 ( this document is taken from www.bkfa.org with kind permission from Mr J Swift)
Framework
This Code is based upon the Law as applied to kite flying. It is also based upon common sense, risk assessment and good manners – taken together it should make the flying of kites an enjoyable pastime for the kite flier and others with whom they come into contact through kite flying.
The Code is structured as an Objective and then Guidance to achieve that Objective.
The Law
Objective
Kite fliers must comply with any requirements of the law applicable to where they are flying.
Guidance
The European Communities Act 1972, Civil Aviation Act 1982 and the Airports Act 1986 allow the Civil Aviation Authority (working with the Ministry of Defence) to issue the Air Navigation Order, a Statutory Instrument, the latest of which is dated 2005. Combined with other Regulations, CAP 393 (with amendments to January 2008) sets out the law and rules that kite fliers are required to comply with.
You should also be aware of local byelaws which may restrict kite flying or related activities. These might say you must not fly a kite as to create a public nuisance which might include noise.
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The key points are:
• You must not fly a kite more than 30 metres (100’) above ground level within 5 kilometres (3 miles) of an airfield unless the CAA has given you specific authority to do so. You should avoid take off and landing flight paths. • You must not fly a kite more than 60 metres (200’) above the ground at any other time unless permission has been obtained from the CAA and the certificate of such authority is available on site. • You must obtain permission from the CAA before dropping objects such as teddy bears, sweets etc. You must avoid low flying aircraft such as police or rescue helicopters, micro-light aircraft, hang-gliders and para-gliders.
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The Personal Safety of the Kite Flier
Objective
Kite fliers should act in such a way as to protect themselves from accident or injury
Guidance
You must not fly your kite near overhead power cables try and retrieve a kite from overhead power lines: call the electricity company You should make an assessment of the flying site, looking for potential hazards You must avoid flying in severe weather including thunderstorms or heavy rain You must avoid flying in low cloud, fog or whenever the kite cannot be seen clearly You must never attach yourself to the kite or kite line in a way that cannot be released easily and with the kite powered up You should avoid flying near trees, masts, pylons or overhead wires You should be aware of the pull, lift and speed of some kites, whether flown by you or someone else You should be aware of what is around you, in the air and on the ground You should check that you have enough space around you to launch and fly safely You should not run with your kite and see that the ground ahead is clear and fairly level You should get appropriate training for the type of kite you intend to fly You should fly within your own capabilities You should consider wearing suitable gloves when handling a tight kite line You should consider the use of appropriate protective equipment You should protect yourself from the effects of the weather, particularly the effect of the sun
For kite traction activities, e.g.; buggying, kite jumping, kite water activities, kite skiing, etc
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be aware of the increased, special risks involved in these activities to you and other people You must take appropriate training You must never attach yourself to the kite or kite line in a way that cannot be released easily and with the kite powered up You must take all reasonable precautions to ensure safety at all times You must make sure you have adequate space to launch, fly and land your kite safely You must wear appropriate protective equipment such as a helmet You should learn to fly small kites before attempting to fly larger and more powerful power kites You should fly with a buddy to take care of each others safety
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The Safety of Others
Objective
Kite fliers should act in such a way as to protect others from accident, injury or loss
Guidance
You must supervise any children under your care at all times You should choose an open, clear area for flying away from other people You should avoid flying near buildings, roads, footpaths, railways, canals and rivers You should avoid startling livestock and pets, particularly horses when being ridden You should follow more detailed guidance where available for any particular location or situation You should be aware of the dangers of tethering your kite and always see that your anchor is secure and clearly visible You should never leave a tethered kite unattended, always be ready to take control You should mark your flying line to make it easy to see You should be aware of the inherent dangers in the use of glass coated flying line (Manja) for fighter kites You should seek instruction or advice before attempting to fly any kite with which you are unfamiliar You should beware of spectators, pedestrians and young children who might not be aware of the dangers of kites You must never let inexperienced fliers use your equipment except under close supervision and provided that you are certain that they can handle the equipment without risk of injury to themselves or others You must remember that the safety of others is your responsibility
The correct use of Equipment
Objective
Kite fliers should use appropriate and well maintained equipment to reduce the risk of accident, injury or loss
Guidance
You must not fly in winds that are too strong for those recommended for your kite You must make sure that all knots, clips, and spars are secure You must make sure that your line is suitable for the wind conditions You should always check your equipment for wear and tear before flying You must not fly with worn or damaged equipment or flying lines You must stake your handles safely and visibly and disable your kite when not in use You must leave the flying site clean, tidy and free of discarded line or equipment
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The Environment
Objective
Kite fliers should be socially responsible, seeking to reduce their impact on the environment
Guidance
You should respect the environment including wildlife and livestock You should respect other users of the flying site and those living nearby You must avoid flying in nature reserves or when breeding birds and nestlings may be disturbed. You must pick up broken spars, clips, line etc You should recycle rubbish and waste whenever possible You should keep the use of engines, generators etc., to a minimum You should respect the quiet of the countryside
Good manners
Objective
Kite fliers should always act as good ambassadors for kite flying, promoting our sport through good manners and consideration for others
Guidance
You should avoid flying too close to other kites You should be aware that if you cause an accident you may be liable to compensate a third party for their loss You should make a record of all details following an accident or incident You must act with courtesy and consideration to other kite fliers and others at all times You should have insurance that is suitable for the activities you are undertaking You must obtain the permission of the landowner if flying on private land
Rules of the Road
Objective
Traction kite fliers always fly such as to protect themselves and others from the risk of accident or injury
Guidance
You must
• If you are on a head-on collision course turn right and the other pilot should do the same, remember to leave sufficient space between you and them.
• In all other situations, watch for pilots coming from your right and avoid them.
• Stand your course to pilots coming from your left as they will avoid you.
• Look before you gybe or tack and if need be, call out the manoeuvre that you are about to make.
• When passing each other, the down wind pilot must lower his/her kite and the upwind pilot must raise their kite in order to avoid a tangle.
• Look before you gybe/tack and if necessary call a warning before making the manoeuvre
always follow the 'Rules of the Road' for buggiers, boarders and water born kite traction
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