Can I Become a Pilot If I Am Weak in Maths or Physics?

Will Pilot Training Require Me to Use Maths and Physics Concepts?

A large portion of students in India wishing to pursue a pilot training course are worried about Maths and Physics concepts. A common query among students is, “What if I am not good at Maths and/or Physics?” It is an understandable concern since the answer to this query often determines students’ career choices. As with every other field, passion, determination and regular practice can help students overcome any academic shortcomings.

As stated earlier, many concepts relating to Maths and Physics are integral to the theory of Aviation. Aspirants require a basic understanding of these concepts to learn and interpret Aviation Theory. Hence, advanced knowledge of Maths and Physics is not required to learn the basics of Aviation. Students, with the help of ground trainers, can strengthen their basics in Maths and Physics, if required.

Do I Need to Know Advanced Maths and Physics to Learn Aviation Theory?

Maths and Physics help in understanding several concepts pertaining to Aviation. Though a few concepts in Aviation Theory can be learned by students through external sources, most of the theories relating to Aviation are complex and require extensive training to understand and learn. This is the very purpose of a theoretical course.

There are several phenomena and concepts in Physics that govern an aircraft’s flight, and understanding these can make learning flight and motion concepts of Physics relatively easy.

It is important to recognise that the concepts of Advanced Physics and Maths are not required to be learned and applied on a day-to-day basis by a pilot.

How good you are at a subject does not determine your capacity to learn it.

What Maths Should I Know to Become a Pilot?

It is a common misconception that learning mathematics for pilot training is extremely difficult and beyond the scope of the average student. In reality, many pilot training mathematics problems and concepts are simple and basic.

It is important that you feel sufficiently skills in:

• Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
• Fractions and decimals
• Percentages
• Ratios and proportions
• Conversions
• Basic algebra (rearranging formulas)
• Speed–distance–time and fuel calculations

Basic trigonometry since used in Air Navigation for wind components, the 1-in-60 rule and triangle of velocities

Some basic understanding of how variables relate to one another can be very helpful when figuring out answers to complex aviation problems.

Being able to answer the basics of the problems above is essential in your pilot training, and you should not feel embarrassed for not knowing them. You should spend sufficient time relearning the basics of mathematics and other school subjects to help you with aviation.

Which Concepts of Physics are Important?

In piloting, physics plays an important role in analysing the factors affecting an aircraft in flight, and other related things.

You may touch on, learn about, and be assessed on:

• Forces
• Pressure
• Density
• Heat and temperature
• Mechanics
• Aerodynamics
• Aircraft performances

You do not need to remember everything in physics and other subjects that you learn. Be logical and relate each thing to your air navigation and pilot training. In the process of pilot training, remembering and applying theories become second nature to you.

You do not have to learn everything before starting your aviation training. While doing all this, you are preparing to be a pilot.

While it is true that you should not spend a disproportionate amount of time on your weaknesses, it is important to locate your areas of weakness, especially with respect to Physics and Math. Once identified, the topic or concept can be addressed and studied in detail.

What Should You Do If Your Fundamentals Are Weak?

Before you study any advanced topic in Aviation, make sure you review and study the basics.

In the case of Mathematics, do a small review of concepts such as ratios, proportions, algebra, and unit conversions, and so on. It is recommended that you practice a few problems everyday, as opposed to studying for several hours in a week.

In case of Physics, the most important thing is to understand the basic concepts. Use your creative skills to relate concepts to the other topics taught in school, and/or to real life or to Practical Examples in Aviation. It is recommended that you maintain a notebook to list Important or Useful Formulas and Concepts.

It is very important that you have thorough knowledge of basic concepts, as lack of understanding of a simple concept can make learning other, related, concepts very difficult. You must still have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics (or cleared them via NIOS)

How can CPL ground preparations be of help?

Ground preparations are of great help to students, especially while they learn the theoretical aspects of flying. The Best CPL Ground Classes in India are structured well and offer plenty of opportunities to students to clear their doubts and practice sample questions. These classes are of great help to students who find it difficult to study on their own. Students can follow a series of lessons taught in a particular sequence to learn concepts they find difficult and rely on the teacher to explain more difficult topics.

70Knots Aviation offers ground school preparation that can help prospective flight crew build their understanding of aviation theory and work on concepts that they find difficult during their preparation.

More self-study will be required, regardless. Ground School provides guidance, but students must practice questions, revise content, and prepare independently.

Comparing Pilot Training Institutes

When selecting a Pilot training institute in Delhi, do not make your decision based on who claims to be the ‘best’. Look for training methods and support provided by Ground School. Ensure that the training structure is clear, and the facilities are adequate. Consider how experienced the instructors are. Does the Institute clearly communicate the pathway to becoming a pilot?

When considering training, ask the Institute:

• What methods do you use to teach hard concepts?
• What does a student do if they fall behind?
• How much study will be required of me?
• How are class doubts resolved?
• Are there any changes to the requirements?

If you are comparing options and come across claims about the Best Pilot training institute in Delhi, consider the actual training structure, academic support and information provided before making a decision.

70Knots Aviation is one of the training options students may consider when looking at ground school preparation and the type of academic support available during their aviation studies.

Do you think this Institute is the best?

It is important that you verify the training standards set by the regulatory authorities and understand your obligations. You should check the most up to date information set by the DGCA.

Student-Counsellor Dialogue

Student: Can I become a pilot with my Maths and Physics skills?

Counsellor: Which skills do you find hard?

Student: Will it not be harder to study aviation because of the nature of the subjects?

Counsellor: The aviation subjects may seem challenging because there are multiple concepts that are interrelated. However, studying the building blocks of the concepts helps to simplify the subjects.

Student: Should I study maths and physics to understand the concepts taught in the ground classes?

Counsellor: Having a basic understanding of Edwards and Concepts of Physics would be really helpful.

Student: What should I do if I still find the topics taught in ground classes challenging?

Counsellor: It is important that you address your doubts in class because multiple students may have the same doubts.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Hopelessness

Just because you find something challenging today does not mean it will be beyond your comprehension tomorrow.

2. Blind Memorisation

If you are not able to derive an answer or do not know the underlying relation between the variables, memorising the formula will not help.

3. Procrastination

Addressing your weaknesses early will ease your understanding of the subject.

4. Overreliance on teachers

Although teachers can provide you with the necessary information, you must do sufficient independent work to reinforce your understanding.

5. Neglecting doubts

Ignorance about basic concepts can lead to difficulties in understanding higher concepts.

Questions Students Commonly Ask

1. How important is Maths in becoming a pilot?

Beyond a certain level, maths is not that important. You need to have a basic understanding of various maths concepts and be able to apply them. Work on your weak areas to strengthen your basics.

2. What is the level of difficulty of Physics in pilot training?

Basic level physics may seem difficult to you if your basics of school physics are not clear. You need to learn physics from an aeronautical engineering perspective and relate various concepts to flying.

3. Is it possible for me to improve my school level maths and physics while undergoing pilot training?

It is always better if you work on your school level maths and physics prior to joining flying training. However you can always strengthen your basics while undergoing flying training.

4. What is the optimum level of study of maths and physics required to become a pilot?

It varies from individual to individual. Your focus should be on difficult areas and work on them repetedly.

5. Is it prudent to join maths and physics coaching classes?

You need to work on your weak areas yourself. Joining maths and physics classes can help you in explaining various concepts.

An Alternative Viewpoint

Flying is a career which can shape up if you have the essential basics right. If your maths and physics basics are clear, flying can also be an option for you.

It is important to practice math regularly and become comfortable solving problems to get a general idea of the content covered in aviation training.

70Knots Aviation offers ground school preparation for prospective flight crew in India. Interested students can find us at

E-529, Near MCD Office, Ramphal Chowk, Sector 7 Dwarka, New Delhi – 110075

call us on +91-9560019676
email us at info@70knotsaviation.com.

Being bad at Math or Physics does not mean you can’t become a pilot. The starting point of your journey is important, but so is the end point. If becoming a pilot is your ultimate goal, you should be willing to put in the work to improve and consider alternative ways of learning that you find most appropriate and best suits your goals.
You might also find this blog useful: https://70knotsaviation.com/blog/pilot-training-career-prospects-and-dgca-regulations/