Product Description

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, Understanding Flying Weather 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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14834 in Books
• Published on: 2004-09-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

About the Author
Derek Piggott MBE was Chief Flying Instructor at Lasham from 1953 to 1989. He is very highly respected throughout the gliding world and is the author of several standard reference books, including Gliding 8th edition, and Understanding Gliding 3rd edition, both published by A&C Black.

Customer Reviews

Some good info but had limitations.
While this is one of the better books on free flying meteorology, I found it a bit dull.

Also several chapters are very specific to southern englandshire, assuming southerlys to come off the channel and northerlys over land.

Good enough to get you going
This slim book is a good starter on aviation meteorology as applied to gliding and free-flight. If you know very little about thermals, fronts and the effects of the sun on the weather, this should be a useful starter.

It is focused on UK weather only.

The main downfall is the limited explanations of geographic differences. Perhaps in the next edition the author could look at some of those real-world geographical differences as the weather is not the same at all locations. It was hoped that the authors lengthy experiences in Scotland, England and Wales could be discussed.

The last chapter includes a section of question and answers for the Bronze C qualification which may be useful for post-solo pilots.