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Understanding Flying Weather
Understanding Flying Weather is Derek Piggott's introduction to meteorology for glider and light aeroplane pilots. In simple and accessible terms it explains how atmospheric phenomena can be used to improve flying performance and to make flying both economical and enjoyable.
Taking into account advances in satellite and computer technology, the book describes pressure patterns, cloud formation and how soaring conditions can be used to advantage, as well as detailing the effects of depressions, anti-cyclones and local topography.
Its uncomplicated text and diagrams cover the syllabus for the British Gliding Association Bronze 'C' Certificate and so will be particularly relevant to those studying for this important examination.
Taking into account advances in satellite and computer technology, the book describes pressure patterns, cloud formation and how soaring conditions can be used to advantage, as well as detailing the effects of depressions, anti-cyclones and local topography.
Its uncomplicated text and diagrams cover the syllabus for the British Gliding Association Bronze 'C' Certificate and so will be particularly relevant to those studying for this important examination.
96 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 4, 2020
Although this book is aimed at glider pilots, we all have to fly through the same weather. It is therefore valuable for all student pilots, and probably also those who want to brush up a bit on the basics. It's simply written, with enough drawings to make the points without overkill. It's excellent for the UK NPPL(M) meteorology exam syllabus!
One extremely valuable aspect of this book is that the author relates almost every aspect of the weather to how it affects flying. You do have to remember that for the author, it's "Thermals, hooray!" but for, for example, microlight pilots, it's more like "Thermals, urk." But the author's information is useful all the same.
Interestingly, there is also a chapter on finding and using thermals and adiabatic waves, which is useful even if you are not a glider pilot - whether you want to take advantage of thermals or avoid them.
The only disadvantage of this book is that since it was published in 2004, the section on finding weather information and forecasts is rather out of date.
One extremely valuable aspect of this book is that the author relates almost every aspect of the weather to how it affects flying. You do have to remember that for the author, it's "Thermals, hooray!" but for, for example, microlight pilots, it's more like "Thermals, urk." But the author's information is useful all the same.
Interestingly, there is also a chapter on finding and using thermals and adiabatic waves, which is useful even if you are not a glider pilot - whether you want to take advantage of thermals or avoid them.
The only disadvantage of this book is that since it was published in 2004, the section on finding weather information and forecasts is rather out of date.
July 30, 2019
As a new paraglider pilot i found this book very useful. Although it is written for gliders the basic rules for flying in different weather conditions are the same. It is well written and malted for a fun an interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews