So currently I’m a Junior in high school and I was having a quick chat with my math teacher and she suggested I should take AP Calculus AB or AP Statistics for my senior year as it will be very important for my future career as a pilot. I’m not amazing at math but I don’t have too much trouble with it either.
I know basic math is used in the field, but would you ever need any sort of Calculus or Statistics to be a pilot (private or commercial)?
Justin,
Calculus is not in any way necessary to be a pilot. If it was, I wouldn’t be flying as I was never strong in math. If you want to take calculus, that is great, but don’t do it thinking that you will need it to be a pilot.
Chris
Justin,
I am a Capt for a Major airline. Never took calculus, not once, not ever.
Adam
I never took calculus, statistics, physics, etc… From my experience through training with ATP, the most I’ve needed is some pretty basic algebra.
I teach at a university that has a Pro Pilot program and Applied Calculus is a requirement for graduation.
Carla,
I honestly can’t imagine why? I’m a Capt at a Major airline and unless they slipped in some calculus under my nose, I’ve never used it or had need for it in 15 years.
Adam
Carla,
Applied Calculus probably meets a requirement to fulfill the Aviation Degree criteria but in no way is it necessary for being a pilot.
Tory
Since he didn’t clarify how he was going to get the pilots license, wanted to throw that information in just in case he was planning on going through a university to do it.
Reason #87 not to go to get an aviation degree 
Adam
Carla,
It is absurd to require calculus of pilots as they will never, not once, use it in their aviation careers. Calculus is incredibly difficult, ridiculous requirements like this are why I strongly recommend against college aviation programs.
Chris