Power Kite Forum

Barn door open - thanks to whoever you were!

macboy - 17-4-2010 at 12:58 AM

So I was so excited at Sunset that I launched the Phantom with the deflate zip wide open (still don't know how I managed to prefill it so well - must be the clean winds). Just wanted to say thanks to whoever that was that came to my aid and zipped me up. I feel like a schmuck for not shaking your hand afterwards. If I'm not mistaken you're one of "us" PKFers so hopefully you see this.

Can you believe it launched like the textbook says it should and actually stayed airborne just off the ground enough for me to walk downwind to get their attention?! It was a sight to see.....kinda like a Nascar pace lap and then the flag drops.

I've been triple checking my "other" zipper an awful lot since :lol:

acampbell - 17-4-2010 at 08:18 AM

Yeah it's amazing how much better they fly with all the zips closed, LOL. Done that!

WolfWolfee - 17-4-2010 at 09:29 AM

must be the weather and spring in the air, had the Guerilla out just didn't want to go up and guess what? Forgot to close the zipper...lol.

canuck - 17-4-2010 at 09:55 AM

Done that too with the XXXL!
Arcs really don't want to go up when you forget to put the sticks in the pockets :embarrased:

BeamerBob - 17-4-2010 at 11:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by canuck
Done that too with the XXXL!
Arcs really don't want to go up when you forget to put the sticks in the pockets :embarrased:


Ok, I'll have to brag that I've never tried this one! :lol: I do know however that they won't launch very well with the front/rear lines reversed. It tries with the bar pulled in but won't steer and won't fly very long. You just have to get all the steps right before it all comes together.

csa_deadon - 17-4-2010 at 11:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BeamerBob
I do know however that they won't launch very well with the front/rear lines reversed. It tries with the bar pulled in but won't steer and won't fly very long. You just have to get all the steps right before it all comes together.


Is that what you did at NABX? If so you're not allowed to fly the phanny without proper adult supervision any more. :P

rocfighter - 18-4-2010 at 04:48 AM

All the things that can go wrong. The world is just so unfair!!

shaggs2riches - 18-4-2010 at 05:45 AM

Might sound weird but when I first started setting up the Scorp I would walk the lines out cross wind while the kite was inflating. Once attached correctly I would walk the bar and lines back upwind to 45 degrees, and go close the zippers while at the same time setting up the launch assist. Did that a while just so that I could ensure that no lines would cross, now I do it the normal way. (not that I'm normal though lol)

BeamerBob - 18-4-2010 at 08:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by csa_deadon
Quote:
Originally posted by BeamerBob
I do know however that they won't launch very well with the front/rear lines reversed. It tries with the bar pulled in but won't steer and won't fly very long. You just have to get all the steps right before it all comes together.


Is that what you did at NABX? If so you're not allowed to fly the phanny without proper adult supervision any more. :P


csa, I know you're just poking at me, :smilegrin: but that issue was a line twist I didn't catch until it launched. It made one loop without me telling it to then started another with me telling it not to, so I hit the safety immediately. What made an impression on me was 4 guys running in and settling the kite and helping me sort the lines out. Good thing the way my hands were shaking! And yes, I had the spars inserted too!