The dream of flight began with makeshift wings bound to men’s arms which, like Icarus from Green mythology failed, often with deadly results.  This is the story of the pioneers who took to the air under their own power.

Zaschka’s Human-Power Aircraft, Berlin 1934.

SUMPAC was the first successful human powered aircraft.

The Gossamer Albatross II is seen here during a test flight at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Centre, Edwards, California.

Images under Creative Commons licence with thanks to Madrid, Museo del Prado, Popular Science, Nimbus227 and NASA.