How Kites Fly
In dealing with this subject, for the sake of clarity, some things which have already been
dealt with will be mentioned again, and, if necessary, will receive further comment. First
to be considered is the place from which the kite is flown.
When a kite is flown the operator may have wondered how this is made possible. A kite is
heavier than air, and yet the air supports it, just as water supports a boat. Not only
that, the air lifts the kite, as it lifts the wings of an aeroplane, and so the kite
climbs upwards.
Again, fly a kite in a strong wind. The kite will be eager to climb and to attain an
overhead position. This is due to the fact that the greater wind pressure and the stronger
pull on the line have caused the kite to assume an angle at which it responds readily to
the upward thrust.
It may be helpful at this point to provide a brief summary of the chapter so far. A kite
in flight is subject to the influence of four forces, namely: resistance; upward thrust;
downward pull; and propulsion. Resistance is the opposition exerted by the air to an
object moving through it.
19 Great Kites to Make
