LESSON 1.1 — AIRCRAFT INTRODUCTION
Check — Beginnings of Aircraft
3 questions on what you just watched. Answer or skip — either way, continue when ready.
Garuda (the Hindu divine bird) and the Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus embody the ancient, cross-cultural desire to fly — Icarus' wax wings melting near the sun became a lasting warning about overreaching ambition.
Cayley's glider incorporated the fundamental components of modern aircraft — fixed wing for lift, separate tail for stability and control, and undercarriage — distinguishing scientific flight design from mere imitation of birds.
Lilienthal, often called the 'Father of Flight', based his gliding experiments on scientifically gathered aerodynamic data — one of the earliest science-driven approaches to flight, and a direct influence on the Wright brothers.
THINK & DISCUSS
Lilienthal died testing his own gliders. How much personal risk is acceptable in the pursuit of flight — then and now?
No single right answer — form your own view and defend it.