I’m very curious where you get the idea that flying does not involve algebra or trigonometry or calculus.

How would you calculate a crosswind component from the runway heading and reported wind speed and direction without trig? How would you think pilots measured their distance to non-directional beacons before GPS and DMEs existed?

How would you solve for fuel remaining without algebra? How would you estimate the best speed to fly with a given headwind to maximize fuel onboard at the intended destination without calculus?

A very basic principle of glider flying involves finding the tangent to a curve. Is calculus not applicable there?

Fuel consumption is often estimated by numerical integration of fuel flow rate. That doesn’t require an analytic solution of the integral, but I think most pilots have at least a passing familiarity with the concept.

> Furthermore it's categorically false that you need to pass ground school before you're allowed to fly.

I interpreted the parent’s statement to mean “before you fly solo.”