Finally, Man Flies With The Birds, Like a Bird - WONDERFUL VIDEOS

Students from the University of Toronto accomplish what had been considered impossible

TORONTO, Canada - September 24, 2010: While the accomplishments of a group of students from the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies can't really lay claim to being the first to achieved human-powered flight (that distiction is still owned by Bryan Allen, the pilot of the Gossamer Albatross, the UT students can claim to being the first to fly like a bird, a feat that may be even more significant.

Early 20th century attempt at flying an ornithopter. It was unsuccessful.

Flying creatures do so by flapping their wings. Man's ability to fly have had to rely on mechanical devices or wind currents (as in gliding). Even the remarkable Leonardo da Vinci could only image and sketch designs that might replicate self-powered flapping wing flight. But about seven weeks ago, on July 31st and August 2nd, 2010, The Snowbird did it. On the longest flight, the altitude and airspeed were maintained for 19.3 seconds, setting a world's first record, and achieving the age-old aeronautical dream. The flight was witnessed by a representative from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).

The videos below document this remarkable achievement

For more information visit http://hpo.ornithopter.net.