Pilot's Basics: Easy to use Rules of Thumb, Formulae and Factors for every pilot.

EASY TO USE RULES OF THUMB,FORMULAE AND FACTORSFOR EVERY PILOT“PILOT’s BASICS” is a summary of Rules of Thumb and simple formulae commonly used in aviation – basic aviation knowledge – which will enable us to perform fast, simple and accurate mental calculations.

Thorough pre-flight preparation and planning is not, on its own, enough to perform a flight safely and at optimum efficiency.
Continuous reanalysis of our preparation, and adjustments to the plan to match the dynamic in-flight situation, is essential throughout any flight. This is a basic requirement, whether we are flying an Ultra-Light Aircraft, or on the flight deck of a modern Jumbo Jet.
During flight we continuously recalculate and estimate to confirm the accuracy of our pre-flight planning and calculations, or to fine tune them. For these re-calculations we often don’t have another pilot, an FMS or even a calculator on hand to assist. Our heads and hands may be so busy that we just don’t have the time for complex calculations.In these situations rules of thumb, simple formulae and approximations are extremely helpful. A quick mental calculation or estimation will free us up for more pressing duties, thereby greatly improving overall safety.

Gerhard Grohmann is an Airline Pilot, Flight Instructor and Flight Examiner. Experience on several helicopter types, single & multi engine aircraft and airliners (DC8, B747/757/767.