Power Kite Forum

Trainer kite Question

cagdaz - 5-2-2011 at 06:20 AM

Hi,
I bought an ozone imp trainer few days ago and noticed a slight bend at the top of the kite while my friend was flying it. Was wondering if thats normal? I am very new to kiting so sorry if my question a silly one but will appreciate help on this. I am also attaching a picture.

Thank you!
Cag

photo 4.jpg - 56kB

acampbell - 5-2-2011 at 06:39 AM

Yeah I downloaded and zoomed in on your pic and I see what you mean. Not a silly question.

Something in the bridle appears to be amiss. Compare your bridle segments, left and right, especially at the junctions where segments connect. Looked to see that one segment is not wrapped such that it is effectively shorter. This can happen if the junction was turned around inside-out before the lines were attached.

And Welcome.

Bladerunner - 5-2-2011 at 09:08 AM

I didn't zoom in but agree . Start by making sure the bride is completey untwisted. ( then look over the bridLe ) I slight crease in the middle and a bit of wing warp when turning is normal but as you suspect that doesn't look right? How did it look resting at zenith? Same? It didn't, I suspect !

shaggs2riches - 5-2-2011 at 11:29 AM

Like the other fellas said, check and see that there isn't a twist in the bridle causing one of the lines to be slightly shorter. I have the 3.5m imp and my son has the 1.5m. Looking at pics of mine in flight I see that some shots show it having a similar bow like yours. Assuming that you also have the three-line version maybe it is something that all them do when turning or something. Not sure but just a thought.

https://picasaweb.google.com/shaggs2riches/KitingStuff#

John Holgate - 5-2-2011 at 04:19 PM

I have seen quite a few kites look like this in flight when being turned. If it looks like that parked at zenith then there is something amiss.

It's not something you see from the pilot's perspective, but when you move away from the kite it becomes obvious. But only when it's being turned....

B-Roc - 5-2-2011 at 06:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by John Holgate
I have seen quite a few kites look like this in flight when being turned. If it looks like that parked at zenith then there is something amiss.



Agreed. Any time you turn the kite it will distort like in your picture. However if both handles are at the same position and the kite is not turning but sitting at the zenith, the canopy should be slightly curved but not kinked.

awindofchange - 5-2-2011 at 11:44 PM

The kite looks normal. Most kites will get into this shape when they are being turned or flown off zenith (as in your picture). Take the kite directly overhead and put the handles together so they are even, the kite should be perfectly curved without the hump that you are seeing. You can also fly the kite horizontal across the ground towards you and watch the kite pull in on one side when it is turned away from you.

There is nothing wrong with your kite.

kiteboyza - 6-2-2011 at 07:46 AM

Due to to much input with the arms when turning. On the smaller kites it shows like that. Fly the kite to the zenith, open the brakes, if it still has this kink it's a bridle line issue. If it looks ok at the zenith, slowly apply one brake . The kite should turn. Learn to fly smaller kites on brake and be smoother with your hands.

Hope this helps

cagdaz - 9-2-2011 at 01:30 PM

Thank you very much!
All of your comments are so helpful and appreciated :-)
I will check the bridles and the kite at zenith position, and might report back if there still seems to be a problem.

Best wishes,
Cag