Flying Kites

On our November trip to Western Kansas with the Abers, we stopped at the wind farm near Spearville. The Abers wanted to do some aerial photography there.

It was a good day. The wind was good enough to get the kite in the air. They have to have strong enough winds to lift the kite and the camera, but not overpowering winds.

Dave helps Susie Aber put the kite together.

Jim checks the camera before sending it up.

Here’s the camera rig. With a remote control, they can turn the camera, tilt it, and snap photos.

The kite flies higher, but the camera goes up about 350 feet.

Susie has the remote control. Using binoculars, Jim see the angle of the camera and tells Susie which way to turn the camera and when to take photos.

There is about a thousand feet of 300-pound test line on the spool.

The Abers use aerial photography in their teaching of earth sciences at Emporia State University.

Wearing gloves so the cord doesn’t cut, Jim helps bring in the kite. It’s easier to reel it in when he eases the line’s tension.

Dave reels in the line.

The Abers were taking aerial photos of this wind farm. To see the shots from the air, click here.

For more on the Abers and kite flying: Hunting the Kansas Playa.