Gliding - From Passenger to Pilot

The practical soaring instruction and flight transition textbook Gliding From Passenger To Pilot (formally titled Gliding: From Passenger to Pilot) is an authoritative technical reference written by Steve Longland, an expert instructor with over 30 years of experience, former Chief Flying Instructor at Cambridge Gliding Club, and British Gliding Association examiner. Published in its updated 2nd Edition by The Crowood Press Ltd, this manual guides aviation enthusiasts through the complete transformation from a curious passenger into a confident, self-reliant glider aviator. It serves as an indispensable ground and flight study reference for every commercial pilot, flight student, certified flight instructor (CFI), first officer, and prospective captain candidate.

Across its specialized chapters, the textbook details basic aerodynamic principles, gliding history, club flight dynamics, cockpit controls, and primary flight instruments. The author provides step-by-step guidance on launch methods—including winch launching and aerotow operations—alongside essential safety protocols and thermal weather interpretation. Furthermore, the volume explores post-solo advanced flying strategies, covering cross-country soaring, competition gliding, and practical aircraft ownership advice. Mastering thermal lift mechanics enhances overall flight coordination during cross-country air navigation across civil aviation and air transport. To explore additional soaring books, glider manuals, and technical flight guides, browse our specialized catalog in the gliding books and soaring flight manuals for the aviation pilot section.

Released on August 27, 2012, this updated 2nd Edition features 160 pages written in clear technical English within a softcover paperback binding measuring 18.9 x 24.6 cm. Registered under international codes ISBN-13 978-1847973931 and ISBN-10 1847973930, the volume is enriched with black-and-white photographs, technical diagrams, and a dedicated full-color photo section. It serves as an essential academic investment for gliding clubs, soaring flight academies, ground school instructors, aeronautical engineers, and active professionals across the global aviation industry and modern aeronautics.

Features of Gliding From Passenger To Pilot

• 📖 Full Title: Gliding: From Passenger to Pilot
• ✍️ Author: Steve Longland (BGA Examiner & Senior Flight Instructor)
• 🏛️ Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd | 2nd Updated Edition
• 📅 Release Date: August 27, 2012
• 📄 Page Count: 160 technical pages featuring diagrams, B&W photos, and color plates
• 📘 Format & Dimensions: 18.9 x 24.6 cm | Softcover paperback format
• 🔢 Identifiers: ISBN-13: 978-1847973931 | ISBN-10: 1847973930
• 🪂 Syllabus Scope: Winch and aerotow launching, thermal interpretation, cross-country flight, and glider ownership
• 🌍 Language: Technical Aviation English

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is the primary target audience for Gliding From Passenger To Pilot?

It is designed for student glider pilots, flight club members, and instructors training alongside every pilot.

What visual training aids are included in this Crowood edition?

It includes technical diagrams, black-and-white instructional photos, and full-color photograph inserts covering aviation.