6 School Subjects You Need To Become A Pilot

You dream about becoming a pilot, and you don’t know what school subjects you need to study more. I’m here to help you with this task 🙂

If you don’t like math, physics or chemistry at school, then reconsider! Why? Because aviation is all about math and physics. Ok, let me explain this and also guide you through the subjects’ importance.

1. MATHEMATICS – Now some of you guys become unhappy, as, yes some of us find this subject daunting or boring. But, don’t worry, we are not here to solve complicated algorithms. It just needs basic knowledge. Knowledge of mental arithmetic including, but not limited to: addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. You have to be good with numbers because you will be dealing with factors such as weather, weight, time, altitude, descent rate, take-off/landing distance, fuel capacity, etc.

Now you are thinking, well, where are the calculators left then? Most pilots use calculators, but, sometimes a situation may arise where you do not have time to use a calculator, and so you will have to rely on your mental maths skills. You do not to be precise to a specific decimal point, but you must have a reasonable estimate.

So don’t afraid of numbers, as they can be good allies when you work well with them.

2. PHYSICS – We are not here to understand Quantum Chromodynamics 🙂 . However, you must have basic knowledge because you will be learning about aerodynamics in aviation school. In aviation, physics will require you to know about power and force. Once you have these elements covered, you will have a greater understanding of aerodynamics, and you can apply this knowledge to real-time situations. During your study, you should also take notes about forces that you will learn, such as lift, weight, thrust. All these modules are equally as necessary, and study physics should not be neglected, nor should it be taken lightly.

3. CHEMISTRY – Chemistry is a part of our daily lives that we don’t acknowledge. One regular example of chemistry is the weather. What do clouds compose of? How are clouds produced? Don’t panic you don’t have to study chemistry at degree level, but a pilot should be aware of dangerous chemicals they may be carrying in the cargo hold. So sufficient knowledge of chemical reactions should be applied.

4. LANGUAGE – DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?:)  You have to… English is a universal language. So English also is the aviation language. If you know this language, then it will allow you to fully understand and implement the knowledge that you will gather over time. When studying in aviation schools, most of the training materials you’ll use are in English. Likewise, any written tests/exams you take will also have to be answered in English. Most airlines have a minimum requirement of level 4 in English.

Some may even require level 5 or 6. During your course at the aviation school, you must achieve the minimum requirement, and if you fail to achieve this, unfortunately, you will not be selected. If you speak English fluently, it will make your life much easier. This ability will help you to understand and respond to communications or to read and learn about aviation, whatever the case may be.

5. GEOGRAPHY –  You will continuously be flying to different cities, countries, continents across the world. Since you will be flying to different places every time it is important to know general information about the destinations you are traveling. Your knowledge should be vast in this subject, and you should pay close attention to studying about the equator, longitude, and latitude.

More scientific aspects of geography include characteristics of mountains, seas/ocean/lakes, etc. because the likelihood of flying over these areas is very high, if not, guaranteed. When flying, you will be using a map/radar, so it is crucial that you know how to read them. For example, what direction you are traveling, what direction do you need to turn, what direction is the wind speed.

You will also need to be aware of the different seasons and climates.

6. TEAMWORK AND COMMUNICATION – A subject that is not linked with the others mentioned so far. If you want to be a good pilot, your teamwork and communication skills must be top notch. You will have other pilots working with you, not only that but you will be working alongside the cabin crew who are also your colleagues and so you all have to cooperate.

You can improve these skills by playing a sport or by participating in a group project. Making good use of these skills is essential in the pilot’s life because it will make you an active member of the team.

Concerning this, you must expect the unexpected and your communication and teamwork skills will be put to the test if such a scenario occurs during your time flying an aircraft. An example of this is emergency landings. Some severe situations may require you to perform this procedure. You will have to communicate quickly between different personnel and make on the spot decisions, you will receive help from the air traffic controllers, but as the pilot, you will understand the situation better than them because you are experiencing it first hand. It will be your judgment that counts.

That’s what I wanted to share with you and guide you. If you want to know more about how to become a pilot, then click here.

Follow your dreams guys and good luck on this path.

Until next time, and as always, “We Speak Aviation.”