The World's First Victorious Human-Powered Ornithopter

A major milestone in aviation occurred this past August, when the human-powered Snowbird, an aircraft made of carbon fiber and balsa wood, achieved the first successful flight of its kind.

Though it may sound like a relatively low-tech accomplishment, the feat has been attempted for centuries without favorable outcome. Until University of Toronto PhD student Todd Reichert and team finally did it. Watch below.

"The use of human power, when walking or cycling, is an efficient, reliable, healthy and sustainable form of transportation. Though the aircraft is not a practical method of transport, it is also meant to act as an inspiration to others to use the strength of their body and the creativity of their mind to follow their dreams."