40 years ago today: Bryan Allen achieves the first human-powered aircraft flight
Wednesday, 23 August 2017 07:39
23 August 1977: Today marks the first human-powered aircraft flight conducted in Shafter, California (USA).
It was the first flight capable of controlled and sustained flight aboard the MacCready Gossamer Condor. Bryan Allen completed a figure-eight course around two pylons one half mile apart, starting and ending the course at least 10 feet (3.0 m) above the ground in six minutes 22 seconds. He piloted the airplane to speeds around 11 miles per hour and produced less than 0.5 horsepower. Even with the pilot on board the plane weighted under 95kg (207 pounds).
Video Credit: 1978 Shedd Productions, Inc
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