The Tim Benson Swallowtail was an emblematic kite. I do not remember flying it very often 'in team'.

It was possibly a bit heavy in the light wind conditions on Blackheath today but I was happy to capture a few images in the bright conditions.

Thanks to Martin Linford for providing the flying skills and a set of 'improvised' lines.

A variety of kites had been stored in the loft and had been extracted after the heat pump installation.

Among them were incomplete sets of Rare Air Kites; Flash Angels and Pro Cheetah Stealths.

Fortunately Martin Linford was able to supply a set of flying lines as well as two line flying capability.

First up today was the Flash Angel.

The set-up of the kite was not completely straight forwards as the sail spar pathway was not initially opening completely.

"Flown for the first time at the British Nationals in 1991 this kite designed by Zbys Kazmarek proved exceptional in rough winds and certainly helped The Decorators to gain first place"

Once configured the kite flew smoothly and tracked in straight lines!

I had noticed that the yellow flashed kite had been packed in a distinctive way and also had bungees fitted at the central spar fitting.

The Pro Cheetah Stealth did not look as if it had any air time; the sail was very bright white and the fittings looked brand new.

The kite was a much livelier in the air and possibly not really a 'team' kite in Martin's estimation.

From Romney Johnstone:-
"I did fly a Pro Cheetah in the individual ballet in 1992 UK championships - the last competition I entered"

The other kites from the two sets will be documented in due course.