"Corky Scott" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 10 Feb 2005 14:19:44 -0500, "Icebound"
....
Ok, my apologies once again for seeming so dense about this.

.....

No need.

My instructors did not really have to tell me all the gory details about how
that big red knob next to the throttle works. All they really had to say
was "when you get above about 3000 feet, you'll get a little more power if
you pull it out a bit... but not too far or the RPM will drop... and on your
way down push it in a bit... and stick it right to the dash when landing or
taking off..." That would have probably been enough to get me by.

But knowing the relationships between air/gas mixtures and fuel consumption
and engine cooling and engine power, etc., helps me use that little knob a
little smarter.

I think you can look at knowing the underlying weather theory the same
way... it helps you use TAFs, area forecasts, radar imaging, and even your
own observations... just a little bit smarter.

All the best.