# What Is the Best Weather for Gliding? Beginner’s Guide

- Link: https://gliderairstrip.com/best-weather-for-gliding/
- Published: 2026-10-23T05:29:26+00:00
- Author: gliderairstrip

The best weather for gliding is weather that provides usable lift, manageable wind,
good visibility, and enough time for a safe flight and landing. However, the ideal
conditions depend on the type of soaring you want to do, the local terrain, and 
your experience level.

Imagine arriving at a gliding club on a bright, sunny morning. The sky looks beautiful,
the wind seems light, and everything appears perfect for flying. Yet the glider 
may struggle to climb because the air is not rising strongly enough to provide useful
lift. On another day, scattered clouds may mark areas of rising air, allowing a 
glider to climb and remain airborne for hours.

This is one of the fascinating things about gliding. Beautiful weather does not 
always mean good soaring weather. What matters is how the atmosphere behaves, how
the wind interacts with the landscape, and whether the available conditions suit
the flight you want to make.

For beginners, understanding the weather is an essential part of learning to fly.
This guide explains the main weather conditions that help gliders stay airborne,
how to recognise useful signs in the sky, and which conditions require extra caution.

If you are new to the sport, start with our guide to [gliding basics](https://gliderairstrip.com/category/learn/gliding-basics/)
to understand how gliders fly before exploring how weather affects their performance.

## Why Does Weather Matter in Gliding?

Unlike powered aircraft, most gliders do not have an engine to maintain altitude
or climb whenever the pilot wants. After launch, a glider gradually loses height
while moving through the air unless it finds rising air that can help it climb.

The key is to find air that rises faster than the glider is descending through it.
When the surrounding air rises sufficiently, the glider can gain altitude. Pilots
call this rising air lift.

A glider pilot may use several types of lift:

 * **Thermal lift:** Rising air heated by the ground.
 * **Ridge lift:** Air pushed upward as wind flows against a hill or mountain.
 * **Mountain wave lift:** Rising air associated with atmospheric waves that form
   downwind of mountain ranges under suitable conditions.

Each type depends on different weather patterns. Sunny conditions often favour thermal
soaring, while suitable wind and terrain can produce ridge lift. Mountain waves 
require a particular combination of wind, atmospheric stability, and terrain.

A variometer indicates the glider’s rate of climb or descent. This helps pilots 
recognise lift and sink, although a basic variometer does not independently measure
the vertical movement of the surrounding air. A total energy compensated variometer
helps reduce indications caused by exchanges between airspeed and altitude, making
it more useful for assessing changes in the air mass.

Weather knowledge remains essential. Instruments can help pilots recognise what 
is happening, but understanding the atmosphere helps them anticipate where lift 
may develop.

## Sunshine and Thermals: A Classic Combination

For many glider pilots, sunny weather with developing thermals provides some of 
the most rewarding flying conditions.

A thermal begins when sunlight heats the ground unevenly. The ground then warms 
the air immediately above it. If this air becomes warmer and less dense than the
surrounding air, it may begin to rise.

As the rising air continues upward, it expands and cools because atmospheric pressure
decreases with altitude. If the air remains warmer than its surroundings, it can
keep rising and provide lift for a glider.

Not every sunny day produces strong thermals. Their strength and development depend
on surface heating, atmospheric stability, moisture, and the temperature structure
of the air above the ground.

### What Makes Thermals Stronger?

Thermals are often more useful when:

 * The sun provides enough energy to heat the ground.
 * The atmosphere allows warm air to continue rising.
 * Different surfaces heat at different rates, helping thermals develop in particular
   areas.
 * The conditions are not so turbulent or gusty that they become unsuitable for 
   the pilot or aircraft.

Dry fields, ploughed land, rocky areas, and urban surfaces can heat differently 
from forests, lakes, or wet ground. This uneven heating can influence where thermals
form, although it does not guarantee usable lift at any particular location.

For a closer look at how pilots find and use rising air, read our guide to [soaring and thermals](https://gliderairstrip.com/category/learn/soaring-and-thermals/).

### What Is Trigger Temperature?

Trigger temperature is a forecasting concept used to estimate the surface temperature
at which thermals may begin developing under a particular atmospheric profile.

As the ground heats the air above it, thermals may begin when surface heating becomes
sufficient for rising parcels of air to overcome the atmosphere’s resistance to 
vertical motion. Forecasts may provide a trigger temperature to help pilots estimate
when useful convection could begin.

Reaching the trigger temperature does not guarantee strong thermals. Cloud cover,
changing winds, soil moisture, atmospheric stability, and local terrain can all 
affect the result. Trigger temperature should be interpreted alongside the full 
forecast rather than treated as a guaranteed starting point for soaring.

### Are Clouds Necessary for Thermal Soaring?

No. Thermals can develop without producing visible clouds.

When rising air contains enough moisture and cools to its dew point, water vapour
condenses into tiny droplets and a cumulus cloud may form. The cloud can provide
a visible clue to rising air below it.

On drier days, the air may rise without reaching the point where a cloud forms. 
These are often called blue thermals because the sky remains blue above them.

This means a cloudless sky does not automatically rule out good thermal soaring.
Pilots must learn to assess the forecast, the surrounding terrain, atmospheric conditions,
and other possible signs of rising air.

### How Do Pilots Turn Inside a Thermal?

When a pilot finds usable lift, the glider is often flown in a sustained turn to
remain within the rising air. The pilot must maintain appropriate airspeed, coordinate
the controls, and adjust the turn as the thermal changes.

Turning too steeply or flying too slowly can reduce the margin above the stall. 
Turbulence can also make the glider’s response less predictable.

Our guide to [glider turning techniques](https://gliderairstrip.com/glider-turning-techniques/)
explains the fundamentals of coordinated turns and why smooth, controlled flying
matters when circling in lift.

A [Variometer](https://gliderairstrip.com/how-does-a-variometer-work-in-a-glider/)
is another useful instrument during thermal soaring. It helps the pilot assess whether
the glider is climbing or descending and whether adjustments may be needed. The 
pilot must still combine instrument indications with visual observation and sound
flying technique.

## Clouds and Cloud Base: Reading the Sky

Clouds provide valuable information about the atmosphere, but not every cloud indicates
good soaring conditions.

Small, well-defined cumulus clouds can indicate that thermals are reaching the level
where water vapour condenses. When conditions remain favourable, these clouds may
continue developing as rising air feeds them.

However, the appearance of a cloud can change quickly. A cloud that once marked 
useful lift may begin to dissipate, and the air beneath it may no longer provide
the same climb.

### What Is Cloud Base?

Cloud base is the height of the lowest part of a cloud, where rising air has cooled
to its dew point.

For glider pilots, cloud base matters because it can limit how high they can climb
while remaining legally and safely outside cloud. The actual restrictions depend
on the airspace, applicable aviation rules, visibility, and required separation 
from clouds.

A higher cloud base can provide more vertical room for thermal soaring, but it does
not guarantee strong thermals or a long flight. Lift strength, wind, visibility,
airspace restrictions, and the pilot’s decisions remain important.

### Which Clouds Are More Useful?

**Developing cumulus clouds**

Small cumulus clouds with clearly defined edges can indicate active convection. 
Their bases may help pilots identify areas where thermals are reaching the condensation
level.

**Dissipating cumulus clouds**

Clouds that lose their definition and begin breaking apart may indicate weakening
convection. However, cloud appearance alone cannot reliably establish the strength
of the air below it.

**Towering cumulus clouds**

Rapidly growing clouds with substantial vertical development can indicate powerful
convection. They may develop into thunderstorms, so pilots must pay close attention
to forecasts and changing conditions.

![Comparison of a towering cumulus cloud with sharp cauliflower tops and a cumulonimbus
thunderstorm cloud with anvil, dark base, rain and lightning](http://gliderairstrip.
com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Towering-Cumulus-vs-Cumulonimbus-1024x576.png)

**Low cloud and overcast skies**

Low cloud can restrict visibility and reduce the height available for soaring. Extensive
cloud cover may also limit surface heating, although the effect depends on the cloud
type, thickness, and atmospheric situation.

![best weather for gliding](http://gliderairstrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/
Cloud-Identification-Chart-1024x640.png)

The most useful approach is to observe how the sky develops over time rather than
judging conditions from a single glance.

## Wind Conditions: How Much Wind Is Best?

There is no single wind speed that is ideal for every glider flight. The best wind
conditions depend on the type of soaring, the launch method, the terrain, the glider,
and the pilot’s experience.

For a beginner, manageable wind with predictable direction and limited gustiness
is often more suitable than strong, turbulent wind. However, light wind does not
necessarily mean good soaring conditions.

### Wind for Thermal Soaring

Thermals can form in a range of wind conditions. Wind affects their shape and position,
often carrying rising air downwind as it develops.

A moderate wind may help organise thermals in some situations, but stronger winds
can tilt and spread them, making them harder to locate or use. Gusty conditions 
can also create turbulence and make handling more demanding.

Cross-country pilots must consider wind direction and speed at different altitudes,
not just the wind at the airfield. Wind can affect ground speed, route planning,
glide range over the ground, and the time needed to return.

### Wind for Ridge Soaring

Ridge soaring generally requires wind to blow toward a suitable ridge so that the
terrain forces some of the air upward.

The wind direction must be appropriate for the ridge’s orientation. Wind that is
too weak may provide insufficient lift, while strong or turbulent wind can create
challenging conditions, particularly near the terrain.

Local topography can produce rotor turbulence, wind shear, and other hazards. Ridge
soaring therefore requires appropriate training, careful planning, and a clear understanding
of the local environment.

### Why Gusts Matter

Wind speed is only one part of the picture. A steady wind and a gusty wind of the
same average speed can produce very different flying experiences.

Rapid changes in wind speed or direction can make a glider harder to control, particularly
close to the ground during launch and landing. Beginners should follow their instructor’s
guidance and the club’s operating limits rather than deciding that a particular 
wind speed is safe based on a general rule.

## Temperature and Atmospheric Stability

Temperature affects how air moves vertically, which makes it central to understanding
gliding weather.

When air near the ground becomes warmer than the air around it, it may rise. Whether
it continues rising depends partly on how its temperature compares with the surrounding
atmosphere as it climbs.

This relationship is known as atmospheric stability.

### Unstable Air

In an unstable atmosphere, rising air can remain warmer than the surrounding air
and continue upward. When sufficient surface heating is available, this can support
thermal development.

Unstable conditions can help produce strong soaring lift, but they may also lead
to rough thermals, rapidly growing clouds, and thunderstorms. Stronger convection
is not automatically safer or better.

### Stable Air

In a stable atmosphere, vertically moving air tends to return toward its original
level rather than continuing to rise freely. This can limit thermal development 
even when the sky appears sunny.

Stable air is not always unsuitable for gliding. Under the right wind and terrain
conditions, stable layers can be important in the formation of mountain waves.

This is why the same weather feature can be helpful for one type of soaring but 
less favourable for another. Pilots need to understand the complete weather pattern
rather than looking for one condition in isolation.

## What Is the Best Time of Day for Gliding?

For thermal soaring, the most useful period often begins after the sun has warmed
the ground sufficiently and thermals have started developing.

In many locations, thermal activity increases through the morning, becomes stronger
around the middle of the day or afternoon, and weakens later as surface heating 
decreases. The exact timing depends on season, latitude, cloud cover, terrain, and
the local weather pattern.

### Morning

Early morning can be excellent for training flights because the air is often relatively
smooth before strong daytime convection develops. Overnight cooling can create a
stable layer or temperature inversion near the ground, limiting vertical mixing 
and thermal activity.

This can make conditions more comfortable for practising basic handling, although
the suitability of a training flight still depends on wind, visibility, cloud base,
and the instructor’s assessment.

A smooth flight does not necessarily mean a flight with strong soaring lift. Thermal
activity may remain limited until the sun has heated the ground sufficiently.

### Midday and Afternoon

As the ground receives more solar energy, thermals can become more developed. Under
favourable conditions, this period may provide opportunities for longer flights 
and cross-country soaring.

The strongest part of the day can also bring rougher thermals, higher cloud development,
and a greater risk of thunderstorms in unstable air. Pilots must assess both the
potential lift and the associated hazards.

### Late Afternoon and Evening

As sunshine decreases, surface heating weakens and thermals often become less reliable.
A pilot who is away from the airfield must allow enough time to return and land 
safely.

Late-day flights can still be enjoyable, but pilots should not assume that useful
lift will remain available until sunset. Planning must account for the actual weather,
daylight, landing options, and the pilot’s experience.

## Humidity, Rain, Wet Wings and Thunderstorms

Moisture in the atmosphere influences cloud formation and can help pilots interpret
the sky. However, humidity alone does not determine whether the weather is suitable
for gliding.

When rising air cools to its dew point, water vapour can condense into cloud droplets.
If there is sufficient moisture and vertical development, clouds may grow into towering
cumulus or cumulonimbus.

### Is Rain Good for Gliding?

Persistent rain is generally unfavourable for ordinary recreational and training
gliding. It can reduce visibility, affect the launch and landing environment, and
signal weather conditions that are unsuitable for the planned flight.

Rain also creates an important aerodynamic consideration: **a wet wing can affect
glider performance and stall behaviour**. Water on the wing surface can disturb 
the airflow and change the wing’s aerodynamic characteristics. Depending on the 
glider design and the nature of the contamination, this may reduce performance and
alter the stall characteristics.

The effect is aircraft-specific, so pilots should follow the flight manual and the
manufacturer’s guidance for the particular glider. Do not assume that a wet wing
is harmless or that familiar stall speeds and handling responses will remain unchanged
in all conditions.

### Why Thunderstorms Are Dangerous

Thunderstorms can produce severe hazards, including lightning, hail, strong updrafts
and downdrafts, severe turbulence, heavy precipitation, and sudden changes in wind.
Dangerous air movements can extend beyond the visible cloud, and the visible appearance
of a thunderstorm is not a reliable guide to the severity of its internal conditions.

Glider pilots should avoid thunderstorms and threatening convective cloud, following
official forecasts, local procedures, and instructor guidance.

For further reading, consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s [Aeronautical Information Manual, Chapter 7: Safety of Flight, Section 1: Meteorology](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap7_section_1.html).
This chapter covers aviation meteorology more broadly, including weather hazards
relevant to flight planning.

## Ridge Lift and Mountain Wave Conditions

Thermals are not the only source of lift available to glider pilots. In areas with
suitable terrain, wind can create other forms of rising air.

### Ridge Lift

When wind flows toward a hill or mountain ridge, the terrain can force the air upward
along the windward slope. A glider can use this rising air to maintain or gain altitude.

The most favourable wind direction is generally one that carries air toward the 
ridge rather than parallel to it. The ridge shape, wind strength, turbulence, and
surrounding terrain all affect the result.

Ridge soaring can allow pilots to fly along a ridge for extended periods, but it
also requires careful attention to terrain clearance, wind changes, and escape routes.

### Mountain Wave

Mountain waves can form when wind flows across a mountain range in a suitable atmospheric
environment, often involving stable air and wind that is approximately perpendicular
to the range. Wind speed and direction with height influence whether useful waves
develop. In favourable wave conditions, wind speed often increases with altitude,
although the complete vertical wind profile and atmospheric stability both matter.

These waves can produce lift well above and downwind of the mountains. They may 
also be associated with severe turbulence, including rotor activity beneath parts
of the wave system.

In some conditions, wave activity may be marked by smooth, lens-shaped lenticular
clouds near the crest of the waves. These clouds can be a visual clue that a wave
is present, but their absence does not prove there is no wave, and their presence
does not make the area safe to fly. Rotor turbulence can occur beneath wave systems
whether or not rotor clouds are visible.

![Mountain Wave and Lenticular Clouds](http://gliderairstrip.com/wp-content/uploads/
2026/10/Mountain-Wave-and-Lenticular-Clouds-1024x576.png)

Mountain wave soaring can take gliders to very high altitudes, where additional 
hazards must be considered.

**Oxygen and hypoxia:** At altitude, reduced oxygen availability can impair judgement,
coordination, and decision-making before a pilot fully recognises the problem. High-
altitude wave flights may require supplemental oxygen under applicable regulations,
and oxygen equipment must be suitable for the planned altitude and flight duration.
Pilots need to understand the relevant oxygen requirements and hypoxia risks before
attempting high-altitude soaring.

**Airspace and ATC clearance:** Mountain wave conditions do not give a pilot permission
to enter restricted, prohibited, or controlled airspace without meeting the applicable
requirements. Where an ATC clearance is required, it must be obtained before entering
the relevant controlled airspace. Pilots must check current charts, airspace restrictions,
weather, and local procedures as part of flight planning.

**Icing and severe turbulence:** Mountain wave environments can involve severe turbulence
and, in suitable moisture and temperature conditions, icing. Pilots must assess 
the forecast icing risk and the aircraft’s limitations. A glider should not be flown
into conditions beyond its approved capabilities or the pilot’s training and equipment.

Mountain wave soaring is not simply a matter of finding strong wind. It requires
specialised knowledge, suitable equipment and aircraft, appropriate training, and
careful planning.

## What Is the Best Weather for Different Types of Gliding?

The best conditions vary with the type of flight a pilot wants to make.

| Type of gliding | Conditions that may be favourable | Important considerations | 
| Training flights | Manageable wind, good visibility, suitable cloud ceiling | Instructor guidance, launch conditions, and safe landing options | 
| Thermal soaring | Surface heating and an atmosphere that supports rising air | Thermal strength, cloud development, turbulence, and cloud base | 
| Cross-country soaring | Sustained lift over a broad area and suitable visibility | Wind at altitude, route planning, airspace, and safe outlanding options | 
| Ridge soaring | Wind blowing toward a suitable ridge | Terrain clearance, turbulence, wind strength, and escape routes | 
| Mountain wave soaring | Suitable wind across mountains and a favourable stable atmospheric structure | Specialised training, oxygen requirements, icing and turbulence risks, airspace, and equipment |

No single forecast guarantees a good flight. Conditions must be assessed for the
specific location, aircraft, pilot, and planned activity.

## How to Read a Weather Forecast for Gliding

A general weather forecast can tell you whether the day is likely to be sunny, cloudy,
windy, or wet. A gliding forecast needs to answer more specific questions.

Before a flight, consider the following:

**Surface temperature:** How much heating is expected, and when will it begin? Is
the forecast trigger temperature likely to be reached?

**Dew point:** How much moisture is present in the air, and what does the temperature
and dew point relationship suggest about possible cloud formation?

**Cloud cover and cloud base:** Will clouds restrict visibility or the height available
for soaring? Could clouds grow vertically during the day?

**Wind speed and direction:** How will the wind affect launching, landing, thermal
development, and the planned route?

**Atmospheric stability:** Is the atmosphere likely to support convection, or is
stable air expected to limit thermals?

**Precipitation, icing and thunderstorms:** Is rain, icing, or dangerous convection
expected near the airfield or along the planned route?

**Conditions at altitude:** Could the wind, temperature, or turbulence differ significantly
from the conditions at the surface?

Pilots should use forecasts and aviation weather products appropriate to their region,
interpret them with suitable training, and compare the forecast with actual conditions.
A forecast is an aid to decision-making, not a guarantee that the expected conditions
will occur.

### A Simple Cloud Base Rule of Thumb

A rough estimate of cloud base can sometimes be made from the difference between
the surface air temperature and the dew point.

As a rule of thumb, each 1°C difference between the air temperature and dew point
corresponds to approximately 125 metres, or about 400 feet, of height to cloud base
above the measurement level.

For example, if the air temperature is 20°C and the dew point is 12°C, the difference
is 8°C. Using this rough estimate:

8 × 125 metres = approximately 1,000 metres.

This suggests a cloud base around 1,000 metres above the measurement level, assuming
suitable conditions for cloud formation.

This is only an approximation. Actual cloud base depends on the atmospheric profile,
moisture distribution, local conditions, and how the measurements were taken. It
must not be used as a substitute for official aviation weather information or as
the sole basis for flight planning.

## Two Sunny Days, Two Very Different Flights

Imagine two days at the same gliding club.

On the first day, the sun is shining, but a stable layer of air limits vertical 
development. The ground warms, yet rising air struggles to continue upward. The 
sky remains mostly clear, and the glider may have few opportunities to climb after
launch.

On the second day, sunlight heats the ground and the atmosphere allows thermals 
to develop. Small cumulus clouds begin appearing, and some mark areas where rising
air reaches cloud base. The pilot may be able to circle in lift, gain height, and
continue toward another source of lift.

Both days look sunny. Yet the second may offer much better thermal soaring because
the atmosphere supports stronger vertical movement.

Now imagine a third day with wind blowing toward a suitable ridge. Even if thermal
activity is limited, ridge lift may provide useful soaring conditions.

These examples show why experienced glider pilots look beyond sunshine alone. They
learn to read the atmosphere and choose the type of flying that suits the conditions.

## What Weather Is Best for Beginner Glider Pilots?

Beginners usually benefit from conditions that allow them to concentrate on aircraft
control, lookout, and learning procedures without unnecessary weather-related difficulty.

Suitable conditions often include:

 * Manageable and reasonably steady wind within the club’s limits.
 * Good visibility and an appropriate cloud ceiling.
 * No nearby thunderstorms or threatening convective development.
 * Launch and landing conditions suitable for the aircraft and training operation.
 * Weather that allows the instructor to teach the planned lesson safely.

Strong thermals may be attractive to an experienced soaring pilot, but they can 
also create turbulence and increase the demands on a student. The strongest soaring
day is not necessarily the best day for a first lesson.

Beginners should follow their instructor’s assessment and the gliding club’s operating
procedures. Weather decisions must take account of the student’s experience and 
the intended flight, not just the forecast’s general description.

## When Is the Weather Unsuitable for Gliding?

Some weather conditions create obvious difficulties, while others become hazardous
because several factors occur together.

Conditions that may make a flight unsuitable include:

 * Thunderstorms or threatening convective activity.
 * Visibility below the applicable requirements.
 * Cloud base too low for the planned flight and applicable rules.
 * Strong or gusty wind outside the club’s or aircraft’s operating limits.
 * Significant turbulence or wind shear.
 * Rain or other precipitation that makes the operation unsuitable, including possible
   wet-wing effects.
 * Forecast icing or icing conditions outside the aircraft’s approved capabilities.
 * A forecast that leaves insufficient margin for the planned flight and a safe 
   return.

The decision not to fly is an important part of aviation judgement. A day without
a flight is preferable to launching into conditions that exceed the pilot’s capability
or the operation’s safety limits.

The [British Gliding Association’s Safety Resources](https://members.gliding.co.uk/safety/)
provide information on risk management, training, and safe gliding practices. Pilots
should also consult their national aviation authority and local club procedures.

## A Beginner’s Preflight Weather Checklist

Before a gliding flight, discuss these questions with your instructor or follow 
the club’s established briefing process.

 * Is the forecast suitable for the type of flight planned?
 * Are wind speed, direction, and gusts within the applicable limits?
 * Is visibility adequate, and is the cloud base suitable?
 * Are thermals, ridge lift, or other sources of lift expected?
 * Could cloud development lead to thunderstorms or other hazards?
 * Are there significant changes in wind or turbulence expected at altitude?
 * Is icing forecast or possible in the planned conditions?
 * Is there enough time and daylight to complete the flight safely?
 * Are the planned route, airspace, and possible landing options suitable?
 * If high-altitude wave flight is planned, have oxygen requirements and hypoxia
   risks been addressed?
 * Do the actual conditions match the forecast closely enough to proceed?

The checklist is a learning aid, not an operational approval. Always use the procedures,
weather sources, and decision-making process required by your gliding club and aviation
regulations.

## Frequently Asked Questions

## Conclusion: Learn to Read the Sky

The best weather for gliding is not simply the sunniest weather. It is weather that
offers suitable lift while allowing the pilot to fly, navigate, and land safely.

Sunshine can help create thermals. Developing cumulus clouds can reveal where rising
air reaches its condensation level. Wind can support ridge soaring or, under the
right atmospheric conditions, mountain wave flight. At the same time, strong turbulence,
low cloud, poor visibility, wet-wing effects, icing, and thunderstorms can turn 
an apparently promising day into an unsuitable one.

For a beginner, the goal is not to chase the strongest lift or fly on every possible
day. It is to learn how the atmosphere works, recognise changing conditions, and
make sound decisions with an instructor or experienced club pilots.

Every flight offers an opportunity to understand the sky a little better. With time,
weather charts become more meaningful, clouds begin to tell a story, and the choice
of when and where to fly becomes an increasingly informed decision.

That is one of the great skills of gliding: learning not just to fly through the
air, but to understand the air itself.

## Further Reading

 * [FAA Glider Flying Handbook](https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/glider_handbook)
 * [FAA Aeronautical Information Manual, Chapter 7: Safety of Flight, Section 1: Meteorology](https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap7_section_1.html)
 * [British Gliding Association: Safety Resources](https://members.gliding.co.uk/safety/)

---