Understanding Mathematics for Aircraft Navigation

This book explains mathematics essential to flight navigation in classic general and philosophical approach similar to “Stick and Rudder” and “Weather Flying”, teaching basic principles and reasoning. It assumes little mathematical background but takes a simple straightforward approach to nav maths that combines ancient celestial forms upon which new technologies are based. The book provides an understanding of navigation that allows pilots to exploit full powers of new technologies and presents techniques of GPS and other nav forms, including calculations of distance and bearings. Also included are chart construction, errors, uses, and magnetic compass, errors and uses, together with mental calculations and rules of thumb. Flight planning, especially long-range, is also covered.

Author Biography

James S. Wolper is Professor of Mathematics at Idaho State University and a professional pilot and flight instructor. He is also on the computer science and environmental engineering faculties at ISU. He has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in mathematics from Brown University. His research has been supported by NASA and by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research. An airline transport-rated pilot and flight Instructor with single engine, multi-engine, and instrument ratings, he has more than 2900 hours of flight experience, including aerial fire suppression, air ambulance flights, and over 800 hours as a flight instructor for primary and advanced students. He is the author of numerous technical articles and reviews, but this is his first book.