Today commemorates the anniversary of the first human-powered flight to win the Kremer prize. It was on August 23rd of 1977 that the Gossamer Condor 2, flew the first figure-eight course specified by the Royal Aeronautical Society, at Minter Field in Shafter, California. Slowly cruising at only 11 mph, it traveled a distance of 2,172 meters.
The Gossamer Condor 2 was built by Dr. Paul B MacCready and piloted by amateur cyclist and hang-glider pilot Bryan Allen.
The Gossamer Condor 2 aircraft is preserved at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Not sure if I have enough power left in me to get me airborne but some of you may want to try it. You can evidently get a kit to build such an aircraft, if you get the urge to fly under your own power.
If getting a kit and building an aircraft sounds like a bit too much you can always celebrate this day with a piece of sponge cake as it is also National Sponge Cake Day. enjoy..
