How to read FFVL novice figures

These definitions help you read the FFVL novice figure explanations and understand what judges look for. Keep it handy while you browse figures by discipline: it is a reading reference, not an introduction.

Wind window: the semi-circular area in front of the pilot where the kite can fly.

Center window: the point directly downwind from the pilot, halfway to the top of the wind window.

Turn: a clean change in flight direction. If a change is not meant to be a turn, it is usually described as an arc or curve.

Lines: unless otherwise stated, lines are expected to be straight.

Horizontal line: a straight line parallel to the horizon.

Vertical line: a straight line perpendicular to the horizon.

Landing: a controlled stop on the ground. A nose-first crash is not a landing.

Most novice figures rely on readable geometric shapes. Circles, arcs, squares, rectangles, and octagons should keep their proportions and remain recognizable.

The main execution errors are usually deformation, asymmetry, incorrect alignment, non-parallel lines, incorrect angles, or shapes that are too small or too flat.

For example, if the expected figure is:

The three situations below are execution errors that will be penalized by a lower score:

Circles and arcs must remain regular. A distorted circle, a wavy arc, or a circle that becomes oval will be considered an execution error.

The following executions do not match the expected result:

Likewise, for this perfect infinity:

The following executions will receive a score reflecting execution errors:

Shapes based on straight lines must respect their key geometry: angles, line lengths and parallelism. A square or rhombus is expected to keep four equal sides, unlike a rectangle whose sides are equal two by two.

For example, a correctly executed square would look like this:

The following cases are execution errors:

Pursuit flight: kites fly one behind the other, like a train. Spacing and timing must remain consistent.

Parallel flight: kites perform the same path, speed, and direction in different parts of the wind window.

Mirror flight: kites perform the same figure, inverted along a defined axis.

Synchronicity: kites execute key elements at the same time and in the same proportion.

Spacing: the distance between kites remains controlled and consistent.

Speed control: pilots keep the same speed, or accelerate and decelerate together.

Diagonal flight: the kite moves in a straight diagonal line while maintaining a constant orientation.

Reverse flight: the kite moves while its leading edge points down.

Forward flight: the kite moves in the direction its leading edge points.

Rotation: the kite rotates around a designated point, often the center or a wing tip.

Slide: the kite moves horizontally or vertically while keeping its orientation.

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Last updated Jul 28, 2026