Kite Safety for KAP
Safety is a paramount concern for all types of kite flying. The FAA has a key regulation that applies to kites weighing less than 5 pounds (2¼ kg)--No person may operate a ... kite ... in a manner that creates a hazard to persons, property, or other aircraft. Some basic safety considerations are always necessary when flying kites, and this is especially true for KAP in which large kites and cameras may be lifted several 100 feet above the ground. Consider the following a basic rule of thumb.
Do NOT fly where a kite crash could cause injury to
people or damage to vehicles and ground structures. |
Never fly over power lines or cables, near radio towers, or similar hazards. Do not fly over roads or near airports. Take care in strong wind--more than 25 mph (40 km/h), as any kind of large kite can overpower the kiteflyer--have a sturdy anchor ready. Kite flying is extremely dangerous in high wind! Always wear leather gloves to protect hands, and do not let a child fly a large kite without supervision.
Be cautious about flying a KAP rig over a lake (or other water body). A crash into water can lead to disaster, as the camera acts like a sinker to drag kite and all to the lake floor, where hidden snags may ensnare equipment permanently. If the equipment can be recovered quickly, the kite will most likely survive, and the camera may function (partially) after thorough drying, but color film almost certainly will be ruined--as the authors know firsthand.
Trees and Kites
Trees are the nemesis of kites, as the well-known cartoon character Charlie Brown has found
out many times. No matter where the tree is located, the kite is attracted toward its branches.
The authors have snared kites or kite lines in trees several times. In each case the kites were recoverd
without damage to equipment. In most cases, it was the kite line, bridle, or tail which became
trapped rather than the kite sail. Here are some suggestions for recovering a kite from a
tree.
- Immediately release pressure on the kite line and provide plenty of slack. Sometimes the
kite will fall down through or behind the tree. Do not attempt to jerk the kite free,
as this may pull the kite deeper into the tree.
- It may be possible to free the kite by gently manipulating the kite line. If the tail
hangs within reach, it also could be utilized--gently! If only the tail is caught, try
disconnecting the kite, before pulling on the tail. The kite is usually worth much more than
the tail.
- For those difficult cases, it may be necessary to climb the tree. This has happened only
once in the authors' experience. Use a ladder, if available. When climbing a ladder or tree
limbs, follow an old seaman's rule. Always maintain three points of support--two feet and
a hand or two hands and a foot.
- To free a badly tangled kite, release both the kite line and tail. The line usually can
be pulled out of the tree or simply cut off. Gently free the kite and bridle, which may require
breaking small branches. Lastly pull the tail out or abandon it.
For more information, see KAP equipment.
Related sites