Physics Application of an Airline Pilot

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of physics in the daily responsibilities of airline pilots, particularly in commercial aviation. It concludes that while a pilot does not need extensive physics knowledge for daily operations, understanding physics is crucial for grasping aircraft performance and other related fields such as fluid dynamics and navigation mathematics. The conversation also highlights the broader skill set required in aviation, emphasizing the importance of generalist knowledge over specialized physics expertise.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of aviation principles
  • Familiarity with fluid dynamics
  • Knowledge of navigation mathematics
  • Awareness of aircraft performance metrics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of fluid dynamics in aviation
  • Study navigation mathematics for pilots
  • Explore aircraft performance metrics and their implications
  • Investigate the syllabus for Cessna flight training
USEFUL FOR

Aviation students, aspiring airline pilots, and professionals in the aviation industry seeking to understand the interdisciplinary knowledge required for successful piloting.

YungBoy
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hey, if anyone is well-versed or experienced in the field of aviation, what is the application of physics to the day to day job of an airline pilot? Specifically a pilot for commercial flight. Not exactly career-advise but it didn't fit the other categories either.
Any help would be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Someone could be an airline pilot without having any kind of knowledge of physics. Similarly, one does not need to know anything at all about the internal combustion engine to drive a car. If you're asking what kind of physics airline pilots have to do on a daily basis...then none.

If you're asking about how physics is relevant to flying...then that's a very different question.
 
Physics helps to understand aircraft performance. But so does chemistry, fluid dynamics, navigation mathematics, weather, metallurgy, admiralty law, and so on...

Aviation is the domain of generalists. One other thing: To earn those lovely airline pilot salaries, you need to pay your dues working at jobs that are barely above the poverty line for a long time...
 

Similar threads

Physics How Will Joining ROTC Affect My Physics Major and Future Career?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Physics Looking to pivot to physics at 31, could use some guidance
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Physics How do I make myself a better job candidate?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Engineering Which is better, being an aerospace engineer or a pilot?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
26K
Physics Lost undergrad looking for advice on career path and grad school
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Other Considering a career shift and seeking general guidance
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Job Skills [Career] - What kind of life does a career in physics entail?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Physics I need guidance from Medical Physicists for my career growth
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Physics Assessing the risk of pursuing physics
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Engineering Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or Flying.
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K