Meteorology - David Cockburn

Product description

SECOND EDITION NOV. 2023

This book, the fourth in the series, has been produced primarily to assist an applicant for a Private Pilot's Licence in the study for the Meteorology examination. It is not intended as a complete course of study, but is designed to act as a guide to the main points in the syllabus. However, it is also intended to help those who have already passed the examination by giving them a document to which they can refer in order to achieve safe and practical flights as private pilots, and in addition can serve as a useful first step towards the knowledge required for professional pilot qualifications.

The most important parts , especially those relating directly to safety, are covered in detail. However, the coverage of parts which the author considers less vital is only sufficient to give a basic understanding of general structure.

To cover the whole syllabus, or indeed to fly with a high level of safety, more detailed knowledge is required. Modern meteorological forecasts are produced by computer with guidance from scientists, but the forecasts produced can never be completely accurate, and are certainly not tailored to the requirements of the individual pilot.

In order to achieve the maximum enjoyment from flying while retaining a reasonable level of safety, every pilot should strive to learn as much about the weather as possible.

David Cockburn

David Cockburn’s extensive experience as a flying and ground instructor began on gliders and continued during his career in the Royal Air Force which included elementary and basic flying training. Since returning to civilian life, he has concentrated on teaching and examining students for the Private Pilots’ Licences and associated ratings, and has been for many years Head of Training and Chief Flying Instructor of a Declared Training Organisation. He is also an active member of several bodies working to improve safety and instructional standards.

David is well known in General Aviation for his ability to present essential information about safe flying in an easily understood manner. He became concerned that for many students the full syllabus for the PPL examinations is daunting, as indeed are many of the widely available textbooks. These include much material which the ‘recreational’ PPL holder will use very seldom, if at all. However, other teaching materials such as ‘question and answer lists’ do not lay down the foundation of knowledge essential for safe and confident flight. He has therefore written a complete series of PPL study guides which are published by Pooleys and are recommended by a number of schools and individual instructors.