Authors: Gary Hinze
Date Submitted: February 29, 2004
Article Type: Journal

Yes, don’t get me started on kites. I can go on all night.

For me thinking is like breathing. I don’t even, well, think about it.

When a kite flies normally, the bridle point comes first with the string pulling down, next comes the pressure point with the aerodynamic force pushing upward, then comes the center of gravity with the weight pulling down. The three forces balance. To fly a kite upside down from a bridge, the aerodynamic force and the weight both pull down, so the string must be tied between the two. Did you ever wonder how a kite can tell up from down?

I like irregular shape kites. I have experimented with such forms and they are very difficult to fly. They require a deep knowledge of kite aeromechanics. I start by figuring out how to glide them.

PDF Link: Journal Issue