks.
Say for example you didn't do great in the LC but went on and got your cpl but still couldn't get a job interview, or lost your medical etc so couldn't fly. You need something to fall back on, possibly the ability to go do a degree etc.

Don't get me wrong my LC results aren't bad there just pretty average, I done 4 higher subjects. I got in around 300 points I'm not certain. I'm Currently in college studying a degree for my "fall back" but I hope I never have to work in the area the degree is in, nothing interests me except flying.

Stovepipe

You have to show to an interview board that you have commitment, work hard and are dependable, reliable and can be trusted.Even if you are bored with this degree, make the effort for a good result. If you rock up with a poor pass, it won't reflect well. Pilots are expected to take on further roles in an airline such as training, crew management, operations management and so on and it's not all about flying, the further up the chain you go. they put a strong emphasis on third-level education for management and senior aircrew.

Irish Steve

cerastes wrote: »

What do you mean not a PC style? What layout are you referring too.

Something like this, which is used on many of the 737 family, and it takes a little getting used to.