You need maths to fly an aeroplane

‘Good pilots can always work out calculations in their head. You can’t rely totally on computers,’ points out Ed Blundell, a recently trained pilot.

‘If you’re gliding at 30,000 feet, and the aircraft will travel three nautical miles for every 1000 feet it descends, you make a quick calculation to ensure you land in the correct place. You can’t make the runway longer – it’s vital to know where to start your descent. Calculators can be used when you’re planning a route, but not when you’re in the air! Estimating the distance, speed and time needed is an essential skill.’