Pilots need to strive to acquire a deep understanding of, and respect for, the weather if they are to be confident of planning and conducting their flying in a safe and expeditious manner. This book's primary aim is to provide both student and qualified general aviation pilots with pilot-oriented instruction in the theory of Aviation Meteorology and to teach them how to use their knowledge of weather theory to interpret meteorological forecasts and reports in order to carry out effective flight planning. A further important aim of the book is to help student pilots prepare for the theoretical knowledge examination of the JAR-FCL/EASA Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) in the subject of Meteorology. This book is also suitable for those students preparing for the United Kingdom National PPL ground examination in Meteorology, as well as for those students preparing for English-language PPL examinations in Meteorology, outside Europe. It is hoped, too, that this book will constitute a sound introduction to the subject of Aviation Meteorology for those students preparing for professional pilot examinations. A wise man once said that whereas aviation, in itself, is not inherently dangerous, it is, to an even greater extent than the sea, terribly unforgiving of any carelessness, incapacity or neglect. There is no aspect of flying to which this truth is more applicable than to that of the pilot's need to acquire a thorough understanding of the weather.