At what altitude should you begin entering a dust devil to start circling?

• A. At or above 500 feet
• B. At ground level
• C. At 1000 feet
• D. At 200 feet

Answer: (A)

Dust devils are small, intense convective updrafts that form near the ground. To gain and ride a lift in a dust devil, you need enough altitude to establish a stable circle, maintain a safe turning radius, and have room to maneuver if the updraft weakens or gusts push you off course. Beginning entry at or above 500 feet AGL gives you that margin: you can set up the circle, stay in the rising air, and still have time to exit safely if conditions change. Entering from ground level or very low altitude leaves you with little energy margin and height to react, making the maneuver riskier. Going higher than 500 feet isn’t necessary for this purpose and reduces the practical lift window. So, starting at or above 500 feet keeps the maneuver safer and more controllable.