Kite Flying Tips

HOW TO FLY YOUR KITE SAFELY

Finding 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. Never fly in rain or lightning. Electricity in clouds is attracted to damp kite lines and you could get hurt.

Stay Away From Power Lines

1. Never fly near power lines
2. If your kite gets tangled in power line, drop the string to the ground and call your local power company for help
3. Do not try to get the kite down yourself
4. Some power lines carry extremely high voltages. Kite string or kites can become conductors of electricity if they are damp
5. You could be killed or seriously injured if your kite gets tangles on high voltage power line
6. Never fly a kite during an approaching storm or in rain, as a wet line will conduct electricity
7. Do not use wire as flying line
8. Always observe local air safety regulations. Avoid flying in air traffic patterns close to airports
9. Large kites can be dangerous and require extra care. Wear gloves when flying large kites
10. A large kite can drag you. Always use a release system
11. Do not let the line run through your fingers or hands at a fast rate- it will burn or cut you
12. Do not use blades or pointed objects on a kite or line
13. Do not throw heavy objects at an entrapped kite. Instead, try to let the kite fly itself free

HOW TO TELL WINDSPEED WITH THE BEAUFORT SCALE

Leaves rustle Light

• 4-6 knots
• 4-7 mph

Small Flags fly Gentle

• 7-10 knots
• 8-12 mph

Dust Flies

• 11-16 knots
• 13-18 mph

Moderate

• 17-21 knots
• 19-24 mph

Trees sway-flying risky

• 22-27 knots 
• 25-31 mph 

Trees bend-do not fly Strong

How to fly Single Line Kites

Stand with your back to the wind. Hold your kite up by the bridle point and let the line out. If there is sufficient wind, your kite will go right up. Let the kite fly away from you a little, then pull in on the line as the kite points up so it will climb. Repeat this until your kite gains the altitude necessary to find a good steady wind.

• Light Wind? Have a helper take the kite downwind and hold it up. On command, the helper releases the kite and the flier pulls the line hand-over-hand while the kite gains altitude. Practice this high-launch technique.
• No Helper? Prop the kite up against a bush, post, or wall. Reel out enough line for altitude and simply pull the kite aloft.
• If the kite sinks tail first, there might not be enough wind. If it comes down head first or spins, there might be too much wind. Different kites fly in different winds.
• Bridles: If your kite has an adjustable bridle, move it higher (nearer the top) in higher winds, and lower (towards the tail) in lower winds. (Adjust no more than 1/2" at a time.)
• Tails: Adding tails to your kite helps it remain stable in stronger winds. Use light-weight materials so you can use lots! Looks great!

AVOIDING PROBLEMS

• Use the correct flying line
• Too heavy a line will weigh a kite down
• Too light a line and your line might snap and you may lose your kite
• 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