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See also:
Handling Turbulence/Collapses, and
Active Flying The Bump Scale was developed so pilots could
communicate what turbulence they're feeling or felt. When used properly, an
experienced pilot's 5 will be a new pilot's 5. That is why it is tied to
specific events such as tip collapses.
There are variations in wings, of
course, and techniques to fly them. A highly skilled pilot will better
keep the wing overhead and tracking straighter which reduces
collapses. A pilot flying a higher performance wing or lightly loaded will
be more likely to get small collapses than on a lower performance wing or
heavily loaded. These levels have been adopted by the PPG Bible,
UltraFlight Magazine and Powered Paraglider Radio. Two important
reference points are: 5 is small tip collapses on an average wing and 7 is a 50%
collapse on that average wing with no input.
| Value
|
Description
(reaction without active flying input) |
| 0 |
Completely
smooth. |
| 1 |
Getting jostled,
no noticeable change in flight path |
| 2 |
Causes small
changes in flight path. The most that new pilots should fly in. |
| 3 |
Fairly bumpy.
Causes body swings of around 3 feet with no control input. |
| 4 |
Uncomfortably
bumpy for most. Causes moderate changes in flight path and body
movements of around 5 feet. Causes significant surging/retreating of
the wing. May cause small tip collapses on lightly loaded or high
performance wings. |
| 5 |
Very active air.
Causes small tip collapses even on beginner wings that are normally
loaded. |
| 6 |
Causes 50%
collapses on lightly loaded or high performance wings. |
| 7 |
Causes 50%
collapses even on beginner wings that are normally loaded. |
| 8-10 |
Increasing levels
of dangerous air where 10 is completely uncontrollable regardless of
skill level. |
|
This dust devil reached over 1000 feet high. Flying in conditions strong
enough to breed such beasts is really asking for it. It's the one you
don't see that'll get you. |
