The low altitude orientation of this book is different, but not difficult. The objective of this book is to teach low altitude maneuvering techniques, including the basic low ground effect takeoff, the energy management 1g regardless of bank angle turn, and the apparent brisk walk rate of closure approach, not covered in the normal flight school program. Consider the high altitude orientation of “The Myth of the Downwind Turn.” In maneuvering flight, including takeoff and landing, this disrespect of wind management is dangerous. The slower groundspeed and tighter radius of the upwind portion of a turn is critical where horizontal space is limited. Attempting to maintain altitude in strong downdrafts and updrafts results in our spending more time in down air and less time in up air for a net loss in altitude and groundspeed. Thermal and orographic lift is critical for small airplanes “in” the mountains where the major portion of any cross country is maneuvering flight.
