Kite Vocabulary and Concepts

Tail

Fabric or paper tied on to the line or streamers attached to the bottom of the kite which adds to the kite's stability.

Stability

The ability of a kite to keep flying on a straight course.

Downwind

The direction the wind is blowing

Upwind

The direction the wind is blowing from

Sail

The fabric of a kite, covering the frame and designed to catch the air. It can be made of paper, cloth or nylon.

Tension

The force created by pulling on the kite

Spar

The horizontal part of a kite frame.

Bridle

The line or lines that runs from the kite's sail and to which the control line is attached.

Drag

The resistance of a kite to the wind. The amount is affected both by the weight of the kite and by its surface area.

Frame

The rigid structure of the kite to which the sail or cover is fastened. Also called the "bones."

Spine

The vertical part of a kite frame.

Control Line

This line or lines runs from the Bridle to the pilot

Three characteristics of all kites

1. A structure designed to produce lift from the wind, 2. A flying line (tether) that keeps the kite from flying away, 3. A bridle that aligns the face of the kite to the proper angle in the wind for lift.

Kite

A kite is a heavier-than-air, tethered aircraft kept aloft close to a perpetual stall by the wind.

Keel

A triangular fitting on some kites which adds stability in flight.

Lift

An upward force, created by wind pressure on the kite face.