Ask A Scientist© Engineering Archive

Index Key:   ENG025
Author:      ted theis
Subject:     Building a person-carrying kite.
I want to build a kite large enough to lift freshmen off the ground to about
50 feet in the air.  How big should I build this kite?  The weight limit
will be about 100 pounds, with student and gear.

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      rickru
I cannot give you any exact answers, but I hope to be able to steer you to
where you might find the answers yourself.  First, let me say that I hope
this is a theoretical application as I am sure you can understand how
potentially dangerous it would be to actually try this.
What I would suggest is to visit your local sports store and inquire about
hang-gliders.  These are in effect "human kites."  You can get a manufac-
turer's address from the supplier and contact them by writing or perhaps
long distance phone.  No doubt they can supply information on the engineer-
ing of their products.
Finally, once again, this type of kite flying would be very dangerous I and
I would not recommend it.  You can see the safety features one uses when
hang-gliding and could inquire at hospitals regarding injury statistics for
hang-gliders.  You would certainly be responsible for any injuries.