In a dust devil, which action is the recommended safety practice?

• A. Fly directly through the eye
• B. Circle the edge opposite the direction of rotation
• C. Circle the edge in the direction of rotation
• D. Avoid the dust devil altogether

Answer: (B)

The key idea is to avoid the violent core of a dust devil. The safest maneuver is to circle the outer edge in the direction opposite the rotation. The center of a dust devil hosts the strongest updrafts and swirling winds, along with debris, so staying at the edge reduces exposure to the most intense turbulence and gives you a better chance to move away if conditions change. Circling the edge in the same sense as rotation can push you toward the core or into stronger gusts, and flying right through the eye would put you squarely in the strongest updraft and debris path. While avoiding it entirely is safest if possible, the recommended in-flight action is to skirt the outer edge opposite the rotation to stay clear of the core and maintain control.