Build on your basic maths skills and ace the harder PPL exams whilst preparing yourself for ATPL study.

Who is this course for?

Our Standard Pilot Maths course is specifically designed for those who have attained an O-Level or GCSE maths qualification within the last 5 years, at grade C (the new level 5) or above. It is also suitable for those who have taken our Basic Pilot Maths course. In a nutshell, if you’re familiar with a scientific calculator and know how to use one, can rearrange formula and apply the rules of BIDMAS, but don’t know any advanced algebra or trigonometry, then this course is for you!

The standard course is particularly useful for those about to embark upon their ATPL ground school, particularly if you passed your PPL ground exams by attending a formal PPL ground school course and/or learnt the material from the books and the required basic mathematical techniques.

If you’re changing career to become an Airline Pilot and left school many years ago, this course is most definitely for you. Whether you’re studying towards your new career on a part-time distance learning basis, or as part of a full-time integrated course, you must make sure your maths is to a high enough standard. It’s a lot of money down the drain when you discover you can’t keep up in the ATPL classes and consequently having to withdraw from the course, or, fail the exams. Start the course with confidence and be ahead of your competition.

Why do I need to study this?

Contrary to popular belief, Pilot Maths isn’t dry and boring. We don’t teach you maths for the sake of it like some Pilot Maths courses do. We teach you the maths that you’ll actually need in real life to be a safe and competent aviator, as well as the maths you’ll need to pass your ground exams.

Relying on GPS and electronic Flight Planning tools can be dangerous as you have no alternative method to compare and check your results. By simply using electronic aids and software, you won’t be able to pass the more difficult ATPL exams either, such as General Navigation, Radio Navigation, Flight Planning, Mass & Balance, Performance, Principles of Flight and Meteorology.

Many airlines are also using questions that utilise the techniques taught on our courses for their own interviews and selection processes.

Where should I study Pilot Maths?

If you’re about to commence your ATPL ground school, the course providers nearly always assume that you have an adequate background in maths. The trouble is, they rarely define what ‘adequate’ means and often refer you to third party books and computer based training that includes material that is just not relevant for Pilot training, thereby wasting time and money.

Please also bear in mind that many flying and ground instructors are not qualified teachers either. That’s not to say that they cannot teach you anything, but there is a fundamental difference between an instructor and a teacher. Teachers usually have a university degree in a specialist subject and then complete a teacher training course over one or more years and are well versed in different learning styles. Flight Instructor courses do not have any specific entrance requirements and only include 5 hours of classroom based instruction on the 30 hour course that they attend. This is one of the primary reasons that many schools do not offer ground school courses, particularly in mathematics. So, come to The Great Circle for your Pilot Maths course. We’ll ensure you’re adequately prepared for your pilot training journey from start to finish. It’s your time, it’s your money, get it right first time and train with us.

Who will teach me?

All of our courses are delivered by extremely talented, patient and enthusiastic instructors who are both qualified teachers with Maths & Physics Degrees, and professional pilots with a wealth of operational flying experience. We care about your needs and tailor our courses to your particular learning style.

What will I study on this course?

You will study the mathematics that enables you to perform the standard calculations required for every single flight you operate. Course content includes:

Centre of Gravity: Mass changes and the effects on C of G position.

Pythagoras: Heights, Distances & VOR Ranges.

Trigonometry: Track Errors, Closing Angles, VOR Position Fixing & Glide-Slope Angles.

Aviation Specific Problems: C of G, Cross Winds, Deriving the 1 in 60 Rule, Altimetry and more!


Certificates & References

Upon completion of our Pilot Maths courses, you will be provided with a certificate of attendance. Should you wish to be formally assessed at the end of the course, your examination mark will be added to your certificate if you choose. Please note, formal end of course assessment is purely optional.

We also provide a reference service for those applying for sponsored training and jobs with airlines, our previous clients have found this invaluable. Our courses have literally meant the difference between sponsorship and having to self fund training for some of our clients.

  Where to stay and eat!

Think Maths & Physics aren't important when learning to fly? Read our article 'Do you have to be good at Maths & Physics to be a Pilot?'

  We donate a proportion of your course fee to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.