Expert: D. Norkus - 7/10/2004

Question
hi,
i am a junior high student(9th grade) and i was wondering what should i really start studying like EX:math ect  and what are the requirments to be a commercial airline pilot? thanks for your time ~john

Answer
John

There are no specific subjects that one needs to study to become an pilot. While many people stress that physics and math are important, commercial pilots do not use higher mathematics like physics & calculus on the job. Only basic addition, subtraction & simplified algebra skills are needed in the cockpit.

The extent of ones application would included a weight & balance manifest that is done with addition & subtraction. However, at many airlines this is now automated and the pilot doesn't even do it anyomore.

The applications for algebra would include figuring time/speed/distance problems, usually using rounded figures that can be figured in your head for some quick  ballpark numbers. If you were flying at 35,000 ft and needed to descend to 20,000 by a given navigational point  you would need to figure out your descent rate and initiate it by the appropriate point to cross the nav beacon at the assigned altitude. Again, in the newer technology airplanes, computers do this math for the pilot so these days even a poor math student become an airline pilot.

If anything computers may be the subject to get into as the cockpits you would be flying in are increasingly automated and onboard computers are like a silent extra crewmember.

All the requirements for the Private, Instrument, Commercial & Airline Transport Pilot licenses can be viewed in detail here:

http://www.flightinfo.com/learntofly.htm

Although one may earn their commercial license at the FAA minimum of 250 hours, one will not become an airline pilot at that level of experience. One can train for 12-18 months to get their commercial license at age 18, but it will take 1-3 years to get enough flight time built up to qualify to apply to a regional airline. Please see my website about flight training and careers for anwsers to common questions and let me know if you need to know more. I also have many useful links at the bottom for further information aspiring pilots need to know.

www.geocities.com/av8trxx99/FAQ.html


Dottie