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LIGHTWEIGHT   HELIKITE (36 inch)

 

WHAT IS A LIGHTWEIGHT HELIKITE?

 

A Lightweight Helikite is a unique combination of a kite and a helium balloon specifically designed by ALLSOPP HELIKITES LTD to fly in hot climates or at high altitude. Originally created for bird control, the Helikite is the world’s only successful lighter-than-air kite. 

 

Designed and patented by Allsopp Helikites, the Helikite will fly in no wind and also in winds up to 25 miles per hour.  Winds above this will bring the Helikite down, as will wet weather due to the weight of the water.  However, when conditions become favourable again the Helikite automatically re-launches itself.  Only Helikites can fly reliably in the boundary layer zero to 200 ft height range, and also above.

 

Lightweight Helikites are designed to lift objects such as light cameras, radio antennas, banners, wind-meters etc. They can also be used as position markers, fishing kites and are excellent for bird scaring.

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THE LIGHTWEIGHT HELIKITE PACKAGE SHOULD CONTAIN:

 

Ripstop-nylon kite sail with straps                                           Silver coloured flying line clip

5 Mylar (foil) balloons                                                             1 Heavy swivel

Carbon-fibre spar (already inserted)                                        Short length of strong cord

Special extra strength line                                                        2 Mylar tails

Instructions                                                                            

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING THE LIGHTWEIGHT HELIKITE FOR FLIGHT

 

1) Clip the flying line to the mooring loop at the base of the red keel.

2) Lay the balloon on a very clean flat surface with the balloon valve opening facing upwards.

3) Arrange the straps around the balloon as shown on the diagrams.

4) Tie the straps loosely and be ready to adjust whilst balloon is being filled with helium.

5) Inflate the balloon by placing the stem of the helium regulator into the non-return valve of the balloon and slowly release the gas by turning the main cylinder gas tap on, then pressing the regulator stem gently sideways or downwards (BOC), or by simply pressing the regulator handle (Widget world). Clamp fingers around balloon valve so air is not sucked into the balloon with the helium. When the balloon is nearly filled, you will see big creases appear around the edge every four inches. Between these creases there will be numerous little ripples about 3mm wide. Fill the balloon until half of these little ripples have disappeared. Never fill fast as this damages the balloon valve. To minimise strain on the balloon, fill during the hottest part of the day.

6) Tighten the straps until the kite is firmly stretched onto the balloon to form one aerodynamic unit – a Lightweight Helikite.

7) Placing a piece of tape over the nozzle once inflated can prolong the helium pressure.

 

Your Helikite will now be lighter than air.  Don’t lose it, especially in high winds!

 

 

 

 

FLYING THE LIGHTWEIGHT HELIKITE

 

1 Moor the Helikite by tying the strong cord to the flying line handle, and then to a stake hammered firmly into the ground.  Ensure that nothing can cut or fray the special 80 Kg breaking strain flying line.  Test fixing point by pulling on the flying line, especially if there are electric overhead wires in or near the field. Re-test every time you visit the Helikite.

 

2 Release the line from the handle.  The Helikite will move upwards and backwards with the wind.  When the desired height is reached, fix the length of the line by doing a figure-of-eight around the hooks on the handle.  To stop the line from twisting, introduce the large swivel near the Helikite or at the handle end where it will not add to the weight of the Helikite.  The line needs to be cut for this. If you intend to leave the Helikite unattended for some days, please note that the swivel does not work on its own. Untwist the line yourself every few days. Twisted lines are significantly weaker.

 

 

PUNCTURES

Find the hole by tightly filling with gas and listening.  To repair the hole, clean away the colouring around the hole with soap and water, dry it, then cover the hole and surrounding area with any good contact adhesive (e.g. ‘Bostic’ or ‘Evostik’), allow the glue to dry then cover the hole and glue with tape.  When the balloon is worn out (normally 14-21 days) replace it with another.

 

WET WEATHER

If the Helikite is wet, it is unlikely to fly.  When the rain or fog clears, do not wait for the Helikite to dry itself off, because in winter this may take a while.  Dry it with a soft cloth and get it flying. Trying to make a wet Helikite fly by adding extra gas seldom works and strains the balloon.  Lightly applying waterproof leather spray or vegetable oil to the Helikite will help repel rainwater. The lightweight Helikite provides little protection for the balloon so do not leave lying on bare ground for long. If you require a Helikite tough enough to leave on the ground in wet weather (as for bird scaring) ask us about the Vigilante Helikite. The colouring on the balloon may come off in wet weather.  This does not affect performance but it may mark clothes or car seats if you are not careful. 

 

If you need a Helikite to fly during rain, then you need one of our larger “Skyhook Helikites” – please ring us.

 

FLINTY LAND

The Lightweight Helikite can be used very successfully above flinty land but care is needed to ensure that it does not touch the jagged flint. The Vigilante Helikite is better suited to flinty land as it has a Ripstop-nylon cover surrounding the balloon, however this cover adds weight.

 

HIGH WINDS

The Helikite, like any airborne object, is vulnerable in strong winds.  Even light winds will wear it out eventually, hence the need for daily checking, but winds over 15 mph (26 km/h) increase the wear rate greatly - especially gusts.  You fly the Helikite in these winds at your own risk.  Having said that, the Helikite has the advantage over normal kites by being able to recover from the turbulent air that usually knock down normal kites in strong winds, especially near trees or buildings. These suggestions will help save you time and money;

 

a)   Ensure that the balloon is well filled and cannot move within the straps.

b)   Check all knots for looseness, the line for strength, and the Helikite for wear every day.

c)   Remove the Helikite from the field if the bad weather continues for long.

d) Untwist the line every day.

e) In areas of consistently high winds it is best to use two lines. Contact us for an extra flying line.

 

STORAGE

After use, wash in cold water, dry well, roll up carefully and store in the packet.  Beware of mice, damp and sharp objects.

 

AVOIDING THEFT

If you intend to leave the Helikite unattended it is a very good idea for you to put your name, address and telephone number on the Helikite. This helps if you let go of it too! Permanent marker pen or indelible ink is fine for this. You can also offer a reward for return if you wish. It is surprising how much effect this has. Helikites have been returned hundreds of miles away from where they were lost! To combat theft the Helikite can also be flown from a tall pole painted with grease or anti-climb paint. You can retrieve the Helikite with a long stick or weighted rope.

 

 

WHAT ABOUT THE HELIUM?

Within the UK

Balloon Gas Cylinders

Ask us to arrange 1 x Mighty Widget cylinder (£77.50 + £85 returnable deposit) and a brass regulator valve (£28). These 20 kg cylinders will fill about 13 balloons. You can also phone BOC for balloon helium cylinders.

 

If only filling a few balloons, small children balloon cylinders can be purchased from Toys R US or Argos. It must be the 55 party balloon canister you purchase, and it will fill 2+ of the lightweight balloons.

 

Within the USA

Balloon Gas Cylinders and regulator valves for Mylar/foil balloons

Contact your local industrial gas supplier (e.g. Praxair, BOC or Air Products) for balloon gas. In the US the price is usually about $20 per bottle.

 

 If only filling a few balloons, small children balloon cylinders can be purchased from Toys R US or Michaels craft stores. It must be the 55 party balloon canister you purchase, and it will fill 2+ of the lightweight balloons.

 

 

Other Countries

Balloons Gas Cylinders and regulator valves for Mylar/foil balloons

You should contact your local supplier (e.g. Linde Gas) for balloon gas cylinder containing about 1.8 metres cubed and regulator valves.

 

PLEASE READ AND OBEY ALL THESE HELIKITE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 

1. THIS HELIKITE IS NOT A TOY AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE BY CHILDREN.

2. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE.

3. OBEY ALL LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL LAWS RELATED TO FLYING KITES IN YOUR AREA.

4. IF POSSIBLE, NEVER FLY HELIKITE DURING ELECTRICAL STORMS BECAUSE IT MAY CONDUCT LIGHTENING DOWN THE LINE.  IF THE HELIKITE IS UP DURING AN ELECTRICAL STORM, DO NOT GO NEAR IT UNTIL THE STORM HAS FINISHED.

5. ENSURE NO POWER LINES, TELEPHONE WIRES, TREES, OBSTRUCTIONS, ANIMALS OR PEOPLE CAN COME NEAR THE HELIKITE ANYWHERE IT CAN POSSIBLY FLY.  KEEP HELIKITE WELL AWAY FROM POWER LINES AS MAINTENANCE HELICOPTERS PATROL THESE REGULARLY.  DO NOT FLY NEAR CROP SPRAYERS OR ANY LOW-FLYING AIRCRAFT.

6. IN BRITAIN, DO NOT FLY WITHIN 5 KILOMETRES OF ANY AIRFIELD WITHOUT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL PERMISSION.  IN THE USA, DO NOT FLY WITHIN 5 MILES OF ANY AIRFIELD WITHOUT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL PERMISSION.

7. DO NOT FLY OVER ROADS AT ANY TIME.

8. MAX. HEIGHT ALLOWED IS 60 METRES IN BRITAIN AND  500 FEET IN THE USA.

9. IF YOU WISH TO MAKE THE LINE MORE NOTICEABLE, TIE SOME RIBBONS ALONG IT.

10. WEAR GLOVES WHEN HANDLING THE LINE TO AVOID IT CUTTING HANDS.

11. PLEASE NOTE; WHEN WET, THE DISPOSABLE BALLOONS MAY LOSE SOME COLOURING THAT CAN STAIN FABRIC.

 

 

  Thank you for taking the time to read all these instructions.  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

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