Recognising Stunt Kite Orientation

[TassieDevil]

Hi all,

When it comes to a "natural feel" for visually comprehending orientation and position in just about any situation, I've always thought my ability was pretty good. Certainly over the past 15 years or so, I've encountered many folks who, no matter how hard they might try, just cannot seem to get a feel for the virtual 3D worlds of various computer games and simulators, seemingly because it's displayed in only 2 dimensions. And with my model flying in years past, it's important (especially for beginners) to use colour schemes on models which will aid the pilot's understanding of the model's orientation, especially at large distances (which is common with thermal glider flying). So, having a good understanding of these things, it's been quite a shock.. I have to admit to finding myself occasionally struggling with figuring out which way a kite is orientated.

It doesn't seem to be effected as much by colour scheme or kite design, either. I've noticed whilst watching other flyers that it doesn't take much to lose the orientation of the kite, especially if viewing it from behind (with the kite between U and the flyer)... and, of course, then figuring out what you'd need to do to return the kite to it's "normal" position. I think it seems most prevalent when the kite is in a turtle position (ie, on it's back).

Perhaps the other flyers here could share their views (no pun intended) on comprehending kite orientation.

Gary

[Must86]

Hey Gary,

I think that's one of the hardest things about learning to fly from videos. I still lose my fix on the direction of the kite from time to time. I can't say how many hours I've spent watching the videos that are out there. There aren't many kite enthusiasts where I live, so watching anyone in person happens MAYBE once a year.

Once in a while, I lose my sense of direction while I'm flying, too...

~Rob.

[damp_weather]

Yep,

This problem of recognising kite orientation is specifically why, for our very few custom made kites, we specified differently coloured wingtip panels.

Personally I suspect that symmetric patterns are often chosen as it is more difficult to recognise visual clues for kite orientation, and so it adds to the mystery in videos and demos. - But not so good for learning tricks.

[Cesium]

It's not common, but I still lose orientation from time to time. It's not a problem though because of one simple aspect I learned - the moment you lose orientation, think about where the kite should be given its previous position and your last input. That is to say, ignore what you're eyes are telling you and over-ride it with logic. Works every time.

[Oooo]

some how i'v done that while flying my rev !! especialy when it was heading at the ground at light speed !!!!

[Aussiekiteflyer]

Mike

It just takes many hours of practice, which turns into years.

Then if you stop flying your Rev or any kite for a while you need more practice.

So it becomes a continual obsession, until you get old. Then you forget which kite you are flying, or why you are standing on the beach.

Alan

[Two Hands]

TD,

I think you have made a few people feel a little better about their own personal situation, including me

It's not often but when it goes it goes bad. Unlike Cesium, once the kites orientation goes, for me at least, I find i don't have the time to review my last sequence fast enough to catch up to 'where I was'. Gravity apparently doesn't owe me anything...

I've learned that the best solution, and safest for the kite, is to take a few quick steps forward to kill the kites momentum in the air (as opposed to killing it with the ground ). I take it as a sign that I should take a break and a quick swig of water.

And finally, to make myself feel better after such an incident I tell myself that I must have been doing some pretty freaking good stuff to have got that lost (It does help a little).

TH

[Chook]

I got the red white and blue Rev 1.5 SLE for the same reason. There are different colours on each side. I find this helps me with it's orientation.

I think this comes from flying radio controlled planes and gliders. I've always had a different colour under one wing tip. This helps me work out if it's coming at me or away when it's a dull day or looking into the sun.

Nothing to do with being closer to 50 years old and worn eyesight.