How to fly your kite safely:
Where to fly:
- Never fly near power lines.
- Find An Open Space
- Select an area that is clear of obstacles like houses, trees and traffic and stay away from ditches or steep slopes.
- Beaches and parks are usually good locations, but remember that kites can crash so choose a spot where your kite won’t be damaged when it comes down.
- Fly only where the kite will not create a hazard.
- Never fly a kite near buildings, trees, roads or railway lines.
- Make sure that your kite can not self launch while you are setting it up. Lay it on it’s back with some weight on top to stop it lifting.
- Check your kite to make sure there are no broken or splintering spars and make sure that the bridle lines and flying lines are not frayed or worn.
- Don’t leave kite lines unattended lying on the ground, they will be a trip hazard.
When to Fly:
- Kites can be flown at any time of the year as long as the wind is ‘right’.
- Never fly in rain or lightning.
- Do not fly a kite on days when the wind is too strong for the type of kite you are flying. This will damage your kite and void any warranty.
- Most kites should not be flown in more than 30 kph.
- Wind direction and strength can change quickly. Keep an eye on the wind and your kite always.
- We recommended that you know and understand the wind range that your kite is suited to.
- Use the Beaufort wind scale to convert to the scale that you know.
BEAUFORT SCALE:
Knots | KpH | MpH | Wind Description | Scale |
4-6 | 6-11 | 4-6 | Leaves rustle | Light |
7-10 | 12-20 | 8-12 | Small flags fly | Gentle |
11-16 | 20-29 | 13-18 | Dust flies | Moderate |
17-21 | 30-38 | 19-24 | Trees sway-flying risky | Fresh |
22-27 | 40-50 | 25-31 | Trees bens-do not fly | Strong |
Electricity:
- Never fly near power lines
- You could be killed or seriously injured if your kite gets tangles on high voltage power line
- 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
- Never fly a kite during an approaching storm or in rain, Electricity in clouds is attracted to damp kite lines and you could get seriously hurt as a wet line will conduct electricity.
- Do not use wire as flying line as wire conducts electricity (and is very sharp!)
Airports:
- Special rules apply when flying within two miles of an airport.
- Under Australian CASA regulations you are not allowed to fly more than 122 metres above ground level or within 4 kilometres of an airfield.
- Check with your local authorities for any other restrictions that may be unique to your area and always observe local air safety regulations.
Large kites:
- Big 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.
- If using a harness to fly very large kites, make sure it is fitted with a quick release system.
String:
- Never fly by holding the string. It is thin and will burn and it will cut. Fly only by holding the handle.
- Do not let the line run through your fingers or hands at a fast rate- it will burn or cut you
- Fastening yourself to your kite line can lead to painful, serious injuries.
- Do not use blades or sharp objects on a kite or line.