2005 News/Updates

Hybrid Sano Project.
Unlike a hybrid car, this Sano is still powered by wind only!   Actually, this was an enjoyable project to morph an SS with an SSL.  The intended result was to produce a Sano whose weight, wind range and durability falls in between the two production versions currently offered.  

The SSL and SS use Sky Shark P90 and P200 leading edges, respectively.  For this hybrid project, I opted for P100s along with the more durable Dacron LE pockets.  The chosen lower spreaders were Sky Shark 3PTs with added reinforcement at the center 'T' area.  Even the Spectra 'Turbo' bridle was an amalgamation of line types used on the SS & SSL, yielding the perfect blend of toughness and low drag.  

The resulting "love child" is a robust ultralight deemed the SSL+.  Ready to fly with wingtip caps and tail ballast, the total weight is 8.9 ozs. (252 grams).  For added versatility, this kite was delivered with a variety of tail ballast fittings.  John R. in sunny and warm California will be enjoying this Sano SSL+ very soon.  

If anyone with a pending Sano order would like to make it an SSL+ version, please contact me ASAP.  The next special Sano project will be an SUL version (to be called the SSZ).  That's a ways off yet, but details will be posted here when the time comes.  

New appliqué available for Stryke Fighter.
Since its introduction, the '2K5 Star' logo has proven to be a popular option on AeroStar dual-liners.  And just recently, I've gotten a few requests to offer this same design on the Stryke.  So, yes, this appliqué is now officially available on the fighter as well.  This is especially desirable for those customers looking to have a Stryke that matches their Sano or ZeroStar.  If you have a pending order and would like to change your sail layout, please let me know. 

Update on AeroStar Orders.
Sorry for the lack of updates during the past few months.  I've been very focused on spending extra hours in the workshop. As a result, I just haven't had the time to maintain the website. 

Many customers have contacted me recently about the status of their kite deliveries.  Let me first say that after the AeroStar closure was announced, approximately 100 new orders were received prior to the deadline.  In addition, many of these orders were for multiple kites (some AeroStar enthusiasts are even getting one of every model).  Yowza, that is a lot of custom kites!

I am working extremely hard to get these kites out the door in a timely fashion.  However, with me doing 100% of the fabrication and every sail being a custom layout, progress is slow.  In addition, there have been sporadic shortages of certain fabric colors and graphite spars.  This has further set back the delivery schedule.

Up to this point, I have made some significant progress.  For example, if you haven't checked out the Sano Gallery lately, you'll see it has grown quite a bit!  But for sure, there is a long road ahead.  Currently, the delivery times are running about 4 months and it will get even longer for those at the end of the line.  

Hate to use a cliché, but you just can't rush perfection!  Once the kite is in your hands, you'll forget all about the wait.  Rest assured, each customer will be contacted when their order is ready to be started.  At that time, the final balance due can be paid plus any optional spare parts ordered.  As stated many times before, your patience is greatly appreciated!

AeroStar Orders after the Deadline?
Several people have contacted me after the official deadline requesting that an exception be made.  In addition, others are now wanting to add another kite or two to their previous orders.

While I really appreciate the interest, I can not formally accept any more orders at this time.  Believe me, my plate is too full already!  However, the best bet is to contact me Spring 2006.  There is a chance I may be able to accommodate some of these requests. 

Revisions Made to Sano Models. 
Four things to mention here and the first two only pertain to the SS model:

First, my supply of the Easton Pro-Competition 14 spars is starting to dwindle (only have a few 100 left in inventory).  And, I need to save enough for the models that use these spars exclusively like the Spica Pro EX and AllStar UL.  More importantly, enough PC14s need to be set aside for future replacements.  I believe product support after the sale is very important!   

I could probably get more spars from Easton  But, being a large company, they demand very high order quotas.  Understandably, I'm just not prepared to make that financial commitment right now.  That's a shame since the quality, consistency and durability of the PC14s have been phenomenal!  

With this shortage in mind, I went searching for a replacement spar to use in the leading edges of the SS.  Closest alternative was the Sky Shark P200.  Same weight as the PC14 (15 grams @ 32.5") and the stiffness felt close as well.  To quantify this, I conducted some deflection tests using the archery shaft standard for measuring "spine".  After examining several spars, it turns out that the P200s are 17% stiffer than the PC14s.

So far so good, but then things got more difficult!  There is a tremendous difference in the diameter between these two spars.  As a result, I had to do several test fits and make minor adjustments to the leading edge lengths and cross-spreader positions.  In the end, everything turned out great - the wing span and aspect ratio are spot on!

Second, some SS owners have worn out their bridles prematurely.  This surprised me since the prototype kites held up fine.  I then discovered a common theme for all the bridles that failed very quickly:  Every owner flew at the beach regularly.  Wow, does the sand accelerate the wear when doing Lazy Susans and Backspins!

In response, I performed abrasion tests on several types of line.  In the end, pure Spectra was the best.  In fact, the 200# test used on the SSL seemed adequate for the SS too.  But, for added durability, I opted for thicker 300# Spectra on this version.  To validate the findings in the "real world", some replacement bridles were sent to those same owners.  Thus far, no problems at all with these "Beach Bridles"!

All production kites now have the 300# Spectra bridle standard.  Older Sanos (up to number #034) used the dark blue 100# Laser Pro HP Spectra/Dacron line.  If your bridle is wearing out, contact me and I'll make you up the more durable replacement for a very reasonable cost.

Third, some SSL owners have asked about removing the tail ballast for zero wind flying or just to experiment a bit.  For those people, I have an optional tail fitting available.  While primarily intended for the SSL, it will also fit the SS version.  The brass ballast is replaced with a section of hollow carbon bonded to the rubber fitting.  

Like the original weight, it still distributes pressure on the tail Velcro and supports the leech lines.  Yet, the carbon weighs next to nothing.  Swapping tail weights is simple to do.  If you're interested in purchasing this extra tail fitting, please contact me.

AeroStar Website Awakes from Near Death Experience!
I've gotten many requests to keep the AeroStar website on-line.  While pondering this over, I then remembered the business domain registration doesn't expire until June '06.  Finally, my web hosting company was offering some nice renewal incentives.  

So, to confirm, this website will not be going to Internet heaven after all (at least for another year).  This means all the Videos, Flying Tips and Tuning Tips will still be available.  And, for sure, keep on sending those Customer Photos - some friendships and meetings have materialized as a result!

Most importantly, the Sail Colorizers will still be available until the ordering deadline of July 31, 2005.  Customers can also access the AeroStar PayPal account from the Ordering Info page.  This will help to facilitate paying the final balance due on all remaining orders.

Update on AeroStar Orders (Patience, Grasshopper!)
To everyone who has submitted orders as of today (July 14, 2005), I should have gotten back to you by now.  My apologies for the tardy replies that some of you have experienced.  Also, there have been some server glitches with my one e-mail account.  Therefore, if you did no receive a reply, please contact me again.

It should be noted that orders are not made official until receiving a minimum 50% deposit.  The date of the down payment then determines the sequence in which your kite will be built.  I have to work it this way since some people contact me with a promise to order yet never follow through.  This helps to eliminate confusion and saves me time.

The ordering deadline is still July 31, 2005.  There is quite a backlog of orders in the works.  If you are still planning on ordering during these remaining two weeks, patience will be required!  In the past, I could deliver a custom AeroStar in about 6 weeks.  But now,  the delay will be substantially longer (potentially several months).  

I never rush my kites and, believe me, the wait will be worth it!  And, as previously stated, I still plan to offer tech support and repair assistance for all AeroStars.  Both the flyers and kites mean too much to me!

At the moment, I am a bit overwhelmed with the volume of orders that have been submitted since recently announcing the shut down.  While I'm typically really good about responding to e-mails promptly, please give me a few days to sort everything out.  And please do not resend your order request since this only adds to the confusion.  I promise that everyone who wants AeroStar kites, will get them (although the wait may be considerable - your patience is appreciated!)  Again, the ordering deadline is July 31, 2005.

Thanks to everyone for the kind words and outpouring of support.  Really means a lot!  I've gotten many questions as to why I'm quitting. For those who are interested, I did take a moment to compile my thoughts. While a long read, it does concisely lay out all the reasons.  Here is the link:  AeroStar Closure

After designing and building kites for the last 12 years, the time has come to call it quits.  There are a variety of reasons for this decision and it was certainly a very difficult one to make.  This is especially true given the fact there is still a strong demand for AeroStar products.  

In the future, I may explain the reasons behind my decision.  For now, I would like to send a heartfelt thanks to all my customers and supporters.  What started as a regional business quickly grew to shipping kites throughout the United States and globally as well (26 different countries at last count!).  Many of these customers have also became good friends – kite people truly are the best! 

Thanks also goes out to those who have helped AeroStarSportkites.com be successful during the 4 years on the Internet.  While not a great webmaster, I’ve come a long way and I am proud of the end result.  The hits per day have averaged around 3,000 - not too shabby for a niche business!  I really hope fellow flyers enjoyed their visits.  

To customers that already have orders submitted, you can be assured that your kite will be completed as scheduled.  Also, to those who already own AeroStar kites, continued support will be available.  I plan to assist with repairs and should have most spare parts required.  At the very least, tips on what is required and where to get it will be provided.  Having personally built around 1,000 kites, it would be nice to keep them flying for years to come!  

To those of you who would like to complete your AeroStar kite collection, obtain a back-up model or even add the first one to your bag, there is still a limited time to place an order.  New orders for custom kites must be submitted by July 31, 2005.  Please see the Ordering Info page for more details.  

Please note that the hosting contract for this website is set to expire on July 23, 2005.  Therefore, the colorizer Applets and entire website may no longer be on-line after that date.  Also, sail colors options may become limited as the fabric inventory is depleted.

Once the final production kite is finished, that will be it for me (at least for a good while).  In the future, I may build an occasional kite or two to auction on eBay.  But for sure, the business will never be taken to the level it is now. I may also consider licensing various AeroStar designs for mass production. Any interested parties are welcome to contact me. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope to write more later.   

In particular, notice how the background color becomes an integral part of the design and helps to create an optical illusion.  When focusing on the three appliqué sections in the foreground, the larger star takes precedence.  Conversely, when staring at the background, the smaller star is suddenly more conspicuous.