Aero-Terms!

Aero-Terms are designed to be a daily reminder of the terms, names, acronyms and explanations of the unique language that populates the aviation world. Aerospace, sport aviation, fixed wing, helo, you name it... it's all fair game.

Aero-Terms should serve as a quick but intriguing reminder of the terms you may use every day, or an introduction to an aspects of the Aero-World you may not yet be familiar with. ANN also encourages readers to go beyond the FMI link, and further research any intriguing terms.

Suggestions for future Aero-Terms are ALWAYS welcome, as are additions or discussion of the explanations given for each Aero-Term.

Cloud Suck

A phenomenon commonly known in paragliding and hang gliding where pilots experience significant lift due to a thermal under the base of cumulus clouds, especially towering cumulus and cumulonimbus. The vertical extent of a cumulus cloud is a strong indicator of the level of lift beneath it, and the potential for cloud suck. Cloud suck commonly occurs in low pressure weather and in humid conditions. Cloud suck is typically associated with an increase in thermal updraft velocity near cloud base. As a parcel of air lifted in a thermal rises, it also cools, and water vapor will eventually condense to form a cloud if the parcel rises above the lifted condensation level. As the water vapor condenses, it releases its latent heat of vaporization, thereby increasing the buoyancy of the parcel. The updraft is amplified by this latent heat release.

FMI: www.ushpa.aero/article19.asp