Gossamer Albatross

Preparing for the first flight, July 16, 1978


Assessing damage, March 12, 1979


Shafter, California. March 13, 1979

Over the English Channel, June 12, 1979.

photos coutesy of Donald Monroe

From Wikipedia: The Gossamer Albatross was a human-powered aircraft built by American aeronautical engineer Dr. Paul B. MacCready's AeroVironment. On June 12, 1979 it completed a successful crossing of the English Channel to win the second Kremer prize.

Very interesting Paul MacCready interview here.

Gossamer Odyssey: The Triumph of Human-Powered Flight by Morton Grosser gives a detailed account of the project.

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Perhaps a bit past its expiration date, but this is the bike I cobbled together last summer before the job ended, and boy am I glad I did. Picked up some of my favorite parts, and put together a bike that serves nearly all my needs. A joy to ride, and hopefully, one I'll have at least as long as I've had my Trek (25 years). She feels a tad slow out of the gate, but once we get going, very nice. 4 gears, but I have to stop if I want to change; a chance to take a short break and ready myself.