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A kite is a heavier-than-air craft that depends on wind to overcome gravity to fly. To stay aloft, most kites make use of an airfoil, a shape or surface that deflects airflow to produce different air pressures.
The basic principle of kite flying has to do with a difference in air pressure. When air moves quickly over a surface, the pressure is decreased. When air moves more slowly, the pressure is increased.
Thrust and lift are the forces that make kites fly. Thrust is created by the wind, so the speed of the wind affects how well a kite flies. Lift is produced when the bridle and line hold a kite at an angle to the wind. The correct angle causes the air to move more slowly across the face of the kite and pushes the kite upward. At the same time, air moves move quickly across the back of the kite and reduces pressure to create lift.
Drag; determined by the weight, design and the set of the bridle line of the kite, and gravity pulls down on the kite. A kite must have more lift than drag to fly; however, some drag is needed to add stability.
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(O.K., that’s the science of it. I have my own theory. When the kite is in the air, the line becomes like a rod. The kite dances in the air because when your hand shakes a little bit, the motion is magnified to produce the dancing.)
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