Yes, the Flying Carpet, Prototype One went for its test flight on June 22. It was a tad less than successful. On July 1, 1997 the second flight of the modified Flying Carpet took place on the railroad tracks behind Burlesque Kites. The flight proved to be encouraging, with good stability in the lifting body.

I'm happy to report that some additional panels for the megabanner that will be the centerpiece of the flying carpet have come in. Hey, this thing can't be made to big. It might be very sunny at the National Convention and he who has the most shade wins. If you would like to contribute a panel just make it to fit within a 36"X36" square, but leave 3-4 inches on all sides for attachment to the banner.

With both major and minor bugs worked out after spectacular test flights, construction of the final version of the Flying Carpet/Megabanner commenced. Working from a written plan and detailed drawings, the production model of the lifting body was stitched together from jet black ripstop nylon. The lifter will be held taut for flying with over 36 feet of heavy duty spars. It has really turned out nicely and quality and attention to detail is evident throughout. That's the LVKS way!

The drive for additional panels for the Megabanner produced enough to increase both length and width. Many thanks to all members who participated. Your graphics are wonderful! Should the club ever decide to increase the size, the lifter is easily upgradeable, and of course the banner can still be used on its own. The maiden flight took place on Saturday, August 30th, and its' success was duly noted. This has been a project we can all be very proud of, for wherever we fly it, wherever we enter it in a competition, it will make a positive statement about LVKS. I believe I will call it "The Spirit of the Lehigh Valley".

The Flying Carpet flown at Sunfest 1998 at Ocean City, Maryland.