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A Human-Powered Helicopter: Straight Up Difficult

By Adam Cole
Published October 14, 2012 at 9:20 AM CDT
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.

Copyright 2012 NPR
Adam Cole
See stories by Adam Cole