Chris OCallaghan wrote:


For argument's sake, let's say that it does rotate, on both large and
localized scales. What advantage can we take? How can we detect it?

This will be a problem at the 18 deg/min you proposed. I circle at about
720 deg/min, so the chances of me noticing this while thermalling are
probably zero. For the small cloud you mentioned, the "observation time"
as I approached it would be something like 30 seconds or less, which
corresponds to a 9 degree rotation - hard to discern. Believe me, I have
intently watched thousands of cloud bottoms as I approached them, and I
have never noticed any large scale rotation. It might be there (like I
said, I'll try watching from the ground next time I see a cu), but it
isn't obvious.

How might we change our approach, entry, and centering techniques to
maximize overall rate of climb? These are the questions worth
pondering.

Asking top competition pilots about this might be a way to start, though
I've never heard any of them mention rotation as a factor in their
decisions.
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Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA