Interview with Joanna Linton
Job Title: Airline Pilot (Also driver from Formula Woman racing)
Company: British Airways
Title: 16th place in 2004 Formula Woman Championship
How would it have affected your career if you didn't have maths and physics skills?
If my maths qualifications had been better I could have applied for a pilot sponsorship from British Airways. Instead I had to pay for my own training at a cost of £50k
How essential are the skills of maths and physics to careers within Motorsport?
I think it is important to understand the dynamics of the car, how things like drag are produced and how it affects you.
Why are maths and physics worthwhile subjects to study?
I think they give a good grounding for so many different careers
How did you start/end up working within the Motorsport industry?
I applied for Formula Woman and was fortunate enough to be selected.
How did you feel about maths and physics as a child?
I enjoyed maths as it was a fairly strong subject for me, but sciences were a bit of a week point so I wasn't keen on them.
How has your view about them changed over the years?
I think these subjects are always more interesting when you are learning them for a purpose.
How important are maths and physics in your field of work and how often do you use them?
It is important to understand the basic principles of how an aircraft flies. So we use this knowledge everyday at work. Basic maths is needed to plan heights and distances during decent.
Which physics equation in your opinion is the most important?
Coefficient of lift.
What is your favorite equation and why?
Coefficient of lift.