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A Human-Powered Helicopter: Straight Up Difficult

By Adam Cole
Published October 14, 2012 at 8:20 AM MDT
Kyle Glusenkamp pilots Gamera, a human-powered helicopter.
Maggie Starbard
/
NPR
Kyle Glusenkamp pilots Gamera, a human-powered helicopter.
A Canadian team built Atlas in this abandoned barn at a glider club near Tottenham, Ontario. It once held livestock; the roof leaks during thunderstorms.
/ Aerovelo
/
Aerovelo
A Canadian team built Atlas in this abandoned barn at a glider club near Tottenham, Ontario. It once held livestock; the roof leaks during thunderstorms.
Team Gamera keeps a stack of spare rotor blades on hand for quick repairs after crashes. Styrofoam ribs, wrapped in plastic, create the blade's airfoil form, while a triangular truss built of carbon fiber tubes provide strength.
Adam Cole / NPR
/
NPR
Team Gamera keeps a stack of spare rotor blades on hand for quick repairs after crashes. Styrofoam ribs, wrapped in plastic, create the blade's airfoil form, while a triangular truss built of carbon fiber tubes provide strength.
Henry Enerson prepares for a flight.
Maggie Starbard / NPR
/
NPR
Henry Enerson prepares for a flight.
With Enerson in the cockpit, Gamera reaches an altitude of 8 feet. Elizabeth Weiner, the human ruler, stands below.
/ Team Gamera
/
Team Gamera
With Enerson in the cockpit, Gamera reaches an altitude of 8 feet. Elizabeth Weiner, the human ruler, stands below.
Todd Reichert pedals Atlas into the air, as Cameron Robertson (left) and team member Calvin Moes watch from the ground.
/ Aerovelo
/
Aerovelo
Todd Reichert pedals Atlas into the air, as Cameron Robertson (left) and team member Calvin Moes watch from the ground.

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