Pilots are constantly making calculations, whether it’s estimating fuel burn, working out a crosswind component, calculating time enroute, or applying the famous 1-in-60 rule. While electronic flight bags and cockpit technology are invaluable tools, there is still immense value in being able to perform quick and accurate mental calculations when it matters most.
Pilot.ie is pleased to announce the arrival of Mental Math for Pilots (Third Edition) by Ronald D. McElroy, now available for €28.95.
Written by a highly experienced airline, military, and FAA test pilot, this practical guide teaches pilots how to solve common aviation calculations quickly and efficiently without reaching for a calculator, flight computer, or even a pencil and paper. Mental arithmetic remains an essential skill throughout a pilot’s career. From student pilots preparing for their first solo flight to experienced airline pilots facing time-critical decisions in the cockpit, the ability to make accurate calculations can improve situational awareness and decision-making.
The book covers a wide range of practical aviation topics, including:
- Fuel planning
- Temperature conversions
- Reciprocal headings
- Turn radius calculations
- Crosswind components
- Time, speed and distance problems
- True airspeed calculations
- The 1-in-60 navigation rule
- Numerous additional cockpit shortcuts and techniques
According to the publisher, the techniques presented are designed to be simple, practical, and immediately applicable in real-world flying situations, helping pilots stay ahead of the aircraft and make better-informed decisions.
In addition to its cockpit applications, Mental Math for Pilots has become a popular resource for pilots preparing for airline interviews and aptitude assessments. Many airline recruitment processes include numerical reasoning and aviation-related calculation exercises, making mental maths proficiency a valuable advantage.
Whether you’re pursuing a commercial pilot career, preparing for an airline assessment day, or simply looking to sharpen your aviation knowledge, this book offers a structured approach to mastering the calculations pilots encounter every day.
Author Ronald D. McElroy is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Over a flying career spanning nearly four decades, he has accumulated experience across military, airline, corporate, and general aviation operations and currently serves as an FAA flight test pilot. He has logged more than 10,800 flight hours and has extensive experience as an instructor, examiner, and test pilot.
Mental Math for Pilots (Third Edition) is available now from Pilot.ie for €28.95.
For pilots looking to improve their confidence with aviation calculations, enhance cockpit decision-making, or prepare for the next stage of their flying career, this highly regarded title is a valuable addition to any aviation bookshelf.
Price: €28.95
Availability: In stock now at Pilot.ie
Recommended for: Student pilots, PPL and CPL holders, ATPL students, flight instructors, and airline pilot candidates.
