From: mbb7582@zeus.tamu.edu (Mike Barrett, Keeper of the FAQ)
Newsgroups: rec.kites
Subject: Alternate Week FAQ Posting.  Please read the preamble.
Date: 12 Apr 92 20:27:00 GMT
Organization: Texas A&M University, Academic Computing Services
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41

In 4 short weeks, I have final exams.  After the end of the 
semester, I will not have reliable net access (that is assum-
ming I have any net access) because I will be at home for
the summer and I can't afford the phone bill.  I need someone
to take over the FAQ at least for the summer and preferably
on a permanent basis.  If anyone wants to take the FAQ and/or
the address list, let me know.  I'll send them and all of the
files that go with them to you.  If you're worried about time,
I'm only spending about one hour a week sum total on both.
Thanks, 
        MikeBarrett.
        Keeper of the FAQ (at least for the moment).



This is the rec.kites bi-weekly posting of the Frequently Asked
Question List (faq).  If you have questions, comments or 
corrections, please send them to me.
	Mike Barrett.
	Keeper of the faq.

****Send any feedback to me at the following addresses:
     Bitnet:
      MBB7582@TAMRIGEL
      MBB7582@TAMSUMMA
     Internet:
      MBB7582@ZEUS.TAMU.EDU
      MBB7582@SUMMA.TAMU.EDU



Section 1: Questions & Answers
===============================

Q1: What is a kite?
A1: A kite is a wind-powered, tethered flying object/device.
     They come in an incredible variety of shapes, colors, and
     sizes.  The main division between kites has to do with the
     number of lines, with single and dual lines being the most
     common, and quad line kites gaining popularity.

Q2: Where can I get a good kite?
A2: First, try your local yellow pages. (Just out of curiosity,
    what's the European equivalent of yellow pages?) Then, read
    the rec.kites address list which is posted on alternate
    Sundays (i.e. the weeks when the faq isn't posted).

Q3: How does one get started in competitions?  Where do I find
    rules and how do I learn the figures?  How does one find out
    the locations?
A3: In the USA, write to the American Kiteflyers Association (AKA) 
    or a local club.  The AKA/STACK rules book lists the official 
    rules for competitions and gives many standard figures for 
    precision flying.  The AKA also maintains an insurance policy 
    that covers members while flying in the United States, or 
    competing in an AKA sponsored event.

        American Kiteflyers Association
        1559 Rockeville Pike
        Rockeville, MD 20852
        1-800-252-2550

    In the rest of the world:
    STACK is the world wide association of Stunt Team And Competitive
    Kiting, with more than 500 members and national directors in
    15 countries. 
    I do not have mailing address for STACK; however, the addresses
    of the officers and national representatives of STACK are given
    in the rec.kites address list (posted on alternate weeks).

Q4: Where can I get books on kites?

A4: Most kite stores will have a selection of books.  Mail order
    companies also sell books.  Another source is the Kitelines
    Book Store (anyone have the address?).

Q5: Are there any magazines or other periodicals dealing with kites?

A5: There are 3 U.S. magazines about kites, American Kite, Kite Lines,
    and Stunt Kite Quarterly.




Section 2: Kite Books.
=====================

When it was available, I have included publisher and author info,
otherwise, just the titles are given.

David Pelham, "The Penguin Book of Kites". 
                     Many kite flyers consider this to be the "Bible"
                     of kite flying.

Margaret Greger, "Kites for Everyone." 
                     Kite designs.

Mark Cottrell, "The Kite Store Book of Kites." 
                     Single line designs and computer programs for
                     kite CAD.

Mark Cottrell, "Swept Wing Stunt Kites". 
                     If you build stunt kites or not this makes you 
                     understand the anatomy of a stunter. Plans
                     for LiteFlite's.

David Gomberg, edt, "Stunt Kites!" 
                     A basic flight manual for dual line kites.


Section 3: Basic Terms.
=======================

Spars
       These are the framing members of a kite.  There are several 
       types of spars.

Spine 
Main Spar
Center Spar
       All of the above are names for the spar that runs from the nose 
       to the tail of a kite. It is usually in the center of the kite; 
       but some kites (such as the Revolution) have dual spines, and 
       some have no center spine (such as the Flexi-Foil). 

Vertical Spar(s)
Longerons
       Spars that run from the top to the bottom of the kite.

Leading Edge Spars 
       These run along the front edge (called the leading edge) of the 
       kite. 

Cross Spars
Spreader Spars 
       These run perpendicular to the center spar and keep the kite 
       spread out.  The number of cross spars varies from kite to kite 
       but is usually one or two. 
       Stunt kites usually have one or two spreaders.  Single line
       kites may have many spreaders, or no spreaders, depending on 
       the design of the kite.

Whiskers
Standoffs 
       These are small thin spars that run between the trailing edges 
       (back edge of the kite) and the spreader spars.  Their purpose 
       is to make sure the sail keeps theright shape in light winds.  
       These are found most often on delta (triangular shaped) stunt 
       kites. 

Sail 
Skin
      The sail of a kite is the material that covers the spars. Sails 
      are made from many different materials (see below).

Bridle Lines 
       The bridle of a kite is a set of short lines that distribute 
       the attachment of the control line(s) to the kite. The control 
       line is attached to the bridle point, and then two or more 
       (usually three) short lines attach to the kite. In stunt kites 
       the major purpose of a bridle is to allow the kite to be 
       deformed properly so that it can be steered.  It also helps
       keep the surface of the kite at the proper angle of attack
       (the angle it forms with the direction of the wind)  For single 
       line kites, distributing the load on a very large kite is often 
       necessary, and a bridle can serve this purpose. 
       (Please see Section 7 on Bridle Adjustments.)

Kite Line
       The term "string" doesn't really apply to flying line 
       when you consider the strengths and the materials used 
       for flying line.
       Stunt Kites use two or more lines to control the direction
       and speed of a kite.  Stunt kite lines are often made out 
       of Kevlar or Spectra.  See the section on materials for more
       information.


Section 4: Materials.
=====================

4.1 Sail Material
-----------------

Ripstop Nylon 
       This is the most common material used for stunt kites as well 
       as most single line kites.  There are several problems when 
       working with ripstop, including the difficulty of cutting it 
       accurately and sewing it.  The advantages are its strength and 
       resistance to tearing.  The best way to cut ripstop is with a 
       "heat knife" or soldering iron. Remember to do the hot cutting
       in a well ventilated area - the fumes are unhealthy.

Ripstop Polyester
       Ripstop polyester (or ripstop dacron) is becomming more
       common in the kite world.  It's main advantage is higher
       strength for a given weight.  It also stretches less than
       nylon.

Nylon Taffeta
       Nylon taffeta is often used in single line kites.  Taffeta
       usually isn't coated and the porosity of the fabric adds
       stability to many kite designs.

Tyvek
       This is cheaper than ripstop, won't tear, and can be painted.  
       Tyvek can also be glued and taped easily, unlike ripstop. 

Paper
       The Japanese and other Asians make strong lightweight paper
       that is often used for making kites.  Don't be fooled by
       "rice paper" which is made for it's looks.  This paper is
       often called "washi".  Look for paper that is made out of
       long fibers.  Tear a piece of it to see how strong it is
       (ask before you tear it though).
       Construction paper, paper bags, and tissue paper have also
       been used for making kites with varying degrees of success.

Plastic Garbage Bags
       These are inexpensive, can be found in many colors, and are
       easy to work with.  Usually simpler kites (sleds, deltas, 
       and diamonds) are made out of garbage bags, but some people
       have made complex box kites out of them.

Mylar
       Mylar is usually found as a thin sheet.  It can be used in
       much the same way that paper is used, but it is lighter and
       stronger than most papers.  It's main disadvantage is that
       once it is torn or cut, it tears very easily.  Mylar kites 
       are usually stuck together using tape since mylar is difficult
       to glue and sewing reduces the strength.


4.2. Spar Material
------------------
Solid Fiberglass Rods
       These are flexible, very strong, and inexpensive.  They are
       also fairly heavy.  These are often used when flexibility is
       an asset, such as in dragon kites.  Solid fiberglass is also
       used in many small fighter kites in  the cross spar.

Fiberglass 
       Flexible, fairly strong, moderately expensive. A typical
       fiberglass tube with outer diameter of 6 mm weights 30 g/m.
       Withstands "unintentional groundwork" better than carbon.
       For a given radius, these are stiffer than solid fiberglass
       rods.

Poly-carbon Fiber
       This material is also known as graphite. Stiffer, more 
       expensive, but generally preferred. A typical carbon tube with 
       an outer diameter of 6 mm weights 20 g/m and has stiffness ("a 
       measure of the ability to resist deflection by a load") 2.5 
       times that of fiberglass. 
       Again, for a given radius, stiffer than fiberglass tubing.

Aluminum 
       Between fiberglass and graphite for flexibility, and less
       expensive than most graphite.  It is far stronger than either 
       fiberglass or graphite. 

Dowels
       A good material for beginning kite builders.

Arrow shafts 
       These can be found almost anywhere and come in a wide range of 
       materials, including wood, graphite, fiberglass, boron, aluminum, 
       and just about anything else you can think of. 

Composite shafts 
       If the spars listed don't have the combination of flexibility 
       and strength that a kite requires, combinations of materials 
       can be purchased.  However, these tend to be very expensive. 


4.3. Line Material
------------------

Kevlar 
Spectra 
       The basic cores of most stunt kite lines. These are extremely 
       strong fibers that can vary in breaking strength from 75-1000lb. 
       They are called "zero stretch lines" because they stretch less
       than 4% of their length before breaking.  Kevlar is more 
       sensitive to UV-light than Spectra.  One problem with Spectra
       is that its melting point is so low that friction against ANY
       other type of line will cause it to melt and seperate.  It is
       still preferred by most stunt kite flyers.

Dacron 
       Another polymer, which is often used to sheath the core
       lines to prevent cutting (most of them are very rough).
       Braided Dacron is generally preferred by single line flyers.
       Typical stretch is about 15%.

Cotton 
       Not very strong, but light weight and perfect for small kites. 
       Cotton line is often preferred for single line fighter kites. 

Fishing line 
       Small kites, a single monofilament line will often suffice, and 
       it is readily available in a great variety of weights.  For 
       larger kites, monofilament can be braided into stronger lines.  
       However, this is not suggested for stunt kites, because it 
       allows too much stretch for accurate control. 

Section 5: First kites
=======================

Stunt kites:
The following section was written by Jeffrey Burka, I am
indebted to him for writing a section that I had no idea how
to even begin.  

       The easiest to learn beginners kite is a diamond 
       (Powell/trlby/dynakite,etc) One of the biggest advantages to a 
       single diamond is the ease with which you can re-launch after a 
       crash.  Kiting can become very frustrating when you have to 
       keep walking 150' to set up a kite.  These kites also verge on 
       indestructible. 

       3/4 deltas (Team/Spin-off/Extreme/El Nino/Stinger750 /Wizard, 
       etc) might be good 2nd kites, but their increased speed, both 
       forward and turning, make them harder to learn on (though I 
       certainly know people who have learned on them).  Their lower 
       pricing (usually between $75 and $130) makes them attractive to 
       beginners who aren't willing to dump a lot of money into a new 
       hobby, but this doesn't necessarily mean they're good kites for 
       beginners.  

       Full-sized deltas (Spin-Off/Hawaiian Team/Super Sky 
       Dart/Slingshot/LiteFlite/Phantom/Big Brother, etc) are a fairly 
       good place to start, though the price can be inhibiting to a 
       beginner.  However, there are plenty of good full-sized kites 
       that are good for learning on; slower air speeds, a nice 
       tendency to never stall, and so on.  

       With all of these kites, as Marty Sasaki says, it's probably 
       best to stay away from graphite-framed kites at first, as they 
       are easier to break.  

       |Jeffrey C. Burka |
       |jeffy@syrinx.umd.edu |


First time single line kites:
Courtesy of Marty Sasaki.

	The old fashioned diamond kite that we all made as kids is
	probably not the best place to start with single line kites.
	These are surprisingly complex and getting one to fly well
	requires a large amount of skill (or a lot of luck).

	A good quality delta kite is probably a good place to start.
	These range from the toy store variety costing a few dollars
	to high tech ripstop nylon and graphite stick kites costing
	hundreds of dollars. Most will fly well in a variety of wind
	conditions.

	Another good kite would be a Delta-Conyne, often referred to
	as a DC. A DC is a cross between a delta and a box kite.

	Dragon kites are also good kites to start on. These consist of
	a head, usually arch shapped, and a long tail.

	After a bit more experience you might try a box kite of some
	sort, or a parafoil. Box kites come in a dazzling number of
	designs. Parafoils (and their relatives, flow forms,
	strato-scoops) don't have any sticks. They use the air to fill
	them and hold them rigid enough to fly.


Section 6: Safety
==================

       Stunt kites are very light and can fly very fast, in a suitable 
       wind the speed can exceed 100 km/h even 100 miles/h! Any device 
       with such a speed can damage property or injure people. Also 
       the thin line can cut like a knife (especially Kevlar and Spectra
       lines!).

       If you get in a dangerous situation release ONE HANDLE and walk 
       towards your kite. Your lines might be tangled, but usually 
       your kite willnot have harmed the environment or itself.

       NEVER give a large, hard pulling kite to an inexperienced 
       flyer. 

       NEVER leave a ready to launch kite unattended.

       NEVER fly near an airport, except with the permission of the
       air traffic controllers. I have not included the appropriate
       regulations, because they are different in different countries.
       Most American universities -- and I assume other universities --
       keep complete copies of Federal Regulations and Laws (all of
       them).  If you wish to fly near an airport or at a very high
       altitude, check with your local university library or the air
       traffic controllers.

       NEVER fly near power lines (or in electrical storms for the 
       same reason).

       Keep your kites, especially lines and bridles, in good condition;
       this will avoid embarrassing and dangerous situations.


Section 7: Bridle Adjustments.
==============================
     This section was written by Ben Nagata (kite@busadm1.cba.hawaii.edu)
       Kites SHOULD be tuned whenever you have a change of >5-10 Mph.

       Bridled kites should be lofted by the fly-line attachment clips so
that they hover right over your head. Putting your index finger right
behind the clips so that the kite is held by the bridle, you ease up (or
down) on BOTH sides by, oh, 1/16" at a time. Make sure that you go in the
same direction with the same increment on both sides at the same time, or as
close as practical. What you are looking for is the greatest pull that is
stable with the accent on pull. You then move the clips to that position and
you are set. Just remember, if you take it out at another time when the
wind conditions are different, you must re-tune!

       RE:FLEXIFOILS - Yes, Virginia. You CAN tune flexis - you move the
rubber grommets at the ends of the strut in or out (about 1/8th inch
increments should be about right). Out for lighter winds and more speed, in
for heavier winds and better turning.

       On most kites, tuning is a trade-off between (more power, tighter
turns) vs. (lighter winds, broader turns). So, it's a matter of personal
preference. Myself, I like 'WHAMMING', hard pull, lots of power and TIGHT
turns. One other way to achieve this in ADDITION to power tuning is to fly
VERY short lines (I once flew on 40-45' lines). Not real good for a light
wind, but then I find anything less than 25 Mph BORING.

                               Have a nice flight, regardless,
                               Ben Nagata
                               Kite@Busadm1.Cba.Hawaii.Edu


########################################################################
Ben Nagata, Sys Eng, Coll Bus Admin, Univ of Hawaii
Kite@BusAdm1.Cba.Hawaii.Edu





The following is the rec.kites charter.  It was written by Ken
Ritchie (lepcock@watsci.uwaterloo.ca)

                             CHARTER

    The group rec.kites will, as its name implies, deal with
discussions of kites and kiting. The discussion will deal with
any and all aspects of kiting with no limitations as to specific 
types of kites. In general, possible lines of discussion could 
be about:

   1)Plans and ideas as to how to build kites.

   2)Information as to the best places to purchase materials.

   3)Tips on flying different kites, and their pro's and con's.

   4)Ratings of commercially available kites.

   5)Safety and kite flying laws in effect.

   6)Anything else to do with kites...

    This newsgroup will be of interest to anyone who is
interested in kites and kiting, no matter how serious they are
about it. The group is not to be limited to those who are already
experienced in the sport. It will partially be set-up to
introduce people to kiting. 


Newsgroups: rec.kites