Mr. Patrick Logan paid a visit to Year 6 to share how maths plays a crucial role in his job as a pilot. He told the pupils that the essentials for a pilot include a pen, paper, a watch, and a trusty pair of sunglasses. He also stressed the importance of passing many rigorous exams to pursue this career. He likened the skills needed in aviation to those in the classroom, emphasising the importance of attentive listening and continuous learning.
We were curious about the specific maths used in his work. Mr. Logan told us how he uses maths for various aspects of his job, such as working out time zones, managing speed, ensuring proper balance, and calculating the weight of the aircraft. He also showed us how he employs maths when reading maps, using scales to calculate distances (1 cm on the map represents 500,000 cm in reality), and determining angles for accurate navigation. He mentioned the significance of recognising and responding to red cockpit warning lights in the event of a problem. Perhaps the most critical lesson we learned was the need to stay calm and avoid panicking in any situation.
It was an engaging and enjoyable session, and we want to express our thanks to Mr. Logan for taking the time to share his insights with us. His four children loved having him in school today!
