Thermal Flight 4th Edition

Forewords by Bruce Goldsmith and Robby Whittall:

"Thermals are like waves in the sky, full of force and power. Riding them can be as exhilarating as surfing the ocean waves. I've been hooked on thermal flying for 25 years, first in hang gliding and now in paragliding. The thrill of finding invisible thermals and climbing them on cross-country flight is a precious experience for me, just as it was when I first started flying. Playing with these invisible and powerful forces of nature is an experience shared only by us and the amazing soaring birds. When Burki asked me to write a foreword for this book, I was so impressed by its depth and detail that I wanted to contribute my own chapter. This book will help pilots learn the art of thermal flying more quickly and safely, while quickly teaching them many of the techniques that took me years to learn."

Bruce Goldsmith
2007 World Paragliding Champion

"In my humble opinion, no matter how much you think you know about flying, you can never know enough... I've flown for over 20 years, thousands of hours in the air, but I'm aware that I'm still learning and will need to learn even more in the future.
We often underestimate the importance of continuing our flight training and understanding of the environment once we reach a level we consider acceptable. For your own safety, it's important to always remain humble enough to realize that there is more to learn about flight and atmospheric conditions than you'll ever be able to assimilate. We must always strive to become better pilots, trained through a broader understanding.
It was an honor for me to be asked by Burki to write a foreword for this book. However, to do so honestly, I had to read it first, and in doing so, I have improved my perception of flying and the conditions. You will find a wealth of wisdom in the pages of this book, no matter your level of piloting. This book is, from cover to cover, packed with excellent information and illustrated with easy-to-understand photos, diagrams, and charts that will help you visualize many of the descriptions.
Remember that you, and only you, are solely responsible for your own safety every time you fly. Use this book and the knowledge it contains to improve your understanding of the environment in which you operate and, consequently, your own safety.
Flying is a beautiful activity; it can take you to heights you never imagined possible. It can change your life and fill your spirit and mind, but it must always be done seriously.
Don't stop training yourself so you can continue enjoying all of this with serenity and confidence."

Robby Whittall
Former world champion in paragliding and hang gliding.