FLIGHT

Jack Prescott
Feathered World, May 2000

Meteorological kites are being produced, that can reach an altitude of six miles. Mountaineers can now have a small package that contains a very light plastic object that seems to be a cross between a kite and a balloon. This device can be released if the person gets lost or into difficulties and will provide an easy marker for those people who have to search. This lifesaving device, if caused to drop to the ground if the wind fails, will launch itself, unaided, when the wind returns. I only mention these two items to show how very easy it is to fly, provided that the structure, balance and weight are right. A few specialised types of domestic pigeon have the tail purchase, the wing action and the overall structure, that is conducive to kite-like lift. Two examples will indicate what I mean.

The true old type of Macclesfield Tippler was identifiable by its style of flying. By a system of tacks, running down wind and then to face the wind with a spread tail and a steady wing beat, the air purchase would very soon cause the 'Macs' to be very high in the sky. They were not inclined to race away in the style of racing pigeons. A most economical style of flying that could go on for many hours.

The Polish Orliks. They had an even more pronounced way of using the breeze, rather than fighting the breeze. The very wide spread of an Orliks tail and the broad wings, give maximum purchase. In fact, the trailing edges of the wings were very close up to the leading edges of the spread tail, during hovering flight. The Orliks that I had would not attempt to fly unless the wind was right. When, however, the wind was right, they would circle to gain about 300 feet and then face the breeze. The tail was inclined downwards to act as a breeze envelope, the wings merely catching purchase from the breeze and used to keep the pigeon headed directly and precisely into the breeze.

A kite is held by its line which acts as a lever. The shape and the presentation to the airflow, is why a kite will fly. A high-flying pigeon just has to keep itself headed into the lifting breeze. In certain atmospheric conditions, the lift is extreme and such pigeons can go to dangerous heights where clouds, haze and upper air pollution become a hazard. Finally, it is not just a case of selecting the correct structure. Many specimens are structurally correct, but lack the selective pressures, the training and the character for such flying.