A commercial pilot is one of the most prestigious careers in India and abroad. Students are always curious to know about flying. People often get confused about how a big plan can fly. The answer lies in the physics.  Concepts that you have understood in physics in your school are applied practically in the aviation industry daily.Commercial pilot aspirants should know about physics to understand flying from a different perspective. Learning physics will make you a better pilot and will let you understand flying and other aviation concepts.In this blog, we will talk about the Physics behind Flight and What School Students Learn in Class 11-12 That Pilots Actually Use.

Important Physics Concepts of Class 11-12 That Pilots Actually Use

Important Physics Concepts of Class 11-12 That Pilots Actually Use

1. Newton’s Laws of Motion

Newton’s Laws of Motion are one of the first subjects taught in 11th-grade physics. It explains the principles of motion of all aircraft. These concepts are highly used by the pilots during their flying.
  • First Law: An aircraft lies still until the engines produce enough thrust to lift it up.
  • Second Law: The bigger the thrust of the engine, the faster the airplane moves.
  • Third Law: Jet engines throw gases backward and so the airplane is pushed forward.
Pilots have these laws of motion in their mind during flying. The concepts are used every day in flying to have a smooth journey for the passengers and staff.

2. Different forces used in the aviation sector 

Different forces used in the aviation sector Different types of forces are of high use in the aviation industry. The aircraft experiences all of these forces in one or another form.
  • Lift is a type of force that will lift the airplane above
  • Weight is often called gravity and pulls the aircraft down.
  • Thrust moves the aircraft forward on the runway to have a smooth take off.
  • Drag slows the aircraft down on the runway and acts as a braking system.
A pilot is responsible for keeping these forces balanced. When the lift is higher than the weight, the aircraft goes up. When the weight is more than the lift, the aircraft goes down. Knowledge of these flight forces allows pilots to fly safely in different weather.

3. Air Pressure and Bernoulli Principle

Air Pressure and Bernoulli PrincipleStudents in class 11 learn about fluid and pressure thus understanding how wings produce lift. The upper side of the wing is curved. The air moves faster over the upper wing than over its lower side. The air that is moving faster creates lower air pressure than that which is moving slowly under the wings thus producing lift and allowing the aircraft to fly.

4. Velocity, Acceleration, and Speed

Velocity, Acceleration, and SpeedPhysics teaches students about velocity acceleration and speed, which helps pilots greatly every time they fly. Before flying, the plane has to reach a certain speed. When landing, the pilot decreases the speed while keeping it under control. When climbing, descending, or while moving in a different direction, the pilot always checks the speed of the aircraft. The pilot understands everything about the motion and monitors it continuously to make the best decisions during the flight.

5. Gravity and Weight

Gravity and WeightGravity affects all things on Earth, including aircraft. Beginning with the takeoff, aircraft engines and wings are used to offset the attraction of gravity. Weight has a significant impact on the performance of aircraft. A heavier aircraft requires a longer runway for takeoff and more engine thrust. This is the main reason why pilots know the weight of the aircraft before any flight.

6. Circular Motion in Turns

Circular Motion in TurnsInstead of just turning, the aircraft in question banks its wings while taking a curved flying path. The basics of the principle of centripetal force, which has been described in Class 11 Physics, help to understand why it cannot turn without banking. Depending on the speed and height of the airplane, its pilot has to determine the amount of banking.

7. Weather and Atmospheric Physics

Weather and Atmospheric PhysicsThe field of physics also deals with the atmosphere.
  • Temperature
  • Wind speed
  • Air pressure
  • Air density
These factors have a bearing on the performance of aircraft. For example, high temperatures lower the density of the air, making takeoff more difficult for the aircraft.

8. Energy and Aviation Engines  

Energy and Aviation Engines  Class 11 students study various forms of energy such as kinetic and potential energy. Aircraft engines have the capacity to change or transform the chemical energy present in aviation fuel into mechanical energy to generate thrust. This thrust generated will help the aircraft to move in the forward direction for take-off.In the same way:While climbing, an airplane gets potential energy. While descending, potential energy gets transformed into kinetic energy. This transformation of energy takes place throughout any flight.

9. Reasons for Learning Physics by Pilots

Many students often question whether the pilots make use of physics in their work. The answer is yes.Physics helps the pilots in:
  • Knowing the airplane’s performance.
  • Making safety decisions.
  • Dealing with emergencies.
  • Interpreting flight instruments.
  • Coordinating with the flight instructors and engineers.
Even though modern aero planes have advanced computers, pilots need to keep up with the basic principles of physics to know what is happening to them.

10. Importance of Class 11-12 Physics to Future Pilots

The students aspiring to become commercial pilots tend to focus on clearing entrance tests and medicals. Knowing physics will help the student to grasp and understand flying much better.  There are some important concepts like force, pressure, and fluid mechanics in physics that play a crucial role during the flying of aircraft.Blockquote
“The Physics you learn in school is the same science that helps pilots fly safely every day.”

Conclusion 

Physics is one of the most crucial subjects for a commercial pilot aspirant. They should know about the basics of physics and advanced concepts to fly the aircraft effectively.  The concepts used in physics are being used by the pilot on a daily basis during their flying training and real-world flying. If you are planning to become an instructor, physics class attendance can give you a good basis for your flying career.Narain Aviation is one of the most trusted and reputed flying institutes in India. They have industry-experienced mentors and offer the highest quality training to the students. Feel free to talk to our counselors about the CPL training in India.

Contact Details 

Flying school – Narain Aviation
Address – M-170, 2, 2nd Main Rd, East Of NGEF, Kasturi Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560043
Contact – +91-9148402949
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I study the concept in the physics of commercial pilot training?

Narain Aviation is a top institute that provides the best theoretical and practical training to aspiring students. It helps students to understand all the concepts of physics that are crucial for flying.

Do I have to study the science stream before applying for the commercial pilot?

It is compulsory to have studied physics and Math in the 12th standard to become eligible for a commercial pilot license. If you are from an arts background, you will have to appear through the Open Schooling.

Do commercial pilots have to understand or use physics concepts daily during their flying routes?

Many situations need the presence of physics and mathematical concepts. These are mainly used during the landing or take-off.

Will it be difficult for the non-science students to appear in physics and Math?

It will not be difficult to understand the aviation concept under the guidance of the correct mentor in the airline industry.

Is it important for commercial pilots to know about the concept of air pressure before flying the plane?

Air pressure is crucial for a smooth flight. It has links with the wings, flight control, weather, and many other things.

Can one be successful in becoming a pilot if not good at physics?

You can become a good pilot with less knowledge of physics. You need to know the basics to become an experienced pilot.