From the Greek myth of Icarus to the flying machines of Leonardo da Vinci, people throughout history have dreamed of being able to fly. A few centuries after da Vinci’s death, a 72-year-old resident of Angoulême decided to try his luck. As he leapt off the city walls on a homemade contraption, the horrified spectators below were expecting the worst. But he did it! Guillaume Resnier’s crazy stunt was the first successful flight without an engine. Well, partially successful. He travelled 300 metres and broke a leg upon landing. A small leap for an old man, a big step in the history of aviation.
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