What is a recommended procedure for entering a dust devil for soaring?

• A. Enter at or above 500 feet and circle the edge opposite the direction of rotation
• B. Enter below the dust devil and descend through the core
• C. Fly directly through the dust at low altitude
• D. Avoid dust devils entirely

Answer: (A)

Dust devils create a rapidly rotating column of air with a violent core and highly variable winds, so the safest way to use one for ascent is to stay out of that core while still taking advantage of the lift around it. Enter from above, at or above about 500 feet AGL, to avoid the strongest turbulence near the ground and give yourself time to judge the air. Then circle along the outer edge on the side opposite the rotation. This keeps you in the smoother lift around the periphery and reduces the chance of being tossed by the core’s gusts or abrupt shifts in direction. Entering from below and descending through the core would plunge you into the most intense updraft and shear, while flying straight through the dust at low altitude would expose you to dangerous turbulence and loss of control. Opting to avoid them entirely misses possible lift you could harness with careful, conservative maneuvering.