For my Daughter’s school assignment on Monday we assembled a da Vinci Flying Machine replica model. This device is based on original Leonardo da Vinci drawings (with a few modifications added). We picked this up at the Hobby Lobby on clearance. It was the perfect project for school because it took about 4 hours to complete.
According to the manufacture, Leonardo had many good ideas and was close to designing a craft that would have flow, but he did not understand many of the important flight dynamics, such as lift, thrust, and drag. So, his designs were doomed to fail.
Complete, the device works almost perfect with the turning of the crank resulting in movement of the wings and the person flying the device. Fun!
Ideas and More 