Anybody who has put a lot of work into a kite will certainly want to minimize its chances of failure, and possible destruction,at launch or landing. These are the kite's most vulnerable moments, and there are a number of hazards to be avoided.
Terrain affects ground winds considerably and, even in a light breeze, the air above an uneven landscape is remarkably turbulent. Ground turbulence is caused not only by rugged terrain but also by trees and buildings, and it isn't until the kite is well up, say 150 ft or so, that it will settle down to its anticipated flying attitude.
A flat, even and uninterrupted landscape such as the shores of large lakes, rolling moorlands or the sea shore are ideal. Beaches can be excellent flying sites, and gentle onshore wind wind is invariably stable and laminar, the wind force increasing gradually and evenly as the kite gain altitude.
However, because of variations between land and sea temperatures, an onshore wind can quickly turn during the early evening. Copying with a relatively sudden turn-round of 180° can be challenging to even the most experienced kite flyer, though to successfully negotiate such fickle winds brings it own rewards.
In the absence of such ideal locations there are a few points that should be considered. If the flying site is marred by tall buildings or trees be sure to launch upwind of them, and well away from them, as turbulence in even a light breeze can extend to twice the height of the obstacle, and occasionally a kite will be drawn towards the cuase of the turbulence as though magnetized. I flying from a hillside it is better to
Terrain affects ground winds considerably and, even in a light breeze, the air above an uneven landscape is remarkably turbulent. Ground turbulence is caused not only by rugged terrain but also by trees and buildings, and it isn't until the kite is well up, say 150 ft or so, that it will settle down to its anticipated flying attitude.
A flat, even and uninterrupted landscape such as the shores of large lakes, rolling moorlands or the sea shore are ideal. Beaches can be excellent flying sites, and gentle onshore wind wind is invariably stable and laminar, the wind force increasing gradually and evenly as the kite gain altitude.
However, because of variations between land and sea temperatures, an onshore wind can quickly turn during the early evening. Copying with a relatively sudden turn-round of 180° can be challenging to even the most experienced kite flyer, though to successfully negotiate such fickle winds brings it own rewards.
In the absence of such ideal locations there are a few points that should be considered. If the flying site is marred by tall buildings or trees be sure to launch upwind of them, and well away from them, as turbulence in even a light breeze can extend to twice the height of the obstacle, and occasionally a kite will be drawn towards the cuase of the turbulence as though magnetized. I flying from a hillside it is better to
