| First to be considered is the place from which the | | | | building, in which case it is deflected upwards. The |
| kite is flown. There are certain do's and don'ts which | | | | strength of the up current will depend upon the |
| operate here. For example, avoid a spot where the | | | | force of the wind, and the size of the obstacle it |
| kite might become entangled with trees or overhead | | | | meets. Rising currents are a means whereby birds |
| wires, or where it might sail over a busy road. A | | | | can soar, that is, fly without flapping their wings. |
| good site is one where there is room to move about | | | | Again, the glider pilot derives benefit from them. It |
| freely without causing annoyance to others. This | | | | follows, therefore, that, on occasions, they may |
| applies particularly when several kites are being flown. | | | | prove to be helpful to the kite flyer. |
| It is exasperating if the lines get mixed up. Kite | | | | We turn now from the weather to the kite. Before |
| flyers, like anglers, give one another sufficient room in | | | | flying it, its size must be taken into account. |
| which to enjoy their pastime. | | | | Sometimes the enthusiast is tempted to build an |
| Next, a word about weather conditions. It is the aim | | | | outsize one. Though it may be the object of interest |
| and intent of the enthusiast to fly his kite | | | | and admiration, the owner might not have realized |
| successfully under varying conditions. He regards | | | | that in flying large kites both skill and strength are |
| them as a challenge to his skill. At the same time he | | | | needed. Someone has said that a 6-ft. kite pulls like a |
| is not so misguided as to see a challenge in a gale. He | | | | cart-horse. It follows then that one half this size, in a |
| knows that because a kite is, after all, but a frail | | | | fairly strong wind and when a considerable amount of |
| craft, there are limits to its capabilities. In this respect, | | | | line has been released, can exert a strong pull. For |
| common sense is a good guide. | | | | this reason, the size in this book is limited to 3 ft. 6 in. |
| The following are instances of different flying | | | | This is a convenient and manageable size range for |
| conditions. On a warm calm day the air seems to be | | | | the beginner. Later on, if desired, the reader may |
| still. But this is only comparatively so. Although there | | | | make larger sizes by increasing the measurements |
| is little movement in a horizontal direction, there is | | | | given. |
| upward activity. This is due to rising currents of air, | | | | The next thing to do is to inspect the kite. First, |
| called thermal currents. They will be found, for | | | | check the bridle and the line, to see that they are |
| example, above ploughed fields, moorland and where | | | | secure and that the line runs freely on the reel. |
| buildings are grouped together. The familiar heat | | | | Secondly, test the bracing and bowstrings to make |
| shimmer is an indication of this rising air. On the other | | | | sure that they are taut. The method of tying these, |
| hand, on such a day, there will be colder descending | | | | if proper, will ensure that they can be tightened, if |
| air where there is water, marsh or meadow. | | | | necessary. Thirdly, inspect the cover to ascertain |
| Then there comes a day when the wind is blowing. | | | | whether it is secure and in good condition. This is |
| There can be variation in its movement. For example, | | | | very important in the case of a paper cover, as it |
| it may be a fitful wind. Again, and to the point here, | | | | can easily get damaged. |
| it may meet an obstacle such as a hill, a cliff, or a | | | | |