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A mechanical humanly powered vehicle, is a vehicle powered exclusively by human muscle power, the most common being the bicycle, followed by pedal car racing, and probably the most alluring being that of human powered flight.

Popularity
Discounting cycling and pedal cars, as they have their own sections within HIPSFINDER, the making constructing and flying of a human powered flying machine is the most alluring activity, attracting interest from enthusiasts from a varied background.

Location
The design and construction work can be carried out anywhere, space permitting, but groups of enthusiasts are normally found in schools, colleges or universities, because of the technological facilities that are available and close to hand.

Age
Not an activity for children, as you have to be both a fully competent engineer and posses the skill to fly a non standard aircraft.

Ability
This is potentially a law breaking activity. As it purposely sets out to defy the basic law of gravity.

Description
The original challenge held under the auspices of the The Royal Aeronautical Society's 'Man Powered Aircraft Group', in 1959 the industrialist Henry Kremer offered Prizes of £5,000 for the first man-powered aeroplane to fly a figure-of-eight course round two markers half-a-mile apart. This having been achieved. Challenges are now for faster speeds over standard distances and over the figure of eight course, and for longer distances flown.

Dedication
This activity demands dedication, as most of the time is spent on the less glamorous aspects of the project, eg design, research and resourcing materials. many avenues of these prove fruitless, but must be looked at positively and not as a failure or reason to be despondent. After many hundreds of hours of back room work the actual flying time time may only be a few minutes. but a successful flight is a reward beyond comprehension.

Potential
Who knows? You could be the innovator of a truly green means of transport, that keeps you fit and is made from recycled waste. There are several financial prizes offered for successful human powered flights.

Closely Related Activities
Cycling 168----178, Pedal Car Racing 808, Human Powered Vehicles (underwater) 807, Gliding 265, Hang Gliding 266,

Cost
The costs involved with this activity vary enormously depending largely on the finacial backing available to the individual group. This only serves to increase the competitiveness between groups, as it sets finance against ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

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