German Aerospace Center Mathematical Knowledge

Aviation and Space Psychology

Hamburg, Germany - General Remarks -

Introduction
Everybody engaging in pilot training encounters phenomena and aspects that have a
scientific background. Especially physics and mathematics but even a good share of
geography, chemistry and biology are therefore the basis for a full comprehension of all
principles in aerodynamics, navigation, weather, aircraft systems, weight and balance,
physiology, etc. If you have not had these subjects in school it is recommended to brush up
your skills before attending the DLR assessment, but even more important: before you enter
the flight school! If you have not been interested in natural science until today, please ask
yourself seriously whether working as a pilot really suites your talents and interests most.
From a licence holder we expect an even more profound knowledge and understanding not
only of the aeronautical basics but also of the underlying scientific laws and phenomena –
regardless of the time period since your High School days or your flight training.

Mathematics
Here is an outline of what we expect you to be proficient in:
ƒ Basic arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
ƒ Fractional arithmetic operations: Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions;
reducing and expanding fractions; finding a common denominator for two or more
fractions.
ƒ Square function, cubic function, square root, cubic root
ƒ Basic geometrical concepts: triangles, rectangles, squares, circles, simple three-
dimensional objects, surface area, circumference, volume
ƒ Basic trigonometry, calculating with angles, Pythagoras’ theorem
ƒ Basic algebra: solving equations for the unknown; rule of three, percentage calculations,
time/speed/distance problems, etc.
ƒ Conversion of units: meters into kilometres and vice versa, kilograms into tons, meters
per second into kilometres per hour, gallons into litres, etc.
During the DLR assessment you will not be allowed to use a calculator. Therefore make sure
you are able to perform basic mathematical operations by using pen and paper or – even
better – mentally!
Train basic arithmetic operations with our Mental Arithmetic – CBT. For your training record:
each 20 minutes of intensive training with this CBT count as one run. That is for example five
minutes for each, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
If you would like to refer to the Internet for training options, try www.thatquiz.org.
The simplest and at the same time surest way to train mental arithmetic is implementing it in
your daily life: In the supermarket calculate the price per kilo if you buy an item that weighs
less or more. Keep updating the value of your shopping cart with every item you put in. Try
to quickly first add, then multiply the digits of the licence plates of the cars in front of you

QMH-DLR-ME-HH- DLR – Mathematics Knowledge - General.doc 25.10.2007 (Rh)

when waiting at a traffic light. Calculate what proportion of a task you have already
accomplished (as a fraction and as a percentage), etc.
Being proficient in basic mental calculations is one important prerequisite to perform well in
our Mathematics test and later in the cockpit. The other prerequisite is being able to
recognize the logical/mathematical approach to text problems. The Mathematics – CBT gives
you an impression of the difficulty level of your Mathematics test. You may use pen and
paper but no calculator to train the testing situation. The CBT is not time limited in order to
give you the chance to see all items. Contrary to the CBT the actual test is time limited.
Therefore, thoroughly familiarize yourself with these sorts of problems and how to approach
them in order to save time in the actual test. Additionally, be prepared to encounter similar
mathematical problems during the interview, too.

QMH-DLR-ME-HH- DLR – Mathematics Knowledge - General.doc 25.10.2007 (Rh)