New Tech Kites

wmoy · Wind Seeker Joined: 15 Dec 2007 Posts: 4

I'm struggling with a recovery technique after the kite decides to face plant itself onto the ground

The position the kite is in face down, and the nose facing towards me. The flying lines (on the ground) exits from the kites upper leading edge. I have sufficient wind so that if I could get the nose up, I would be able to get a takeoff.

I tried pulling both lines, one line only and all the kite does is slide on the ground.

Anyone have any ideas on how to recover from this position ?

The kite I have is a Diode.

Thanks !

TGunn

winged v · Wind Rider Joined: 17 May 2005 Posts: 51 Location: PA. USA

Belly down nose forward, most times means the taking the proverbial walk.When the kite is in the dead launch position,try popping both lines and the nose will bounce off the ground and if your timing is right you can sweep air under the kite and it will launch.

The dead launch is very very hard on the kite,especially when the launch does not work out.

Some kites are easier to launch in that position then others.Some pilots are better than others at it.Make sure you have enough wind on the ground to aid lifting cause at least in my experiance, without the wind to help keep the nose up ,it aint gonna happen.

Just for the record the French Connection 2.0 Dead Launches very easy!
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Rick
Flying in the winds of Change

fratz · Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2007 10:23 am Post subject:

I have to agree with the other folks. The choice is to possibly harm the kite, or watch your shoestrings flop back and forth as you walk toward the kite to stand it up.

When you get to the kite, check all of the settings. That makes it look a little more like you did it on pupose Very Happy

Kites with more of a camber, or curved LE are easier to dead launch. However, as mentioned, it is best to have some wind near the ground and a few extra spars if your going to give it a go...and you know you will. Pick your ground. Very important. Packed sand, short cropped grass are the better choices. It is a two pop move. The first is to compress the kite into the ground so that it bounces up a couple of inches. Then sweep the arms back to scoop the air under the kite. Unless the ground and wind are just right...go pick up the kite.

I am fairly successful with the Techno. It pops up pretty good. On the other hand I have replaced both LEs on my Sea Devil.
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Fratz

wmoy · Wind Seeker Joined: 15 Dec 2007 Posts: 4

Thanks to ALL for the information.