Kite flying

by Jim Logajan Apr 18, 2006 at 09:56 PM




There are laws that cover kite flying under certain conditions - airports

are in fact covered by the regs. Relevant regs are in FAR part 101
"Moored balloons, kites, unmanned rockets and unmanned free balloons".

Quotes from some specific sections (see the FAR for the entire section):

"§ 101.13 Operating limitations.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may
operate a moored balloon or kite—

(1) Less than 500 feet from the base of any cloud;

(2) More than 500 feet above the surface of the earth;

(3) From an area where the ground visibility is less than three miles; or

(4) Within five miles of the boundary of any airport.

(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to the operation of a
balloon or kite below the top of any structure and within 250 feet of it,

if that shielded operation does not obscure any lighting on the
structure."

§ 101.15 Notice requirements.
No person may operate an unshielded moored balloon or kite more than 150
feet above the surface of the earth unless, at least 24 hours before
beginning the operation, he gives the following information to the FAA
ATC facility that is nearest to the place of intended operation:

(a) The names and addresses of the owners and operators.

(b) The size of the balloon or the size and weight of the kite.

(c) The location of the operation.

(d) The height above the surface of the earth at which the balloon or
kite is to be operated.

(e) The date, time, and duration of the operation.

§ 101.17 Lighting and marking requirements.
(a) No person may operate a moored balloon or kite, between sunset and
sunrise unless the balloon or kite, and its mooring lines, are lighted so

as to give a visual warning equal to that required for obstructions to
air navigation in the FAA publication “Obstruction Marking and Lighting”.

(b) No person may operate a moored balloon or kite between sunrise and
sunset unless its mooring lines have colored pennants or streamers
attached at not more than 50 foot intervals beginning at 150 feet above
the surface of the earth and visible for at least one mile. "



It would seem to me that kite manufacturers are at risk of a lawsuit if
they don't post all these legal restrictions on their products. Doubtful
a collision with a kite would cause a crash, but it could present a
distraction for pilots that like to buzz low over the treetops.

I wonder if a collision with a kite is an FAA reportable incident. And,
would that then constitute sufficient proof of illegal low flying?

On 2006-04-19, Skylune wrote:
I wonder if a collision with a kite is an FAA reportable incident. And,
would that then constitute sufficient proof of illegal low flying?

Like anything, it depends.

The notification requirement would be covered by NTSB 830 rather than
the FAA's regs. NTSB 830 says that it would be reportable, if:

(a) An aircraft accident or any of the following listed incidents
occur:
(1) Flight control system malfunction or failure;
(2) Inability of any required flight crewmember to perform
normal
flight duties as a result of injury or illness;
(3) Failure of structural components of a turbine engine
excluding
compressor and turbine blades and vanes;
(4) In-flight fire; or
(5) Aircraft collide in flight.
(6) Damage to property, other than the
aircraft, estimated to exceed
$25,000 for repair (including materials and
labor) or fair market value
in the event of total loss, whichever is
less.

Since a kite is not an aircraft, straight off the bat, it's not a
collision with another aircraft. If the collision with the kite causes
any of the other things listed above, then yes - it'll be reportable. If
it results in a bit of broken string, scratched paintwork and soiled
underwear, then no, it's not reportable.

As for the proof of illegal flying, this depends on:
- how long was the kite string? If it was over 500 feet, and the
aircraft was in an uncongested area, then no it wouldn't (and the kite
flyer may be in trouble).
- Was the aircraft approaching for landing or departing for takeoff? In
which case, no again.

Of course, if the string was 100 feet long and the plane wasn't taking
off or landing, then I'm sure the FAA could easily nail the pilot.

Basically - your second question can't be given a straight yes or no -
it depends on the circumstances.

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