Power Kite Forum

Kites and Helicopters

Snake - 11-6-2013 at 12:18 AM

I was out riding my F-1600 in 3-5mph winds today and was having a blast. I even learned a new trick, a down loop transition. I got a few small jumps (mind you the wind was sub-5mph) and it was a pretty good session.

Then a helicopter landed across the street at the new hospital under construction. No problem, He was about 200m away and upwind so he didn't disrupt the slow and shifty wind.

About ten minutes later he took off again. He flew around the construction site then flew about 15m down wind and 40-50 m above me of me!!! I'm surprised he got that close! The kite was low so there was zero chance of a collision but still!

The f-arc reacted rather well. No negative luffing or slowing. I was going about 45-60 degrees upwind when it happened. One thing that was really interesting was how the kite absorbed the gusts from the rotors. The shoulders quivered wildly!!! The middle was completely normal and curved, but the shoulders were really wiggling. I remember Feyd(I think it was him...) saying arc did this in the really dirty wind an I have observed it happen, but not this crazily!

I wonder how other kites would have faired? My F-arc stayed in full control. The only noticeable differences was the jiggling shoulders and the vibration I felt on the bar. I actually wonder how any other kite would have faired? F-arcs are the most stable kite I have ever flown. My Guerillas are close and my Venom is lacking after flying those.