The preceding papers indicate that the theory of pressure pattern flying assumes that the wind satisfies the conditions imposed by the geostrophic wind equation and that the atmospheric pressure distribution is not changing. These conditions are not satisfied in the atmosphere, and the errors caused by their non-fulfilment are discussed in the following paragraphs.

Effect of departures of wind from geostrophic. The geostrophic wind equation is derived on the assumption that the wind blows uniformly without acceleration and without friction. These conditions are never satisfied in the atmosphere, nevertheless the practising meteorologist has found that the geostrophic wind represents a useful approximation to the true wind. There are certain exceptions of which the most important are in low latitudes and at levels below 2000 feet.