Cloud suck The telltale signs for a pilot climbing in the thermal under a "sucking" cloud are (1) lift strengthening, (2) lift getting smoother, and (3) widening of the thermal. Paraglider pilots have reported being unable to descend in strong cloud suck, even after bringing their canopies into deep spiral, which would normally result in a rapid vertical descent. Cloud suck is especially dangerous for paraglider pilots, whose maximum speed is less than 30 knots, because storm clouds (Cumulonimbus) can expand and develop rapidly over a large area with accompanying large areas of strong lift. On 14 February 2007 while practising for
Normally unmanned installation Normally unmanned installation A Normally Unmanned Installation (NUI) is a type of automated offshore Oil/Gas platform designed to be primarily operated remotely, without the constant presence of personnel. These generally were characterized by their small size, often consisting of just a well bay with a helipad on top. They are often a compromise of providing the convenience of surface wellheads, which are easier to build and maintain, while avoiding the high operating costs of a full production platform. They are generally only used in shallower water, where constructing many small NUIs is a relatively easy and cheap option as compared