Understanding Gliding - Derek Piggott
Advanced Instruction
|
Understanding Gliding - Derek Piggott |
I just got the 2002 printing (fourth edition) and this is quickly becoming my favorite soaring book. This book succeeds in describing how a glider flies without resorting to ANY math. The style and content of this book is extremely readable. I almost listed this book in the "aerodynamics" section of this web site but it really doesn't fit there. Sure, the usual sections on stability and such are there, but there is just so much more to this book. The "launching methods" chapter, for instance, has the best description of why you don't want to winch launch using a nose hook. The chapters are titled: The evolution of the modern sailplane, How and why a sailplane flies, The effects of the wind, Design for performance, Airbrakes and other drag producing devices, Launching methods, Fore and aft stability and control, Lateral stability and control, Directional and spiral stability and control, Flight limitations, Glider structures, and Converting from gliders to powered aircraft. BUY THIS BOOK! |
 Cross-Country Soaring - Helmut Reichmann |
For the budding cross country pilot, the book is Cross-Country Soaring, by Helmut Reichmann. It is probably the only soaring text that deals, to any degree, in soaring navigation and meteorology. It is also, as far as I know, the only piloting text that deals with the mathematics (at the high school level, don't panic) of speeds to fly. Also covered is the decision making process required in the many phases of an XC flight. This alone may make this book the most valuable one that you will own. |
 Soaring Beyond the Basics - Dale Masters
|
|
TBD |
 Sailplane Aerobatics - Les Horvath |
TBD |
 The Handbook of Glider Aerobatics - Mallinson and Woollard |
TBD |