Most successful man-powered aircraft have used either a car tow or a model aircraft engine to provide thrust whilst the pilot learned to fly the aircraft. Once controlling the aircraft can be done subconsciously then it is time to attempt the man-powered bit.
All credit to the Canadian team that they have got this far and can actually control their ornithopter whilst flapping its wings. No doubt test flights continued after the flight shown. Film crews are notorious for not hanging around until the conditions are actually right for a record attempt, so I'm not at all surprised that what we saw was an earlier one.
It should be borne in mind that the Kremer prize was won by Paul Macready, who was already a very experienced aerodynamicist and pilot. The only experts in flapping wing flight that Todd, Cameron and their team have to talk to are parrots and mynah birds.
Last edited by Mechta; 26th Sep 2010 at 22:24.