Cloud suck
Strengthening lift just below the base of a cloud.
Also known as
- cloudsuck standard term
Terms and slang labels apply to this language. Usage may differ in other languages.
What it means
Pilots feel it as an increasing pull upwards as they near cloudbase, and even smaller clouds can produce it. Unlike lift in general, it is tied to the cloud overhead and can draw a glider up into the cloud itself.
Example in context
That cumulus sucked us up, and we reached base faster than we'd have liked.
Sources and review
- Wikipedia: Cloud suck (opens in a new tab)
- Flybubble: XC Secrets – Cloudsuck (opens in a new tab)
- Jakub Vrána — Paraglidingový slang: o počasí (opens in a new tab)
Reviewed: