Written by Richard L. Collins, one of aviation's favorite authors and a world-renowned expert on aviation weather, Flying the Weather Map provides a comprehensive overview of weather and its effects on aviation. Intended as easy, informative reading for any level of pilot and not as a weather textbook, the book begins with the author's in-depth discussion of the logic of aviation weather and its basic theory. He then takes you "flying" on 46 actual cross-country trips from his own extensive logbook. As he analyzes the various flight situations, decisions and diversions are made and an up-to-the-minute weather picture emerges. Since change is almost the only sure thing about weather, these anecdotes provide invaluable learning experiences in weather interpretation, as well as fascinating reading.
Flying the Weather Map pays particular attention to teaching pilots how to correctly obtain weather briefings and then offers proven techniques for weaving pre-flight forecasts and in-flight observations into the fabric of safe and successful flights. It also identifies early intervention procedures and techniques that will assist you in minimizing your exposure to hazardous weather conditions. From solid IFR to marginal VFR, you will then fly with the author in all weather and in all seasons. Each flight begins with a depiction of that day's weather maps, general conditions, and charts showing the intended and actual routes. Mile by mile, the flight is analyzed in the author's clear and deliberate style, constantly comparing weather theory and the pre-flight information with the actual conditions beyond his windscreen. The decisions these comparisons lead him to along the way--diversions to alternates, new route requests, and even returns to the departure airport--become our own hard-won experiences...he's already done the hard part, and you can just sit back and learn from his experiences.
Aviation's most crucial decisions are when to fly, when not to fly and when to turn around. Using an understanding of how weather works and details of how weather phenomena affect actual flights, "Flying the Weather Map" teaches us how to do our own "in-flight weather-casting," and make these decisions safely and soundly.
Author's Forward:
"There is no question that weather is of primary importance to pilots. When using an airplane for cross-country flying, a basic understanding of the elements can mean the difference between success and failure. And learning about weather, unlike learning about many other things, is not just a matter of black/white relationships. Weather is a soft, pliable thing that slips around, in, and through the minds of pilots, meteorologists, and computers. Forecasts are not totally accurate and, unlike fine drink, they worsen with age. The actual weather reports that we get are accurate enough, but they represent conditions only at selected spots. And while weather maps are usually accurate, they represent history, a weather situation that existed in the past. Perhaps it was just an hour ago, but it might have been several hours ago. Meteorology texts (and this isn't one) tend not to relate to the real flying world."
That is not to paint a hopeless, or even a difficult picture. Aviation weather is both understandable and logical. A pilot needs only an understanding of the basics, some experience, and an open mind. The last two items are especially important, because experience teaches us that while we have to examine black/white weather information, when flying we spend most our time squinting at various shades of gray. Time helps us learn to interpret the shades. The open mind is required because what we see and experience can be at odds to what we thought we would see and experience, and it is often necessary to go back to square one and begin anew to try and understand the elements as they are affecting a flight. This understanding can then be stored for future reference.
This books starts with an exploration of some basics of weather. It is not a textbook, it is a discussion of the staples, with emphasis on the things that affect light airplane flying. This is followed by accounts of actual cross country flights at all times of the year. In each case, the information received before takeoff is compared with actual weather conditions and with the basics of meteorology. Most flights were conducted IFR, but the relationship to VFR flying is also explored. The other necessary ingredient, the open mind, is yours to provide. --Richard L. Collins
Author: Richard Collins has devoted his life to aviation, logging over 18,500 flight hours in almost every type of aircraft, including the Concorde, and writing about it in over 900 magazine articles and 11 books. Associated with Flying magazine for 20 years as editor and editor-in-chief, Collins moved to AOPA Pilot in 1988 as publisher and editor-in-chief. He has since returned to Flying as a contributing editor, where he writes on aviation weather and IFR operations. Collins has also served on many government and aviation industry committees, has won numerous aviation awards, and continues to do extensive research in aviation safety.
Format: Softcover, 234 pages, Illustrated weather maps, Indexed
