Kite Flying Safety:

  • Never fly your kite near power lines: Carbon spars used in most Sport kites are good conductors, and are very dangerous if caught in power lines.

    To see what happens to a kite when contacted with power lines, visit http://windstarkites.com/WindandWeather.htm

  • Never try to free a kite caught in a power line. Call your local power company to let them know what has happened. You probably won't get the kite back, but you'll be helping to keep other safe.

  • Never fly a storm or rainy weather: (Just ask Ben Franklin!)

  • Never fly near any trees: Instead, choose an open field or meadow.

  • Never use metallic flying line: Do so and you're just asking for someone to get hurt. Instead, use an approved type of kite line.

  • Never fly your kite near, around or above people: Remember, the safety of others is the responsibility of the person flying the kite. Just politely ask that all spectators to stand behind your kite is in the air.

  • Always be aware of your surroundings and mindful of others:

  • Avoid all other obstacles: In addition to the risk of losing your kite in the trees, you should not fly near roads & vehicles. Doing so can cause distractions to drivers - especially if your kite crashes in the road!

  • Special rules apply when flying your kites near a Airport:

    If flying a kite within two miles of an airport, FAA regulations prohibit the use of any kite weighing over five pounds, and you are not permitted to fly any kite on line longer than 500 feet in length.

  • Wear gloves when flying large kites: Winds can change direction and intensity very quickly causing serious burns and or cuts on your hands or arms.

  • Sport & power kites are dangerous in nature: Be sure that your kite can not "self launch" while you are setting up your kite, and be sure to follow all safety rules and instructions for the type of Sport or power kite you are flying.

    NOTE: If the kite you want to fly did not come with safety instructions, make sure you acquire the proper knowledge to safely control the kite.

  • Periodically inspect your kite: Check for broken or split struts, spars and verify that the bridle and flying lines are not frayed or worn.

    And do's leave your kite lines unattended while staked out or when they are lying on the ground. People can and do trip over kite lines all the time....

  • Fastening yourself to your kite line can result in serious injuries: Extra care should be used when using a harness with a traction or power flying. A harness should not be used if there is any doubt that you can maintain total control of the kite and you are secure in the weather conditions. Also be sure to use a quick release system if you are attaching yourself to any type of kite.

  • Never over power yourself with a kite too large for wind conditions or fly a kite that you can't safely control.

  • Never cut line and release a kite: (the only exception to this rule is within the confines of a controlled fighter kite battle) Once you cut that line you have no control over where that kite will land OR on who!

  • Prepare for the worst: Fly your kite with the assumption that you will lose control and crash at anytime due to pilot error or equipment failure. Using this mind set you'll be more mindful of your flying area and that your immediate surroundings are clear of people and property that might be damaged.