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Eccentric individuals attempt to defy the laws of gravity and to fly as far as they can - which usually doesn't tend to be too far! To most competitors it seems to be more aimed at fun that any real attempt at actual flying.

Popularity
Tends to be a very popular spectator sport as the individuals attempt to fly using various inventions. Participants tend to vary from those just wishing to have a bit of fun to those who are genuinely trying to fly

Location
Generally this is performed from a high vantage point over something which will give a soft landing. So it tends to be over a river or something similar as many attempts end up in the participant simply plummetting to the ground

Age
Generally adults, it probably is not recommended to children due to the potential dangerous nature

Description
Man has, for centuries pursued the elusive dream of flying like a bird, not pulled along or lifted by powerful engine driven propellers but taking to the air aided by flapping wings. Dedicated enthusiasts from across the world are now demonstrating working models of bird like craft. Copying the natural evolutionary flight techniques shared by both birds and insects. These flying machines are also known as Ornithopters - emulating the natural flight of birds and insects.

Closely Related Activities
gliding 265, hang-gliding 266,

Voluntary Work
Bird man competitions because of there popularity and potential dangers require a large number of voluntary helpers in the form of crowd controling marshals, competion safty marshals, competant water bourne safty/rescue teams and first aiders.

Cost
For a serious flying machine the cost may run into several thousands of pounds. For the fun birdman, it may just be the cost of a fancy dreww outfit!

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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