HOW TO FLY YOUR KITE SAFELY:

Find An Open Space

Select an area that is clear of obstacles like houses, trees and power lines. Beaches and parks are usually good locations, but remember that kites can crash and be destroyed by the waves. Fly only where the kite will not create a hazard.

When & Where To Fly A Kite

Kites can be flown at any time of the year as long as the wind is right. It is recommended that you observe the wind range for your type of kite. Do not fly a kite on days when the wind is too strong for the type of kite you are flying. This will only damage the kite. Most kites should not be flown in more than 20 mph.

Stay Away From Power Lines

Never fly near power lines

If your kite gets tangled in power line, drop the string to the ground and call your local power company for help

Do not try to get the kite down yourself

Some power lines carry extremely high voltages. Kite string or kites can become conductors of electricity if they are damp

You could be killed or seriously injured if your kite gets tangles on high voltage power line

Never fly a kite during an approaching storm or in rain, as a wet line will conduct electricity

Do not use wire as flying line

Always observe local air safety regulations. Avoid flying in air traffic patterns close to airports

Large kites can be dangerous and require extra care. Wear gloves when flying large kites

A large kite can drag you. Always use a release system

Do not let the line run through your fingers or hands at a fast rate- it will burn or cut you

Do not use blades or pointed objects on a kite or line

Do not throw heavy objects at an entrapped kite. Instead, try to let the kite fly itself free

BEAUFORT SCALE:

Knots     MPH     Wind Scale                   Name

4-6         4-7       Leaves rustle                  Light

7-10       8-12     Small flags fly                 Gentle

11-16     13-18    Dust flies                        Moderate

17-21     19-24    Trees sway-flying risky    Fresh

22-27     25-31    Trees bens-do not fly       Strong

AVOIDING PROBLEMS:

Use the correct flying line

Too heavy a line will weigh a kite down

Too light a line might snap

Do not use mono-filament (fishing line). It is hard to see and can be dangerous

If flying lines cross, one will cut or nick the other

PROBLEM SOLVING:

If your kite spins and the wind is not too strong

Too short a tail can cause your kite to spin

Check to see if the struts are correctly fitted or that both sides of the kites are equal

On delta kites, make sure the leading edge struts are pushed all the way down into the wing tips. Your tow point (where the line attaches) may be too forward...try moving the tow point toward the nose of the kite

Kite fails to launch but the wind is strong enough to support the kite's weight

If a tail is too heavy or long the kite will not fly

Replace or remove part of the tail

A tow point is located back so a kite can be flown in light wind conditions or to stop the kite from spinning, too far back and the kite will refuse to fly...relocate the tow point forward

Kite pulls to one side

A kite might pull to one side to release wind

Relocate the tow point forward

There may be wind conditions that cause the kite to pull to one side. Tape a piece of tail to the opposite side