ADVANCED SOARING MADE EASY - Second Edition
Author > Bernard Eckey
270 x 200mm - 336pages

With this book Bernard presents to the gliding community a dictionary for the meteorological phenomena that can keep gliders aloft to fly long distances.

In recent years we have seen an increase in performance of cross-country flying that seemed impossible only a few decades ago. The improved performance and handling of gliders are only partly responsible for that surge. It is most likely that the pilots’ tactical decisions and their advanced knowledge of meteorology boosted the long distance and speed records to their present level. Pilots who have developed a basic understanding of gliding theory and have an open eye for the forces of nature can explore and enjoy the almost endless possibilities of modern gliders so skillfully designed and constructed by dedicated craftsmen.

The different chapters in this book explain in detail, with clear illustrations, what glider pilots need to know to maximise their enjoyment and performance. Some lift forces are smooth or weak and others are strong and turbulent. Lift can also be isolated or lined up for long distances. Pilots who have learned to master these great forces with skill and patience can, on certain days, combine several different lift sources for exhilarating flights using all the daylight hours.

This book not only gives a complete overview of meteorological phenomena but it also explains to glider pilots how to take advantage of them. The book details the techniques of soaring in thermals, slope lift, wave, etc., and provides pilots with excellent information that they can put into practice to improve their skills and get the maximum out of the sport of gliding. Pilots who achieve the best performance are those who can recognise the different forces of nature and use them to their advantage.

Perhaps they can use an early morning wave to set off on long distance flights as I have done. I shall never forget my late glides into a sunset from a high climb in a late thermal or from a wave. In high mountains the ice breeze occurs almost every evening and one can enjoy late soaring in the centre of the valleys right up to last light. This is what makes the sport of gliding so special.

To all readers of this book I wish you excellent soaring and hope you gain as much pleasure and exhilaration from gliding as I have over the years.

I would also like to commend Bernhard Eckey on the huge amount of research he has put into writing this book and presenting it in such a useful format. The first edition of his book has been well received but because this second edition looks deeper into many additional topics it will be even more encouraging and motivating to the many supporters of our fascinating sport.

Safe soaring to all 
Ingo Renner

Price: AUD $69.95

SORRY THIS BOOK IS OUT OF PRINT

We are awaiting word from the author as to when it will be available again.