Thinkin' About...

Chris McKee

How To Survive The Kite-Eating Tree

As the 2002 Resident Tree Expert, I thought I would use my monthly column to give enlightenment on how NOT to have a bad tree experience.

Rule 1:  DON'T GO NEAR TREES, IF YOU CAN POSSIBLY AVOID IT. They eat lift and they cause rotors and general turbulence.

Rule 2:  If you CAN'T avoid a tree, make sure you hit it good and HARD. Fly right at it, and get some speed up. Most tree injuries happen when you fall out, or lightly catch a wing-tip.

Rule 3:  If you're going over a line of trees and you see you won't make it, try and land in the top, rather than over the other side.

Rule 4:  As you enter the foliage, keep your legs together (for OBVIOUS reasons!) and your knees drawn up. Protect your face as soon as you touch substantial stuff, grab a big handful and HOLD ON TIGHT! Don't let go until you are sure that the glider won't fall out.

Rule 5:  YELL FOR HELP!


Tree Rescue/Survival Kit

It is suggested that you carry ropes, saws, etc in your car if you regularly fly sites that are heavily wooded. If you have an extra pocket in your harness, it would be advisable for you carry gear that would assist in recovery if you ever end up in the trees. Some recommended items that could be carried are:


Preferably, the treed pilot should wait for assistance before attempting to extract his or herself from the tree. Using the climbing rope and carabiner hooked into your harness allows for an assistant to lower you to the ground. Alternately, you can use your reserve parachute as a "rope" to lower you down or to climb down yourself. Your reserve also makes an excellent tent/sleeping bag in a pinch. If you are at serious risk of falling, it is best to secure yourself to the tree with your rope and wait until you are recovered. Just some things to think about...

FLY SAFE!