Bryan Allen (hang glider)

Bryan Allen is an American cyclist and hang glider pilot best known for his record-setting human-powered flights. He piloted the Gossamer Albatross across the English Channel in 1979, and the Gossamer Condor, winning the Kremer prize for the first sustained, controlled, human-powered flight. These aircraft were extremely lightweight and fragile, built primarily of Mylar, aluminum, and wire. Allen's athletic endurance and skill were crucial to the success of these projects, which demonstrated the feasibility of human-powered flight and significantly advanced the field of aeronautics. Prior to these achievements, he was also involved in other human-powered vehicle projects, contributing his skills to both design and piloting.