Origins of Flight PDF

From ancient myths to human dreams, the quest for flight has always captivated us. Join us on a journey through the fascinating history of how we took to the skies. ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Ancient Mythology on Flight Chinese Kites Leonardo DaVinci Early Balloon Flight The First Attempts at Flight The story of...

From ancient myths to human dreams, the quest for flight has always captivated us. Join us on a journey through the fascinating history of how we took to the skies. ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Ancient Mythology on Flight Chinese Kites Leonardo DaVinci Early Balloon Flight The First Attempts at Flight The story of Icarus and Daedalus is a famous Greek myth that has been passed down through generations. It is a tale of adventure, creativity, and the consequences of overreaching one's limitations Enchanted by the idea of flight, he fashioned wings using feathers and wax. Despite warning, he flew too close to the sun, causing his wings to melt. This story reflects our timeless desire to escape gravity's grasp. Daedalus was a skilled craftsman and architect in ancient Greece. He was known for his incredible talent and ability to create intricate structures and inventions. However, his most famous creation was the labyrinth on the island of Crete. This labyrinth was a maze-like structure designed to imprison the mythical half-man, half-bull creature known as the Minotaur. King Minos of Crete was impressed by Daedalus' skill and kept him and his son, Icarus, captive on the island. Daedalus was not content with his imprisonment and longed to escape with his son. He devised a plan to build wings using feathers and wax. With his ingenious design, Daedalus constructed a pair of wings for himself and Icarus. He warned his son not to fly too close to the sun, as the heat would melt the wax, nor too close to the sea, as the moisture would dampen the wings and make them heavy. Instead, he advised Icarus to follow his lead and maintain a moderate and safe altitude. Excited by the prospect of freedom, Icarus eagerly took flight alongside his father. The feeling of soaring through the air was exhilarating, and for a while, Icarus followed his father's instructions. However, as they flew, Icarus became filled with a sense of invincibility and reckless abandon. Driven by his youthful enthusiasm, he started to ascend higher and higher, disregarding his father's warnings. As Icarus soared towards the sun, the wax on his wings began to melt, causing the feathers to dislodge. Desperately, he flapped his arms, but it was too late. The wings disintegrated, and Icarus plummeted from the sky, falling into the sea below. Daedalus, looking back, realized that his son was no longer by his side. With a heavy heart, he searched for Icarus but found only his lifeless body washed ashore. The story of Icarus and Daedalus is often seen as a cautionary tale, warning against the consequences of disregarding the wisdom of others. It serves as a reminder that while human ingenuity and ambition can lead to great achievements, it is essential to remain mindful of our limitations and not succumb to overconfidence. The tale has inspired countless artists, writers, and thinkers throughout history, symbolizing the pursuit of lofty goals and the dangers of overreaching. It continues to be retold as a timeless reminder of the delicate balance between aspiration and prudence. The following are examples of the rich and diverse ancient folklore surrounding flight and mythical flying creatures. These tales reflect the human fascination with the skies, exploration, and the mysterious realms beyond our reach. Angels: Angels are celestial beings often depicted with wings, symbolizing their ability to fly. They are believed to serve as messengers of God and play important roles in various religious narratives. Valkyries: In Norse mythology, Valkyries were female figures associated with battle and heroic deeds. They were often described as beautiful women with wings who rode winged horses through the skies, choosing who would live and die in battle. Garuda: In Hindu and Buddhist mythology, Garuda is a divine bird-like creature with the body of a human and the wings, beak, and talons of an eagle. Garuda is considered the king of birds and is known for its ability to fly with great speed and carry gods and humans. Pegasus: In Greek mythology, Pegasus is a winged horse born from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa. It is often portrayed as a symbol of poetic inspiration and is known for its ability to fly, carrying heroes like Bellerophon. Dragons: While dragons are commonly associated with firebreathing and their terrestrial presence, many mythologies attribute them with the ability to fly. Chinese and East Asian dragons, for example, are depicted as winged creatures that can soar across the heavens. Thunderbirds: In Native American folklore, the Thunderbird is a powerful bird-like creature associated with thunder and lightning. It is often portrayed as a large, eagle-like bird with wings that create storms as it moves through the sky. The history of kites is closely intertwined with the development of human flight and aviation. Kites have played several important roles: Kites have been around for thousands of years, and their earliest documentation date back to 450 B.C. The Chinese were the first fly kites and used them specifically for relaying signals, measuring distances and even lifting humans for military observations. The Challenge: Build a kite that will fly above your hand for 5 second There are many ways to build a kite. Do some research and look at various designs. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Design a shape Create a frame Attach kite covering Add string Add tail The assignment: Individually or in pairs, create a kite that is stable and generates lift to the level of flying above your hand for 5 seconds. Demonstrate your kite to Mr. Shaffer for full credit. Materials: Tissue Paper Plastic Bags Straws Wooden sticks String Scissors Glue Tape 1. Failure to launch: If your kite flies flat or won’t lift off, try moving the point where the kite string attaches to the bridle towards the tail of the kite. 2. Spinning out of control If your kite spins or dives uncontrollably to one side then the next, move the bridle or string attachment point a bit towards the front of the kite, or add a few more ribbons to the tail. The Challenge: Build a kite that will fly above your hand for 5 second Step 1: Designing the Kite Shape Choose a unique kite shape such as a diamond or delta. Outline the desired shape with tissue paper and carefully cut it out. Step 2: Creating the Frame 1 2 Attach Straws Strengthen with Wooden Sticks Step 3: Attaching the Frame to the Kite Shape Align the frame with the cut-out shape and secure them together using tape or glue. Ensure a snug fit for optimal flight performance. Step 4: Adding the Bridle 1 Attach Strings Connect strings to the top and bottom ends of the kite frame to form the bridle. Step 5: Adding the Tail 2 Create a Triangular Bridle Utilize strings to create a triangular bridle and attach it securely to the frame for balanced flight control. For eye-catching aesthetics and stability, attach a long string or strips of plastic bags to the bottom end of the kite as a tail.