Arizona Thermals

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Jason608

Pre-takeoff checklist
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Jason608
So, I have had lots of dual experience with AZ thermals but today seemed like the worse, maybe because no one is in the right seat now. IA:4,500 Density:8,050. Felt more like a boat in water than a plane in air.

Do you guys usually reduce power and keep climbing to get out of the <thermal> bumpy air?
 
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Depends on the headwinds vs how rough it gets.
 
Jason608 said:
Do you guys usually reduce power and keep climbing to get out of the <thermal> bumpy air?
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Good question. I'd like to know how high you have to climb to escape the bumps out there. Usually here by 6,000 ft you're out of it. I think most people out there just avoid flying in the middle of the day.
 
I usually cruise above 8, and often > 10.
 
Dav8or said:
Good question. I'd like to know how high you have to climb to escape the bumps out there. Usually here by 6,000 ft you're out of it. I think most people out there just avoid flying in the middle of the day.
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Yes, 8am was very busy today so I waited until a little later and just me (C172) and some giant cargo plane taking up the R/W.
 
Dav8or said:
Good question. I'd like to know how high you have to climb to escape the bumps out there. Usually here by 6,000 ft you're out of it. I think most people out there just avoid flying in the middle of the day.
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Parts of the state that would put you well into cumulogranite. I seem to remember that even at 12K ft on hot days I was still in the bumps in places.
 
Summer thermals out there can go to 20k. Either fly early or get a glider rating so you can appreciate them.
 
I fly in AZ at any time of day the mission requires. Sometimes, yes, it's a bit bumpy, but whatever...
 
I've gotten the crap beat out of me at 16,500 ft in AZ. Normally above 12,000 is fairly smooth though.
 
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