Officers President's and Board Corner Conside ring the fa ct The AKA NEWS has been growing in
1984 OFFICERS ANO DIRECTORS AT LARGE that 300 of the size and now has a slick co ve r EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE approximate 1,300 with a co lo r picture plus two Chet Snouffer President 340 Troy Road AKA me mbers attend full-page co lo r adve rtisements. Miller S. Makey, Sr. Delaware, OH 43015 2557 Clark Drive (614) 363-4414 the convention , it A ways and me ans study and Grove City, OH 43123 seems appropriate analysis is needed to dis co ve r (614) 871-0727 Gale Winnett 486 Haymore Avenue, N. that the "Pre si- ways of obtaining mo re adve r First Vice President Worthington, OH 43085 I Michael J. Keating (614) 888-4128 dent s Annual tising and greater inco me . 2283 Bristol Road Report" prepared for Columbus, OH 43221 (614) 451-4870 the Annual Meeting The Safety and Ethics Committee BOARD OF of AKA , at the Convention, be attempted to become active and Second Vice President PAST PRESIDENTS Gilford Millard publis hed here for the total viable. To da te, however, this 4508 SI. Anthony Lane W. D. (Red) Braswell co mmittee has not been success Columbus, OH 43213 10000 Lomond Drive me mb ership. The following is a Manassas, VA 22110 condensa tion of tha t re port . ful in de ve loping an officia l Third Vice President (703) 361-2671 Warren Bailey policy or code of safety. Box 450 Bevan Brown 2859 W. Street, Rte. #37 6636 Kirkley Avenue It ha s been a privilege to be Delaware, OH 43015 McLean, VA 22101 A chairperson has been appointed (614) 369-4153 the AKA President for the year (703) 893-3886 1984. It has been an in terest to head up a Competitions and Corresponding Secretary Robert Ingraham Betty K. Makey Festiva ls Committee , to de ve lop 315 No. Bayard Street in g and challenging year. I hope 2557 Clark Drive Silver City, NM 88061 standards for AKA Competitions . Grove City, OH 43123 you will agree tha t it has been (614) 871-0727 This Committee needs additiona l John F. (Jack) Van Gilder a ye ar of co ns ide ra ble accom 1925 Walnut S.W. Recording Sect'y/Treasurer me mbers to work with the Chair Seattle, WA 98116 plishment . Margie Winnett (206) 938-0550 man on this project. 486 Haymore Avenue, N. Worthington, OH 43085 One of the firs t is sues to co me (614) 888-4128 A closely re lated Committee was REGIONAL DIRECTORS to the attention of the new Executive Committee was an established with the charge to REGION 1: New England REGION 8: Mountain 1) compile a lis t of the cla ime d CT, NH, MA,ME, RI, VT AZ, CO, fD,MT, NO, NE, apparent lack of understanding Carl Poehler NM, NV, SO, UT,WY AKA kiteflying records and 2) de ve l 9 Vine Street Brian Volkman of the General Liability Melrose, MA 02176 The Kite Store Insurance and how it re lated to op standards and require ments 1415 Larimer Square for kiteflying re cords that are REGION 2: New York State Denver, CO 80202 the "sanctioning" of kite Jerry Gorsuch events . to be officia lly re co gnized by 380 Grimsby Street REGION 9: Southwest Staten Island, NY 10306 AR, KS, MO, OK, TX AKA. (212) 351-7461 Michael G. Freeman 505 N. Tyler Road A great de al of time was spent REGION 3: Penn-Jersey Apartment 1401 studying the policy and the AKA was given the opportunity to New Jersey. Pennsylvania Wichita, KS 67212 Michael Carroll (316) 722-2643 va rious questions being ra ised. purchase a box of origina l P.O. Box 215 Plainsboro, NJ 08536 REGION 10: Pacific NW The in surance ca rrie r was asked ma teria ls co lle cted for a his (609) 799-6398 AK, HI, OR, WA, BC tory of kites in Japan: photo Carl Krafft to help cla rify the is sues . A REGION 4: Mid-Atlantic 1220 38th Aven ue E. statement of our cla rification graphs of Japanese ma ster kite DC, DE, MD, VA, WV Seattle, WA 98112 ma kers; drawings and photographs George Fohs (206) 323-1734 is now in the hands of the 5211 Pembroke Avenue Regional Directors. It is of kites , and original ma nu Baltimore, MD 21206 REGION 11: N. California (301) 483-4776 Monterey County and North assumed that this statement is scripts . The Executive Commit Leland Toy tee vo ted to pu rchase the box , REGION 5: South 1044 Sanchez Street not fina l and not de finitive ; it AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, San FranCiSCO, CA 94114 place one copy of the book in SC,TN will undoubtedly need to be John Parker REGION 12: S. California re vised in the not too dis tant the AKA Arch ives and sell some 6109 Rosecrest Drive South of Monterey County of the other ma teria ls in the Charlotte, NC 28210 Tony Cyphert future . (704) 553-1996 4621 North Avenue #1 San Diego, CA 92116 (Continue d on next page) REGION 6: Northeast Central (714) 297-2722 As a dire ct re sult of our study IN, KY, MI, OH Judy Neuger REGION 13: tnternational of the is sues ra ised about the 4500 Chagrin River Road Garry Woodcock Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 1055 Shawnmarr Road, #68 du ties and re sponsibilities of Mississauga, Ontario Regional Dire ctors , some imme di REGfON 7: Northwest Central Canada, 15H 3V2 ate steps were taken to imp ro ve lA, IL, MN, WI Publis he d Toby Schlick the ability of eRgional Dire c in even-numbered R.R. 1, Box 205 mo nths by Fish Creek, WI 54212 tors to be more helpful to AKA me mbers in the Region . The American Ki Directors now receive copies of tefliers Associa tion 113 We st Frank Cover Photo co rrespondence pertaining to lin Street Baltimo re , MD their re spective Regions ; they 21201 (301) 752-3320 have been provide d with packets of info rmation and they have Distrib uted free of Rick Kinnaird's giant silver air-inflated been provide d supplie s of sta ch arge to AKA me mbers . kite makes an effort at becoming the tionery. War/d's Largest Stunt Kite at the Ocean Bob In gra ha City Kite Festival. Membership in AKA has continue d m-Founder AKA Mille r in creasing and now totals about S. Makey , Sr. -President Cartoons by G. R. 1300 me mbers rep re senting 49 Osborne Thomas C. states and 20 fo reign countries . Shaner-A dmin . Coord. Ca rol T. Shaner-Acting Editor need and can establish permanent housing of the archives, where Write mem Readers bers and authorized public can utilize the materials and AKA can provide control, securi hitch, or a pair of them as a ty and insurance. bend . The Transom Knot can be useful for making a pair of After months of perseverence, spars fast to each other at policy and procedure sta tements right angles--provided the spars have been written for AKA sanc Re: AKA NEWS for April/May, I'd are of circular section--but I tion of kite events, chapter like to refer you to the bul can never remember the knot, club affiliation and annual letin of the Nouveau Cervolist simp le though it is, without convention sp onsorship. A Be Ige, No . 4, Jan./Feb . '83. referring to a bo ok, so I rarely statement has also been pre An article there extols the use it! The most satisfactory pared, outlining the duties and "Uni-knot" found in the knot I know for adjusting the responsibilities of Regional Fisherman's Digest, Chicago, tension of a bracing line or the Directors . A "Memorandum of 1977 . This was tested by Paul like is what I think is called Understandings" has been Vanderdouckt and Mi chel Tarbuck's Knot. Oliviero' developed for the guidance of Dusariez, and compared with Olivieri has a sketch of it in persons considering sponsoring un-knotted line on the one hand the bulletin of the AlA, Vol 1, an AKA annual convention. and line tied with an "ordi No. 3, pg. 93. I've found that nary", but unspecified knot, on it seems to work best in bra ided The Committee, established to the other. These are the line of more than 80 lb. develop a program for the selec results: breaking-strain; for some reason tion of persons to be honored it doesn't seem to hold well in with the "Steve Edeiken Memorial 1) With no knot: the line broke very thin braided line, although Award", has completed its job at a traction of 97 kg (+/- 44 it will hold in thread. and nominations for the first recipient of this award have lb . ) (Continued on next page) been received . 2) With the Uni-knot : the line broke at a traction of 94 kg Although it was a publicized (+/-42 1/2 lb.) goal of the Ex ecutive Committee, President's no plans have yet been made for 3) With an ord inary knot: the AKA Convention '85. line broke at a traction of 63 Corner kg (+/- 28 1/ 2 lb.) AKA , now 20 years young, is experiencing distracting growing AKA Annual Auction at the pains and anxiety provoking There's a lot of difference Convention. between 65% and 97% of original adolescence. There are yet unresolved issues of: line strength! The AKA Archivist, Bob Price, was consul ted concerning the hobby vs. kite trade within I don't know the Bimini Twist, materials in the AKA Archives. individuals and within kite whi ch I guess may be a knot Bob has subsequently announced clubs, alleged and/or real invented or popularized compar the completion of a computerized atively recently. Ex cept when index of the AKA Archives no\<' club government, formal vs. using very light line, I normal stored at his home . Possibly we informal, in-group vs. ly use the barrel kn ot as a are approaching the time when we new/out group, a democracy vs. representation Membership Application Regional Directors, govern ing members or consultants NAME ______DATE _____
ADDRESS ______Code of Ethics, safety rules to be enforced vs. no CITY --______STATE ___ ZIP __ _ regulation. TELEPHONE (
Indicate category of membership desired: We must work steadfastly to grow SINGLE MEMBERSHIP, $15.00 ...... $ ______out of this stage of development (OR) with a stronger and closer kn it FAMILY MEMBERSHIP, $15.00 for first member, $1.00 for each $ --:____ _ organization of friends freely additional member in the same household. ($1.00 x no.) sharing information and experi Names of other family members: ences to benefit kiting.
For USA 1st class mail add $4.00 .$ -----
For Canada or Mexico add $4.00, other foreign address $5.00 . . $ ______
Mail this application with check or money order , payable to AKA, to: American Kltelliers Association 113 W. Franklin Street
Baltimore. Maryland 21201 TOTAL REMITTANCE $ ______
\ -3- craft. It's a pity because it is such a fantastic thing to do. Readers Write To give you an example of how Regarding the ring hitch (Why foreign this sport is--the other call it a La rk's Head? The day as I went to Mu izenberg plain English name is self Beach to fly my four stunters , explanatory; translating "tete the people near by stood amazed d' alouette" isn't.), it seems to and look at these flying foils me to be asking for trouble to doing acrobatic feats . They are ma ke the loop with which the very interested and ask me whe re hitch is thrown by us ing an do I get these ki tes and I rep ly overhand knot. Su re ly a I made them myself and so on. I bowline , or at least a was just wondering if some of figure-of-eight knot, would have your people can't come ove r to greater strength. . . Africa and give a few kite shows ju st to put the ball on the John Sp endlove ro ll. NKG Lancs ., England . . An advertising photo of the Cloud Seeker by Me l Govig EDITOR'S NOTE: AKA Corres ponding Se cretary Betty Ma key interes ted me . I took it and has been he lping our only South scaled it up to 90 cm lo ng and African member, Hein Lourens , to 100 cm wide and cut a template. secure books and mater�als for That works li ke this. I fold ki temaking from the U.S. This the material in a qua rter, put le tter is an extract of a letter my template over it and cut it to he r; if the grammar seems with a soldering bolt. Then I somewhat strange , how well could fold it open and there is my you write a letter in Afrikaans? facing of the Cloud Seeker, Ran into a situation with a ki te exact sq uare. I made three of la st Sunday that ra ises some I still press on with my kite them and the fourth one is on questions ... since anybody can its way. bui lding . Though some material They fly very good , and does (thank goodness) buy is hard to obtain, it is worth but I'ni still better them . I kites , and since some people are all the effort because when I learned quite a lo t alre ady , but not very good sportsmen, lo ok to my finished product and I'm still frowning. I'm waiting shouldn't some folks do some see it fly so nice , I'm proud on for an answer to a le tter I thing about passing on the ru le s myself for doing something I wrote to Mr. Domina Ja lbert. of the game? like and love. That paras led is a very tricky one . I made a parawing kite At a really wonderful "Celebrate also and a Scott Here in Africa, few peop le sled. In the the Wind" kite festival at future I'm planning to make a practice this super sport kite Cuyahoga Valley Nationa l Pa rk, six pack of stunters . Also I there was one flier who was would like to ma ster the para using 2000 feet of coated Kevla r sled. line . He la ugh�d merri ly when Affiliated Clubs other kites crossed his and got . . . I give all my thanks and ed off. He felled three _1ad�1Oton �nclfIII,U ..... appreciation to your people out shear &305SW Cherryhlll Orl .. 4705 W. Byron Street during the day, one of them _ ..rton. OR 97005 ChiC-lgo.IL 60641 the re who stand by me so far. St_n E. Ro.. . Prel. AI Hargus, Pru. give me mine . The other two were little (503)2�1I412 (312) 54$-9572 And the AKA newsletter � ki tes on cot ton line flown by _ale,. __ T_ 5120 Kilo Club mo re a big idea .. ..Bl essl.ng RI. 2, Box851 1921 Hunt Club Orive people l.n. good folks out having fu . I Morgan Clly, LA 70380 Grosae Pt. Woodl, MI 48236 and love for all you � PWtku. !'reo. enclose a picture of ml.ne OM HIInkSzarlag, P�. the kite world . (504)_18 (3'3)88&-eOO9 because it's not little , and I -� _ ...... _ _, �-. KlIo_ly was on a 250 lb . test dacron P.O. Box 35853. Stn. E P.O. Box 426 Vliocou.... r. B.C. Newfield,NJ 08344 So uth Africa (Continued on next page) Clnada V8M 4G9 Leonlrd M. Conover. Pro. Thorn.. G. Kowak:huk,Pre •. (609) 697-2285 (804) 38'-5377 Ita_KlIo __ c.n ....IOtoIIIon OhIo __ 3G48-A Hlnano Street 3'5. !I. Keliner.Rood Honolulu, HI '96815 Columbus. OH Allr.d Chang, Prel. Fred Bell, !'reo. (808) 737-'275 (6'4)231-1559
KI... o.or_� _naton Kllolllo.. , Alan 24 Henlhaw Terrace c/o Pacific Science Center Welt Newton. MA 02'65 2002nd Avenue, N. Ted Kuklinski or Seattle, WA 96'09 CI� Poehler Doug Hagaman, Pre•. (6'7) 332-7753 TheWlndanca _!ely TheMaryIMd KIlo P.O. Box '20504 _",Inc. Nashville, TN 37212 7018 Buxton Terrace Jerry Harris, Pres. Bethelda, MO 20617 (6'5) 296-25'0 Jon Burtthardt, Exec. Sec. (30') 229-6052 Tappen z..Kite F1Ien RaInbow Kllottlo.. .,_ 540 Piermont Avenue 12045 Brown Street Piermont, NV 10968 Fenton, MI 4&430 WendyPlogar, Pre•. (9'4) Carlelon Crockell. Pr••. 359-9336 (3'3) 62&-7354
-4- into the hobby . Or made available to clubs by the bunch Readers Write to post at kite flies. cord . There wasn't enough hill to give him an isolated distance And mark me up as one opposed to from others , and the variability use of Kevlar. Light and of the winds caused a lot of strong it may be; unfriendly tangles all over the field . skies it does promote ! N Tangles ma ke friends usually. We meet new people and exchange Nancy A. Caduff nice words . It was a fine day Ma dison , OH to have fun , and most of us had o fun .
But it wasn't just the cutting down that brough,t about this w note . The guy with the long Kevlar line also thought it a joke to fly kites at heights over 500 feet. He wouldn't have reeled in a foot of his line , either, to help me retrieve my ki te , if a few bystanders and friends had not helped him decide otherwise. He was simply . going to let the "silly thing" hang there looped around his We had our inaugural ki te festi line , or drop off volunta rily val in Patchogue , NY, on Sunday, wherever it might fall. August 19th . It was fairly successful . Jerry Go rsuch came He bragged about the value of out from Staten Island , a good HIS kite (a Snowflake) as though 60-mi trip , and joined the group it were the only fine thing in of about 20 fliers and 35 kites . the sky. (F lown that day were a Ge orge Peters Cloud Bird, a Patchogue has fallen in love wonderful 70' dragon, several' with kites after a 40-year groups of stunters , and a thou absence . Working with us on sand hand made picnic plate and this event is the "Gone With The streamer things kids were making Windt! kite company of Wantagh , at the site--probably the most NY. We hope to plaster the valuable of the lot!) South Shore of Long Island with publicity and expect a great Rules are really very inhibit crowd , sunny skies and much, but ing , but there are a few most of not too much, wind . As before, us do not ignore. . . courtesy, prizes will be awarded in Federal law, and common sense various categories . being the lot, rea 11y . Maybe the AKA could do the world of We would like to start a kite kiters a favor by writing a club under the auspices of the brief one-page flyer that could Village Recreation Dept . be distributed to Member Me rchants and handed out with Jim Grant purchases by new folks coming Patchogue , NY
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-5- square foot) ." As Compton notes, figuring out a kite's Kite World effective wind range takes a good deal of work. Instead of ta king the time to do this, look effective wind range of each for a good chart of effective Flight Science particular kite. wind ranges for specific ki tes , by Jon Burkhardt like that provided in the 1982 Wind speed frequency measures Into The Wind catalog by George The May is sue of "kite ," show the percentage of time Emmons and Jim Glass. published by the Northern Kite during the year that the winds Group of England , has a fasci exceed a certain velocity Having collected the appropriate nating article by Chris Compton (measured in miles per hour). data , the calculations can be that lays the groundwork for Compton obtained this informa performed graphically as shown establishing the relative proba tion for England , "at great in the examples given by bility of being able to fly trouble and no little expense, Compton , which are reproduced particular kites at particular from the Me t(eorological) Office here . (Compton notes that these locations. The data needed to at Bracknell.. ." . We're two sites "represent almost the ma ke the assessment are the investigating where to get that two extremes of likely kite "wind speed frequency" and the information in the U.S. (See flying locations , with regard to related story.) wind strength, so most sites will fall somewhere in between As for a kite's effective wind the two.") The first step is to range , "the upper speed is when plot the low and high ends of the kite either goes out of the effective wind range on the control (unstable) by , usually horizontal axis of wind speed. diving or spinning, or shows Next , draw perpendicular lines signs of imminent structural from those points to the inter- failure . The lower speed is sections with the wind speed that below which the kite simply frequency curve, Then draw will not fly . This is almost horizontal lines to the vertical entirely dictated by the wing axis, The difference between loading , i.e, weight divided by the two points on the vertical plan area, sometimes expressed axis equals the percentage of in ounces per square foot (aim time that a particular kite is for less than 1/2 ounce per likely to fly at a particular -'A¥�:J.#"L� ��
AVAILABLE AT
most Kite Stores. r. � '. Manufactured by: "-\"Tli or.:Tr- ·. International Kite Co. Z71• . . .. 3260 'F' St. San Diego, et= n""� · California. 92102 o+-____� ----��·�_··_··�··�··�· ------Tel: 619 233-0727 1.0 30 0 t tlOt ,======�••••••••• �;�;�- � -- �1TE'! I,.HM&> �r:"1:>J • location (for example, 80 - 41 = LOWER RKA PRICES! 39; a delta is likely to fly 39% of the time in the London area .) 7 SQ FT :::\;�::- :.28. It's a nifty technique--someone 20 SQ FT $.i5 -60. with a bent for scientific 30 SQ FT exploration could have a lot of ;;$q'iv... : >.:;:. H)S. POSTAGE PAID fun filling in the blanks for specific kites in s�ecific locales . lID!ID1f(ID��(ID(ID[?§ WIND DATA AVAILABLE A recent issue of AKA NEWS CLOSED-FRONT FOILS ICITES 4\\'H1GH mentioned a series of wind INFL ATED THROUGH SCOOPS 6 Fleet Street energy maps shown by Ma rgaret LIKE THE DUTCH RECORD KITE I Annapolis, 1'10 21401 Greger and stated that they were available from the Battelle
-6- 3-dimensional and each with at fields, preferably within Kite World least one , sometimes several walking distance . With those hummers making beautiful music three requirements , the possi (Continued from previous page) together. bilities are limited only by Pa cific Northwest Laboratories. your imagination. Th is information was incorrect. One of my favorite kite writers , The wall-size maps are available Shakib Gunn , was also there with So, kiters , think seriously from the National Te chnical a delegation of 3 from Singa about hosting the AKA conven Information Service (NTIS) for pore . He reports that 45 ,000 tion. Request a convention $7.00 each (postage and handling people attended and that 209 application from AKA head included) . The address for NTIS local kites were entered in the quarters or call Tom or Carol and order numbers for the maps local competition. Four types Shaner at (301) 752-3320 for are : of kites were flown , with the mo re information. We want to requirement that each be no less come to visit you! National Te chnical In formation than 3 me ters wingspan, some 6-7 Service me ters long . Kites were flown U.S. Dept. of Commerce by teams averaging 12 fliers , 5285 Po rt Royal Road plus their own ga melan orchestra News Notes Springfield , VA 22161 and 30-50 supporters. In one CORRECTIONS (703) 487-4650 classification, the kreasi baru (new creations) the kites had The train of beautiful octagonal u. S. Average Wind Power by life-size papier ma che figures kites on the cover of the last Season with real human hair. Most of AKA NEWS , AugUst-Se pte mbe r 1984, Report # DOE/RL/01830-TI6 the hummers were 4 me ters long , was made and flown by Leon and Order # DE84012214 with bows as thick as a lady's Moira Pericles of Australia. wrist, to quote Shakib . Our apologies for mispelling World-Wide Wind En ergy Resource their name. Distribution Estimates Fo r mo re information and dates Report #D OE/RL/01830-TI7 of next year's Bali Kite Fe sti Obviously we are not well versed Order #D E84012216 val and for information on the in Oriental languages. The box early-January Singapore Kite following the President 's Column U.S. Annual Average Wind Power Fe stival, write Shakib Gunn at in the las t issue , which was Report #D OE/RL-01830-TI8 his new address c/o Hagley & about the me aning of Miller Order #D E840 12215 Hoyle Ptd., Ltd , 149 Rocher Road Makey' s name in Chinese, was #0 5-01/02, Fu Lu Shou Complex, accompanied by his name in Singapore 0718. Japanese. Meantime , his name in Chinese appeared in AKA NEWS , Bali High June-July, along with a story about Rokkakus, a Japanese kite. by Dave Checkley Future Site Maybe what we need is to go on next year's trip to China and AKA is now investigating possi Here's another Asian kite festi Japan so we can get our Oriental ble sites for its 1985 , 1986 and val to add to your wish list. languages straight! Masaaki Modegi reports that he 1987 conve�tions . One of Presi and six colleagues from the dent Makey's goals is to select convention sites at least two or Japan Kite Association attended AKA NEWS is looking for a few .three years in advance to allow the Bali Kite Fe stival, July 25 good contributors. We need mo re time for planning . to Augus t 1, and showed me kitefliers to share information, hundred of photos of enormous plans , report on kite flys , Many AKA me mbers have asked for and beautiful kites, mo st suggest ideas, ask questions , a convention on the West Coast sub mit photographs and mu ch and several California AKA mo re. Let us hear from you . me mbers have expressed an We 'd love to consider your interest, but as yet we have no submissions for publication. A firm bid. AKA me mbers from handsome Contributor's Patch British Columbia have suggested awaits you. Write AKA NEWS , 113 it's time to bring to Canada AKA W. Franklin Street , Baltimore, but nothing is definite. HD 21201. Now is the time to stop saying , "Well , maybe . . ." and put in a bid. Hosting a convention requires three basics : 1. A group of dedicated kiters who want to bring the convention to their area and are willing to do the volunteer work necessary; 2. A chairman with the time to coord ina te his volunteers and the desire to do the job; and 3. A site which provides good Bali Kite Festival action. accomodations and kiteflying
-7 - Keep the Skies Safe by Miller Makey kite is flown from the windward side of the field . EDITOR 'S NOTE : It happened to me again this weekend . One of o my favorite kites , a Leroy Help fellow fliers to Hoover delta purchased at last launch and retrieve their year's AKA convention auction, kites . fl was ying beautifully--high in o the sky, perfect angle . Too When your flying line quickly for me to react , ano�her crosses or tangles with kite came across cutting my line another kite line , move and that of seve ral others. My quickly to the other side kite was gone . Was it ignorance , of the other flier; the or carelessness that caused this tangle will come down to accident? I don't know; I do where you can separate.the know my kite is gone . It seems two lines .
this kind of thing is happening o more and more often. Miller Stay close to and attend Makey's article from the most any kite you have staked recent COKA Airmail really hits out . home . These few simple rules will help Today ' s kitefliers are flying to make you a safe and courteous more and more in groups. The kiteflier. kites are , at the same time , Promote Safety larger and made o f stronger, more durable skins and bones . Thus , flying fields are becoming more crowded. lV Kite Ads Unsafe
These changes in kiting have come rapidly . We have hardly MaybeYou Should Write had the time to consider the significance of these changes; by F. R. Hoke many of us have been so enthral earned no reply . Perhaps if all led with this relatively new AKA newsletter readers interest activity , we have not learned to It has been said that safety is ed in safety were to write , the
enj oy our new acquisitions and • not a popular subj ect to speak. advertiser would. take notice and creations with respect and . "about . This may very well be improve the comnierical in th� consideration due others on the true , however, in the many interest of safety . flying field . demonstrations , assemblies , or whatever you wish to call As a national society, our best This is the essence of kite programs on kites , there has approach to safety is for every safety , consideration of others , always been a discussion of kite member to promote safety by which is also the definition of safety included.· I never had example and explanation o C.; courtesy and etiquette . When we the feeling of losing an audi simple rules at ,. every opportu are considerate of our kite ence . This spring on about nity: mates , we follow a few simple twelve occasions before groups rules . ranging from 15 to 365 children DO NOT FLY NEAR ELECTRIC POWER
o from 1st to 7th grades , the LINES . Thoroughly check kites and enthusiasm wa s high , the equipment before flying ., questions many and the safety DO 'NOT TRY TO gETRIEVE KITES C U O o remarks seriously received. A GliTIN P WER LINES . Leave plenty of room for the fliers already on the The thing which disturbs me DO NOT FLY DURING STORMS . field. about safety is the commericals
o on the TV which give subtle DO NOT CLIMB INTO TREES TO When flying stunt kites , approval of'an unsafe activity RETRIEVE KITES . find needed space where you while attempting to promote a will not interfere with product . The most disturbing The Safety Committee is working other fliers . example is a TOSTITOS commercial on a set of safety rules to be
. o which shows kite flying during a sponsored by the AKA When Except when special arrange lightning storm to be acceptable these rules are approved and ments have been made to fly and a good thing . published , the membership should kites high , keep them over encourage all kite fliers to the defined flying field . One letter to the advertiser abide by them . This is easily done if the
-8- Records Fly called the festival "good will toward the town of Ocean City and wholesome entertainment, maintaining the family image of the City," in a proclamation In they issued declaring Saturday, Ocean CitySe ptember 22, a s, "Kite Day In Ocean City."
They couldn't have asked for Co-sponsored by Ocean City's Kitefliers and their friends and mo re per.fect 'conditions ... Mayor Harry Kelly and the City families began arr1v1ng at great friends , great wind and an Council , through its Sunfest Maryland's seaside vacation all around super weekend . Committee, and Bill and Mary capital on Friday evening Ochse's Kite Loft store , the between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. The To top it all Dff, two world's festival brought together mo re Ochse's had closed their popular records, as recognized by the tha� 100 of the country's fore boardwalk retail location to the American Kitefliers Association , mo st kitefliers as well as general public and converted it were shattered before thousands hundreds of other kite flying into the perfect spot for a of persons at the Third Annual enthus iasts and thousands of kite fliers reception. Arriving Kite and Seafood Festival held interested spectators. guests included Mel and Valerie in Ocean City, MD, September Govig of Kite Lines magazine, 21-23 . Mayor Kelly and the City Council Jon and Gloria Burkhardt, Cloud Pleasers Bruce and Carolyn Kennington, Shanti Spool 's Dan Prentice, High Fly Kite Co. 's Fran and Mary Gramkowski and their kiteflying kids Fritz and Laurie, and AKA past president Bevan Brown and his wife Margo .
Others kept coming in--Bill Kocher, Pe te Ianuzzi, Mike Jones , Scott Spencer with new fiance Karen Smith , Rick and Eileen Kinnaird, To m and Carol Shaner of AKA headquarters , Hyperkite's Rick Bell, Region 4 director George Fohs and friend Heidi , Fred Bell and Nancy Keating from COKA , and Brooks and Gretchen Leffler of Kites Aweigh . Many of the guests were hosted by Bill and Mary Ochse in the lovely seafront rooms which make up the second and third floors of the building hous ing the Kite Loft.
As kiteflier greeted kiteflier, a few of the early arrivals broke out favorite kites and lofted them in the cool night breeze . Bill Kocher of Luther ville was the first to bring out accent lighting for his kite, introducing a 25 ft. tail of LED's (light emitting diodes) dangling from a 10 Ft . delta box. The LED's were powered by two simple flashlight batteries mounted on the kite.
Soon, other fliers hoisted up new kites with Cyalume lights tied on corners and spaced along rising kite lines . Mike Jones of Catonsville, who's developed his own powerful Mirage stunt
-9- until the next day when he would go for the re cord. Bell , on the other hand , opted to take a crack at it and stretched out 150 of his Hyperkites on the beach .
Both contestants had been advised of a meeting of the judging committee held earlier that morning at which it was agreed that the loops left and right and five minutes of flight would hold as the standard of measurement for the dual control Th e elegant Maryland Kitefliers (left to right) Mary Ochse. Felix Cartagena. Bill Ochse. re cord . Tyrrell's attempt would Pete Ianuzzi. Bill Kocher. Mel Govig. Valerie Govig. Bevan Brown. Margo Brown. Rick be me asured by converting the Kinnaird. Jim Phillips. Eileen Kinnaird. Dan Prentice. Laurie Gramkowski. Fran pull in the line to the vertical Gramkowski. Fritz Gramkowski. Jon Burkhardt. Gloria Burkhardt. Bruce Kennington and lift of the kite . The committee Ca rolyn Kennington. also briefed both contestants on safety considerations which mu st kites , had over a dozen lights helped young Glenn Dalgliesh of be upheld if the re cords were to stretched out on the line of a Annapolis , MD, set the first be re cogniz·ed. large delta . It was a beautiful official mark at the 1983 event , and enchanting evening as old when the then 12 year old lad Bell was told that if he elected friends got together. held onto 60 kites and performed to tether himself to anything he the re quired full loop to the had to be able to quick re lease, Saturday morning was heralded by left, full loop to the right and that he could anchor himself but a bright sunny blue sky and five minutes total flying time . not the kite and that only AKA steady 8-10 knot sea breezes. me mbers could crew. Tyrrell's And to greet the day the ki te As steady as the winds were on instructions included the need fliers had planned an extrava Saturday, they were light by to secure off the area including ganza on the beach, featuring afternoon, holding at around 5-7 the radius of the kite 's line turn-of-the-century costumes , mph. Tyrrell elected to pass and the need to have someone strawberries and champagne . It was to be a historic day. Rick Bell had announced his intention to break his own re cord of flying the most kites in a dual control train and Bill Tyrrell, The Fabric Lady, Doylestown , PA , had announced his intention to go for his own 1978 re cord of greatest weight lifted by a single kite on a single line at 420 lbs .
The only competitive part of the Sunfest kite festival is the quest for world re cords. The Mayor and City Council contri bute beautiful gold me dals to anyone who breaks a re cognized kite re cord at the annual event .
Tyrrell set his 1978 re cord in Ocean City at the first AKA Convention and was presented an honorary medal last year in re cognition of that feat. He went for it again in 1982 at the first Sunfest fly but failed with his 1100 sq. ft. box kite .
Bell , on the other hand , had ju st set a new re cord of 12 0 kites in a dual control train only four weeks earlier at the Long Beach festival in Washing ton State (see re lated story) . He also had been an ins trumental member of the flight crew which Did Rubic really think his cube II'ould/7y in Ocean City?
-10- standing by to cut the kite line in the case of an emergency. In addition, the lift test would have to be held for one minute to avoid credit due to a sudden wind surge . The accreditation committee was composed of Bruce Kennington, Dan Prentice, Jon Burkhardt, Margo Brown, Val Govig , Pete Iaduzzi, Mel Govig , Bevan Brown and Bill Ochse. It was decided that the Browns , Kennington and Prentice would judge the dual control attempt and that the Govigs , Ianuzzi and Burkhardt would oversee the lift te st.
Before they broke their meeting, the judges also considered and decided upon standards for a heretofore unclaimed record which Rick Kinnaird had requested--World's Largest Team Stunt Kite. The committee set the same standards as those for the mo st dual control kites in train--one loop left and right and five minutes of flight. Kinnaird wanted to fly his giant air-inflated silver Mylar tri angular kite in the competition. He was the first competitor to take a shot at the record as his kite required much less wind than the other two .
During the vacuum cleaner in flation of the g·iant marsh ma llow-like kite , over two thousand persons lined the boardwalk in hopes of observing a world record. Local radio and television stations promoting the City's Sunfest celebration were broadcasting news of possible world records and the crowds came to watch.
The kite lifted easily into the air as Kinnaird and his crew ma neuvered the three lines which served as controls. However, It was a long way fr om number one to number one hundred fo rty on the Wo rld Record dual the team had never practiced the control kite. required moves and were unable to perform the task. It was word for the day was "tomorrow." hand joined for dinner at a exciting , nonetheless. nearby restaurant to celebrate Still, Saturday saw over 250 the glorious day and ask the As Kinnaird let his kite settle kites in the sky at any one wind gods for a great day on on the sand , Rick Bell picked up time . Mike Jones , performed Sunday . And when Sunday came, the action about three blocks up with his exciting multi-colored, it brought with it an air of the beach. He and his team, checkerboard Mirage figure excitement and anticipation. with the assistance of judges, kites . Area newcomer, Ron The sky was blue and sunny, . but prepared to try lifting the 150 Petrilito , formerly of Wiscon the winds were now coming up the kite train. Rick soon elected sin , brought out his unique beach out of the south at 10-15 to drop the train to 140 , but to styrofoam cup kites. The day mp h. Both Bell and Tyrrell said no avail as the winds just also saw alot of sunburned noses they thought they c�uld make the wouldn't hold up the kite . and shoulders and a few lost ma rk. kites. So with two key world 's record Bell went onto the beach about seeker� out of the running , the That evening the AKA me mbers on 11 :00 a.m. and began to set up
-11- the 140 kites. At 12:09 p.m. , he made his first at\empt of the day using a launch technique assisted by Mel Govig. Up went the train and a ro ar of appreci ation rose as the kite climbed . Rick immediately performed his left loop and climbed back up . At one minute and 15 seconds of flying time, he went for the right loop , but the kites wer� not performing corre ctly in right turns and they crashed.
Resetting and tuning the kites on the beach , Rick made more tries . He managed to lift the kites several times , but pro blems in turning right persisted and none of the attempts lasted
One minute.. .loop left ...two minutes 15 seconds.. Joop right ...four minutes 48 seconds a cobra tail drifts into the path
more than 30 seconds . Then at 12:35 p.m. , it looked as though he had it. The kite train was holding steady and flying well when suddenly, the Kevla r flying lines snapped at the hand grips .
Rick reset new control lines and once again the crew lined up the train on the beach. At· 12: 52 p.m. , he tried agaln. Up went the kites . . . one minute . . . loop left ...two minutes 15 seconds ...loo p right . Four minutes ... the back end sways ..four minutes 22 seconds. . . Rick's feet slide along the sand ...four minutes 48 seconds . . it looks as though a cobra tail will drift into the path of the train. . . five minutes! A new world record of 140 dual control kites
Wo rd quickly spread up and down the beach and across the city. It was the energy the always energy-laden Tyrrell needed to assure his success.
At approximately 1: 30 p.m. , (Top to Bottom) A six-pack of Mike Jones' Mirage kites screams across the Ocean City Ty rrell began preparation for beach. Beautiful tandem boxes in red, white and blue were early risers. Ron Petralito's his attempt . He laid out his unique styrofo am cup kite. giant multi-colored rip stop nylon parafoil and attached to
-12- it two 3,000 lb. nylon ropes, which were tied together to serve as one kite line. The line was then secured to a heavy beach tractor borrowed from the City.
Up went the giant kite along with a huge American flag which hung from the kite line below the kite.
Head judge fo r the record attempt , Pete Ianuzzi , had rigged a dynamometer to the line. Invented and patented by Ianuzzi , a mechanical engineer , to measure straight line pull or push , the dynamometer is one of only four of its kind and will measure up to 2,000 Ibs. It functions on the basic principle of a spring scale bu t can me asure greater fo rce.
Interestingly , the instrument wa s developed by Ianuzzi at the request of a friend who was working with the Museum of Natural History. The friend was I studying propoises and sought a device to weigh the marine mammals without having to bring along a 2-300 lb. scale .
When used during Tyrrell's attempt, the dynamometer recorded a line pull of 803 lb . Th is had to e converted, how ever, to vertical lift. The kite was flying at a 65° angle giving a record conversion of 728 lbs.
Explained the judges, a kite flying at a low angle could have a lot of pull , but it would be extremely inefficient . It would be like measuring the altitude by the length of the line . The true measure of a kite's qua lit.y is its vertical lift.
While Ty rrell's record was achieved and noted at 2:00 p.m., Community College, Augus t 28, the kite's pull did vary almost 1982. 1,000 lbs . with gusts. Also, the ju dges reported that the flag on Longest Kite and Tail --one mile the line most likely decreased by Joe Valenti, September 1982. the record by at least 100 Ib s. as it decreased lift. Kite Train--most kites on a single line , 4,128 by Kazuhiko The new world's record was a big Asaba in Kamakura , Japan, Sep way to end a great kite flying tembe r 21, 1978. weekend. Largest kite - ·124' x 115', The two new records jo in four Edmond's Community College , others currently recognized by September 1983. Magnificent Millie. Rick Bell's 140-wing AKA. They are: train oj Hype/kites soars to a world's Bill Ochse promises another record in Ocean City, MD and brings its flier the beautiful gold Wo rld Kite Record Duration of Outdoor Flight--180 great festival and more record medal. hours , 17 minutes by Edmonds attempts in 1985.
-13- tors were also treated to an attempt by Ray Miller to l�unch Kite Festivals, USA. a ·para chute . It was a perfect ending for a well organized festival. The afternoon was taken over by From Hawaii to the stunt contestants . They put on a super show of skill and Florida With Stops maneuverability. The competi Kids Workshop in Ohio, Long Beach, tion was fast and furious . It was a very close contest with a Popular in Pa. Oklahoma & Bucks Co. point spread of only a few tenths between first and third CORE CREEK PARK places . Final standings were: LANGHORNE, PA. MAY 6, 1984 Junior Divison 2nd 1st Reid Wheelon by alan Turner Hawaii Holds 2nd Mark Todgers 3rd Jay Von Brimer Despite the lower than usual by Alfred Chang winds and the sprinkles, the Senior Division Kite Show in Bucks County was The 2nd Annual HKA Kite Fe stival 1st Mimi Demeter presented to a most appreciative was held Saturday, August 25th , 2nd Trippy Heen crowd . The Children's Workshop , from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 3rd Jim Torres as always , was popular. Queen Kapiolani Park. Over forty contestants and thousands String Winding Loyal members of our East Coast of spectators shared the enjoy 1st Wa rren Seiderman kite "family ," in cluding friends ment of being part of the festi 2nd Edmond Grigon from Massachusetts , upper state val. It was an excellent day 3rd Jim Demeter New York and western Pennsyl for kiting. The sun was shining vania , supported by our Dela with wind speed of 10-25 mph . Ribbons and prizes were furnish ware , Maryland , New Jersey , ed by Kite Fantasy and HKA and Virginia and eastern Pennsyl We were fortunate to' have were awarded to the winners by vania fliers brought their special guests in from York , PA, Al Chang , president of HKA, and exciti ng favorites and helped AKA members Frederick, Abbie and Bob Loera of Kite Fantasy. one another in flying with the Bernice Capie . Frederick's true cameraderie that is so delta-Conynes placed first in Reid Wheelon was the top winner typical of kite fliers every the Most Beautiful Kite in of the day with three first where . Fl ight (commercial) event . place awards in five events. Other winners included Lionel The youngest flyer was Brandon The Bucks County Park and Horne (Cody Kite) for Most Demeter, age three , and the Recreation Dept. Personnel , as Beautiful Kite In Fl ight (home oldest, who knows? usual , were most cooperative , made); Reid Wheelon , Distance cordial and enthusiastic. As a Flyer and High Flyer; and Wayne The festival ended with a free result of last year's traffic Fuj im oto in the String Winding for all kite fly and exchange of congestion they developed a new competition. ideas among kitefliers . Specta- system for a smooth traffic flow and parking areas .
The popularity of the Bucks County Kite Fly has attracted much enthus iasm from the media . This year the newspaper support publicizing the event was excel lent , with articles and photos in abundance . This year, too , ABC (Channel 6 in Philadelphia) attended the kite fly , shooting ample footage of our kiters , which was scheduled to be presented Saturday, May 19, on "Prime Time". In addition, a film crew from New York was on hand , shooting kiting scenes for a documentary to be used for the "United Way" .
As we appra ise the growth of this kite affair, perhaps the thing that impresses us most is Alfred Chang (center-rear), the organizer of the Hawaii Kite Festival. with the lI'inning that is has become a real spec kirefliers. tators' event with kites and
-14- kiters as the performers. Of course, this does not minimize to any degree the fun we get as kiters in flying and showing off our beauties in as lovely an atmosphere as Core Creek Pa rk , and we are indebted to our many kite friends and the Bucks County Parks and Recreation Department for making this such
We look forward to next year with a change from Sunday to the first Saturday , which will be May 4, 1985 . Again we invite you to attend and then return to the home of the Turners for supper, sociability and kite ta les ! Our thanks to the Hokes , Kartchs , Carrolls, Sampsells and others for preparing the deli cious food . Y'all come jo in us in 1985 for a wonderful time. Sunday will be our rain date --if needed, hopefully not!
Long Beach Fly Helps Melt Pain by Mike Johnson News Editor Chinook Observer
Some of the world-class kite fliers who came to the third annual Washington State Interna tional Kite Festival said they still had a few painful me mories and uneasy feelings associated with the beach and the kite festival in light of the death last year of Steve Edeiken who fell from the world's largest More than 10,000 persons showed up to watch the Long Beach kite fly . kite .
But they said any queasiness the entire experience ," said Kay send the large parafoil kite felt at the beginning of the Buesing , festival coordinator. aloft with up to seven miles of week seemed to me lt away as they "Many said it was the biggest tail takes several hours and the sent their kites aloft. kite fes tival on the West weight of the mo isture produced Coast." by the fog made the attempt Thomas Kowalchuk and Barry impossible. Heibert arrived early from Although it would be impossible Victoria. Kowalchuk, president to have any accurate figures on Still, despite the fog , Rick of the British Columbia Kite attendance , many agreed that Bell of Hyperkites in San Diego fliers Association, brought an 10,000 would be a good "guess set a world's record by flying arsenal of 200 kites and put on timate" as to the number of 120 stunt kites , extending over daily shows , capturing his share people who viewed or took part 180 feet. Rick calls his stunt of the prize mo ney offered . in the event . kite train "Millicent the Milli pede" . After carefully lining up Although there were several Harry Osborne , chairman of the Millicent in the sand , Bell competi ti ve events during the festival, had planned to set a strenuously hauled back on the festival, it was gentlemanly world's record fo r the longest lines and caused the winds to and the biggest ingredient was ki te tail, but fog literally catch each kite . The kite fun . dampened the effort on Sunday. jerked up into the fog-laden sky Either there was wind and heavy mo ments after 12:35 p.m., with a "Everyone I talked to about the fog , or when the fog disappeared video camera recording the festival was very positive about the wind would stop . Work to event . Bell held the fast
-''1- swaying kite in the air for 6 stay in the air a few hours minutes and five seconds . In earlier required several volun addition to performing the teers to haul down in the end . required comp lete loop left and ·Hot Skies The stunt kite fliers finally right, Bell performed numerous got their chance at adequate maneuvers during the six phIS KAlT Radio winds about 4:00 p.m. and the minutes . An earlier attempt at winners of all divisions were the record by Bell was short by announced at 6:30. 20 seconds when the force of the Make Okla.'s kite 's pull dragged him to his Mike DeBell, of Edmond , Okla knees and down the beach. First Kite Fly homa , won first place honors in both the Bigg est and Most Even as the week-long event came by Charles Foster Cox Beautiful Kite events with his to a fog-bound end, kite fliers mammoth red , white and blu e were remarking about how much July 7, 1984 was the date of the tetra . Expertly engineered , the fun they had , how it was the First Annua l KATT/SKYDANCER Kite 12-foot beast flew wonderfully best kite festival and the best Festival, co-sponsored by radio during judging , but was almost location , and were full of ideas station KATT/FM and Skydancer destroyed when it crashed as for next year's festival. Many Kites , Ltd. , in Oklahoma City , Mike tried to put it back up for said they were ready , willing OK . late-arriving television cameras and able to help in any way they could to make next year's A crowd estimated at 800 plus Kites that would not stay festival �igger and better. braved 103 degree temperatures to watch some sixty-three con in air a few minutes earlier testants compete for prizes in Oklahoma 's first-ever competi required several tive kiting event , as well as volunteers to bring down fly their own kites for fun . Competitive events included in the teeth of the wind . Biggest and Smallest Kites, Most Fortunately , the festival Beautiful Homemade Kite , Best marshalls kept the flying field KATT Logo Kite, Oldest and free of spectators , and nobody Youngest Participants , and was hu rt. featured the 1984 Oklahoma Stunt Kite Championship . Kites were Smallest kite honors went to awarded to winners in all divi twelve-year-old Daoud Safi from sions , and the stunt kite cham Pakistan, who amazed the crowd pion received an engraved plaque with a small handmade fighter as we ll as an embroidered handled with true skill. jacket. Fifty-six year old Roger Thies of Oklahoma City was delighted The morning began with southwest a t winning the Oldest Partici winds of 8-15 mph , which ade pant prize, as he only stopped quately carried us through the by when he saw the kites in the Largest and Smallest Kite air and decided to pull a delta events , but by the scheduled Conyne out of his trunk for the 2:00 p.m. start of the stunt fun of it: The Youngest kite competition, the winds fell Participant was two-year-old off to virtually zero . The Trishel Riggs , who managed to stunters had to be delayed , as ' keep a small diamond in the air big, light-wind kites , including for the req uired two minutes . stratoscoops and twelve-foot Trishel's dad , Arnold Riggs , of deltas , were falling out of the El Reno , Oklahoma , was the first sky from 1000 plus feet . place winner in the best KATT Nothing would stay in the air Logo Kite Competition, with a but one magnificent Dan Leigh huge black plastic bat-like delta , which sat on its 80 delta , which was framed with degree perch and laughed at its broom sticks and wire and must grounded counterparts below . have weighed 15 pounds . Though The heat was unbearable without crude , it boldly displayed the any breeze, and even the KATT KATT log and was certainly mascot had to .abandon his cos Visible. tume and seek shelter from the sun under the judges' tent . The 1984 Stunt Kite Champion is Just as the stunt kite fliers Gary Gabrel , who led a sizable were considering serious revenge contingent of Skynasaur devotees against festival organizers , the from Stillwater, Oklahoma , and wind suddenly came up , gently at settled , at least for the first ...6-1 0 mph . then moment , the hea ted debate be building to gusts in excess of tween TRLBY , Rainbow, and Margaret Greger winds it in at Long 25 mph by the 6:00 p.m. finale. Skynasaur devotees . A Graphon Beach. Those same kites that would not stunter by Ve rtical Visuals flew
-16- Kites" were evident including deltas with stars and stripes, a thunderbird , and an Air Force logo sled. The theme prize went to Tom Hargus from the Chicago Sky Liners club . What a beauty!
Elmer Wharton, also from Chica go, got a round of applause as his orange centipede lifted into the air to capture the best crafted adult award.
A whole line of participants entered Time/Distance, which was won by Charlie Sotich hands down. l COKA's own Pam Kirk from Columbus , OH, landed the dual line award for her great maneu verability with an Action Kite .
The special judge 's award was presented to Eugene Sayer of Barb Sp urgeon and Charlie Cox of Skydancer Kites with KATTRadio mascot. Dayton, OH . He flew his star-studded barn door with the aid of makeshift ripped bed well, but broke apart in the Charlie Sotich and the first of sheets for a tail. gale , and its infamous 59" the Chicago Sky Liners arrived longeron couldn 't be replaced. just in time for the film The workshop awards were given No Flexifoils or Hyperkites were "Kites" and to hear Miller Makey to Joel Tunetti and Bob Jahnke , entered , so the debate will address safety. The museum both from Dayton, OH . probably rage on until next added two auditorium showings of year . This day belonged to the film "To Fly." John Hightower, of Beavercreek, Gabrel, however, as he put his OH, won the best crafted (child) solid black Aerobat with award and caught kite fever, Sunday dawned sunny and windy. . matching 150 foot tail through a The kitefliers launched a number becoming a member of COKA . tight , crowd-pleasing routine of beauties , including a train that left other entrants of 382 mylar kites by Dave The museum goers enj oyed the dazzled. The judging was not DeBolt of Winchester, IN. The kite show as well as all the even close! sky was filled with color. The participants . All things considered , the whistle blew and fliers turned festival was considered a huge into lookers as the compeition Star your calendar--Labor Day weekend 1985 . Plan to attend success, and Oklahoma City is commenced. There were competi looking forward to next year's tors from four states and over the Central Ohio Kitefliers edition , scheduled for mid-May 50 kites were entered. Third U.S. Air Force Museum workshops, competition and fly. to avoid a repeat of the insufferable heat. A wide variety of "Air Force The theme for next year is "Birth of Flight". Labor Day Turns To Labor of Love In Dayton, Ohio by Nancy Keating
Labor Day Weekend turned into a labor of love for many of us who participated in the second annual kite event at the U. S. Air Force Museum near Dayton, OH .
The Saturday morning clouds and sprinkles drifted away in time for many workshop participants to test their sled variation designs . Good winds came on cue at noon for COKA stunt fliers to demonstrate their skills . SOl11e kill' lI'alchcrs pn/er 10 lI'olch Ihe kite lI'alchers.
-17- Jacksonville, Fla. Goes for First Next Year Bigger & Better by Frank Callender
A colorful bag carrying a dozen kites arrives with a tall young man hurrying to the registration table, excitedly saying he hadn't known there were so many others around who like to fly . A retired Navy man draws a lot of interest in his seg mented crafted creations . There were bamboo-and-paper creation remem few tangles and much camera bered from nis boyhood in the derie . An hour before sunset Philippines. A lady who made a the wind picked up to 18 mph, $15 impulse purchase in a kite bringing out the stunters after store five years ago proudly many of the less-experienced flies her blue taffeta diamond , fliers had left., Even a enraptured, for the first time impromptu night flight for the (with only a little help to get absolute diehards . her started .) It was non-competitive , a format This was the "first annual" wisely chosen for the inaugural Jacksonville Beach festival, event by Bill Trahan , Jackson Sunday, July 22 . The Beach, 20 ville Beach Director of Recrea miles east of Jacksonville , FL , tion and Parks (and a new AKA was favored wit h good weather-- member)l The city funded blue 82° , a steady 10 mph seabreeze ribbons and commemorative and high cloud cover for a T-shirts for all who registered. hundred fliers elevating a large Next year, Trahan says , bigger va riety including many hand- and better! Kite Events
January 12-13, 1985 . SINGAPORE Saturday of the month at Cricket INTERANTIONAL KITE FESTIVAL '85. Hill at Montrose Avenue and the A crowd of up to 10,000 is Lakefront and on the fourth expected. CONTAC T: Singapore Sunday of the month at Ned Brown Tourist Promotion Board , 131 Woods (NW corner, Route 53 & Tudor Court , Tanglin Road, 58) , Schamburg , IL. Singapore 1024. CENTRAL OHIO KITEFLIERS January 1985 . G*D'';V*K*S* Mini ASSOCIATION invites all of you Retreat. - Details to come . to fly with COKA , any Sunday that is an even numbered date on May 5., 1985 . BUCKS COUNTY KITE the calendar, at Du blin, OH , FLY . Core Creek Park , Metro Center, home of the AKA Langhorne , PA . 1983 Convention. CONTACT : Nancy Keating (614) 451-4870. RAINBOW KITEFLIERS SOCIETY meets 2nd and 4th Sundays of MILE SQUARE PARK KITE FLYING. each month at 1:30 at various Every 3rd Sunday of month , locations in and around Fenton , Orange County , CA . MI . For information CONTACT : Carleton Crockett , (313) KITEFLYER NO NOTICE FLY on the 629-7354. first Sunday of each month at Marina Green, San Francisco. The IBM Corp. is using this kite to CHICAGOLAND SKYLINERS will have Gather at the mid-length of the promote its employee's 1984 Un ited Way regular · flies on the 2nd Green near the monument. Campaign.
-18- Put The Bite In Kite
110" lengthwise, jointed, main As Drawn By Jack Van Gilder spar. Attachment points are (1) at the junction of the wing Larry Chinn, of Seattle , has a spars , (2) at the 25" mark, and basement full of kites . There (3) at the junction of the � are fish, wl , insects and batten 70" from the main spar's animals down there , including tip . Bridle lines should be one pink elephant with flapping long enough so that the kite ears . line/bridle line attachment point is at least six feet from But even the pink elephant isn't the kite . The exact point is as big as Larry's shark, mea arrived at by experimenting with suring thirteen feet. As with its angle while the kite is in many shark kites around , it flight. swims menacingly through the air. But adding to the menace This kite is a must for every of this one are its working , zoo--er, aquarium--well, kite toothful jaws . collection! Larry used dark-grey colored cloth and spattered light-grey .J!£.V, E:W • colored paint on it for a na tural effect. Air, ramming VPPG R 'TAW i nto the loose material , in --"2."2.- r " l- flates the tail. This causes '2./ " ID " the tail to "swim" realistical -z. ly . '� J eR"";$ He uses a three-legged bridle , STt� l3e W Vi eW BOT TOM 7 SIDE VI EW �U I"P: �"' W t!lFfENINc.- 7i!C&Sr�/N'N� �"'�l> 7 L'''Eu"r:J JA W HINt»6 .sTRvTS, � ..� ...'-V re iNS/> .,,, " -I -19- T·Bird Kite changes the aerodynamic shape of T's Bird Kite , the line pull is A Kite For Al moderated in higher winds . l Because Win pulling ds on the line causes the kite to flex and by Tom Mitchell T's Bird Kite incorporates these spill excess wind , gusts do not principles and uses a flexible down this kite . Using a single spar to let the wind alter its sheet of tissue paper for this T�e ideal kite flies well in all shape according to the force of design will make for a pair of winds . Kites that fly well in the wind so that it is a high dancing eyes vent holes , but ta light winds in general have a aspect ratio kite in light winds ils are needed at this small si high aspect ratio (width/ and a low aspect ratio kite in ze . With larger versions , as the 32" X 40" , height) , while kites that fly stronger winds . a rocking motion wit well in high winds have a low h the line will cause the T's aspect ratio. The high aspect The bridle lines are set so that Bird to flap its wings . ratio emphasizes lift while the as the kite bows back the spar, low emphasizes stability. the outer wings of the kite on Vents , especially symmetrical each side are blown .back around Nite Kite ly-placed vents, also create a to act as stabilizer fins in stabilizing force. high winds . Because the wind EDITOR 'S NOTE : Recently we caught wind of a new kite being produced by a young man in BRIDLE. LINE. LE.NGTHS California. The "Nite Kite" is • purported to be a durable, ANO ARRANGEME.NT easy-to-fly kite constructed FOR 32 " 40 T's BIRD KI TE. especially for night flying . We thought the idea was electri fying ' so we asked Nite Kite producer James Welge to tell us his story. The following is his submission: The story of Nite Kites , began on a spring afternoon in 1983 when a friend and I were flying kites at the Carmel Beach in California. As the sun set, we � "U) were forced to bring down our �I ""':::: kites and begin bicycling home . As we traveled , we discussed the ��------�� possibility of illuminating the --��� ------��------'4 ------�� kites to extend our flying time � into the night. We considered LON�E�ONS many schemes s!lch as glow-in the-dark paint and night sticks . As an electronics engineer, I wondered about the feasibility of electronic lighting . I recalled hearing about a frisbee product that was lit by I l light emitting diodes (LED's) I I for night flying . If a frisbee I could fly with the extra weight I I \/E.NT I I I of lights and battery, why not a 4x I lx I I kite? '/ I I I I I I There were , of course, many I I I J� I 6RIDlE challenges to be considered. A 'ltl __ __ L J L J ATTACHMENT prime concern was visibility. 't POINTS Could the lights be seen from a distance at which a kite might fly? As we pedalled' along we came up with a myriad of varia tions of lighting schemes . By klE------5x the time we reached our destina BIRD KITE. tion, the concept of night f"S flying with electronic lighting .DIMENSIONS. FR AME STRUCTUR£, BRIDLE. ArrACJ.lJf£NT PO IIITS was beginning to take form . -20- I was determined to test the idea , and I began by building a prototyp e out of an inexpensive plastic delta , studding the How COME leading edge with sixteen LED's powered by a nine volt battery mounted on the back of the kite . Many tests followed--at first, by day to determine the kite's My KITE ability to fly with the added burden of lights and battery . It flew effortlessly, and the only question remaining wa s , how would it look in the sky at night? As luck would have it, the next WON'T FLY? few nights were quiet, calm and without a breath of air. On the fourth night , the wind came up , by Jack Van Gilder To KITE!l there wa s no moon shining and I headed for the beach for the initial night test flight of the A few more comments on past first "Nite Kite" The effect columns : was fantastic ! After several experiments with light patterns , APPLIQUES REVISITED I found the "Flying Saucer" and "Chase Plane" to be the most Last issue of AKA NEWS , this fun . column listed three ways to do appliques , all in fabric. The I flew "Nite Kites" on several three methods were listed as occasions , including the Fourth fl 1--"Murder, don't try it" , 11 2 , of July , and was encouraged by "Well okay" , and fl 3 "Best spectators (local patrolmen Method" . Look it up . particularly) • The next step was to test the ma"rket for "Nite A fatal flaw has now appeared , Kite" flying . With financial also pointed out by Jon Burk Using this knot, the flying line and physical help from my hardt , Executive Secretary of need not be disengaged while family , we began the small the Maryland Kite Society. The adj usting the bridle , whether assemb ly plant . The first "Nite flaw is spelled "R-A-V-E - L the kite line is attached with 11 Kites" were pre-made plastic L-I-N-G ." Don't attempt the 3 the usual snap swivel or a plain method unless you intend to use kites to which LED's were 01' two-half-hitch knot . Just an embroidery stitch or are attached outlining UFO and Chase pull out the little stick from lucky enough to find a fabric Plane shapes . Some of these the slip knot , adjust the line guaranteed not to ravel . kites were sold, but many kite and make another slip knot . store owners wanted a higher The best method now appears to quality, albeit higher cost, DIRECTION OF CORRECTION : It be 11 2 : First, cut out the kite . Development was then goes against all logic and design to be applied to the kite begun to build the ultimate reason but it is necessary to wing with a hot knife (See AKA "Nite Kite" . Today "Nite Kites" SHORTEN the line on the "down � NEWS , Ap ril 1984) . I have tried f ature a five foot �ingspan, side" of a sled-type kite . If holding the design in place with rIps top nylon delta wIth forty the kite pulls to the right , masking tape while stitching , four nearly indestructible shorten the right-hand bridle . plastic LED's outlining a flying but this is time-consuming . saucer shape . The forty LED's Glue stick works better for me . outlining the lower part of the Burkhardt likes spray adhesive . saucer are electronically flashed sequentially to give the CORRECTING YAW IN illusion that the UFO is SLED TYPE KITES spinning . The electronic circuit also increased the life In the June ' 84 issue of AKA of the regular nine volt radio NEWS , writing about the "Soft battery from several hours to Sled" , I mentioned in passing several days ! that the kite should be test flown before making a permanent The standard fabric color is knot in the bridle . Two details black and the standard color for need comments , the temporary, But NOT MUCH . Take in 1/2" LED's is red . adj ustable knot and the direc segments . This should be tion of correction. especially hard on the two-line For more information on "Nite stunter fliers . They pull on Kites" contact: James We lge , THE KNOT : A slip knot works the line to which direction they 1055 Wranglers Trail, Pebble best: want the kite to go . Beach , CA 93953 Member Merchants The following merchants have agreed to allow a 10% discount to AKA members. High As A Kite Toys Ahoy Kite Kraft Kites & Other Delights 34 Princess Street 28 Periwinkle Place 245 S. Main Fifth Street Market Sausalito, CA 94965 Sanibel Island, FL 33957 Frankenmuth, MI 48634 Eugene, OR 97401 (41 5) 332-8944 (813) 472-4800 (517) 781 -3029 (503) 344-KITE Kite & Gift, Inc. Kites On A String, Inc. Toys Ahoy The Kite Shop 333 Jefferson Street 3098A Fuller Street 249 Culver Street P.O. Box 517 San Francisco, CA 941 33 Coconut Grove, FL 331 33 Saugatuck, M I 49453 Rockaway, OR 97136 (415) 885-5785 (305) 447-9616 (61 6) 857-2621 (503) 355-8088 Hyperkltes Harper's Bizarre Sky Line Kite Shop Klassy Kites 1821 Fifth Aven ue 99 E. Palmetto Park Road Tower 200 King of Prussia Plaza San Diego, CA 92101 Boca Raton, FL 33432 Detroit, MI 48243 King of Prussia, PA 19406 (619) 231-4977 (305) 392-9297 (313) 249-4504 (215) 337-2199 Kite Dreams Key West Kite Company Mackinac Kite Company The Rainbow Store 751 W. washi ngton Blvd. 409 Greene Street Box 676 952 Hamilton Mall Los Angeles, CA 90014 Key West, FL 33040 Mackinaw City, MI 49701 Allentown, PA 18101 (21 3) 614-891 1 (305) 296-2535 (616) 436-8051 (215) 770-1 080 Kltemakers of Sen Francisco Two Scooters Kitty Hawk Kites The Rainbow Store Pier 39, Space A-13 926 N.E. 19th Avenue Rt. 1, Box 226 Market Place San Francisco, CA 941 33 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 Bethlehem, PA 18018 (415) 641-1226 (305) 462-7722 (91 9) 441-4629 (215) 865-2572 FlghUng Kite Co. High Performance Kites Something In the Air The Meadow Mouse Shop 31 16 Arlotte Ave nue 1019 University Avenue 353 Ocean Boulevard 520 N. Pe nnsylvania Avenue Long Beach, CA 90808 Honolulu, HI 96826 Hampton Beach, NH 03842 Morrisville, PA 19067 (213) 598-5306 (808) 942-8799 (215) 736-8253 High Fly Kite Co. Seaport Kite Shop Kite Fantesy 33 Evergreen Lane Airborne Kites 867 W. Harbor Drive 2863 Kalakaua Avenue Haddonfield, NJ 08033 Bannister's Wharf San Diego, CA 92101 Honolulu, HI 96815 (609) 429-6260 Newport, RI 02840 (619) 232-2268 (808) 732-KITE (401 ) 849-5688 Gone With the Wind The Ultimate High Stenton Hobby Shop, Inc; Old Cobblestone Village Kllg's Kites 419 Shoreline Village Drive 4734 North Milwaukee Ave nue Ve rnon, NJ 07462 Myrtle Beach Pa vilion Long Beach, CA .90802 Chicago, IL 60630 (201 ) 827-8754 Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (213) 436-3180 (312) 283-6449 (803) 626-9250 Gone With the Wind Colors of the Wind Video Hotline, Inc. Americana Resort Kllg's Kites 2900 Main Street 858 Green Bay Road McAfee, NJ 07428 North Kings Highway Santa Monica, CA 90405 Winnetka, IL 60093 (201 ) 827-3555 Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (213) 399-8044 (312) 441-8070 (803) 449-2856 The FLUTTER MOUSE fabric Design flight Delight Kite Shop Houston camera Exchange 2101 Bryant Street 255 Kelton Street Indoor Market 5801A Bissonnet San Francisco, CA 941 10 Allston, MA 021 34 East Brunswick, NJ 08816 Bellaire, TX 77401 (415) 387-3306 (61 7) 232-6313 (713) 667-9267 Colors of the Wind The Crossing Hobbles, Games & Software 345 W. Manhattan Krazy Kites P.O. Box 248 Westboro Shopping Center Santa Fe, NM 87501 Virginia Beach Fishing Pier Duncan Mills, CA 95430 Westboro, MA 01 581 (505) 982-8235 Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (707) 865-2829 (617) 366-2030 (804) 422-5483 Go Fly A Kite, Inc. VIctoria Kite Store Kltes A_lgh 153 East 53rd Street Great Winds Kite Shop 62-560 Johnson Street 6 Fleet Street New York, NY 10022 402 Occidental Avenue, So. Va ncouver, British Columbia Annapolis, MD 21401 (212) 308-1666 Seattle, WA 98104 Canada V8W 3C6 (301) 268-6065 (206) 624-6886 Outte Sight Kites (604) 381 -5377 The Kite Loft 1 2-77 Country Village Suspended Elevations To uch the Sky, Inc. 5 N. 2nd Street Kingston, NY 12401 21 16 N. Pacific 836 Yonge Street Ocean City, MD 21 842 (914) 331-9085 Seattle, WA 98103 To ronto, Ontario (206) 633-4780 The Kite Loft Go Fly A Kite Canada M4W 2H1 Harborplace 1201 Lexington Avenue Fish Creek Kite Compeny (416) 964-0434 Light Street Pavilion New Yo rk, NY 10028 3853 Highway 42 To uch the Sky-Harbourslde Baltimore, MD 21201 (21 2) 472-2623 Fish Creek, WI 54212 207 Queens Quay West (503) 484-0104 Windy'S Kite Shop The Kite Kompeny To ronto, Ontario 37'h Cottage Street 4500 Chagrin River Road Four Winds Kite COmpany canada M5J 1A7 Bar Harbor, ME 04609 Chagrin Fa lls, OH 44022 N70 W6340 Bridge Road (416) 362-5983 (207) 288-5337 (21 6) 247-4440 Cedarburg, WI 5301 2 The Kite Store . (414) 375-1226 Unique Place/world of Kites flights of Fancy 1415 LarimerSq uare 525 S. washington at Sixth 22 S. High Street Pages Booktraders Denver, CO 80202 Royal Oak, MI 48067 Dublin, OH 43017 801 South Irwin Avenue (303) 623-2353 (313) 398-5900 (614) 764-8697 Green Bay, WI 54301 The Kite Site (414) 437-9566 Soar-n-Dlplty Wind Play 3101 M Street, N.W. 1102 Flus!1ing Road 232 S.W. Ankeny Street Drachen & Drachensachan washington, DC 20007 Flint, MI 48504 Portland, OR 97204 Kite Store (202) 965-4230 (313) 234-8320 (503) 223-1760 Eisenacher Strasse 81 The Kite Shop 1000 Berlin-82 Germany Kites & Other Delights 49 Rehoboth Avenue 0301784 77 69 - 795 47 00 28667 Spencer Creek Road Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Eugene, OR 97405 (302) 227-1616 (503) 484-01 04 - 22-