this post was submitted on 17 Sep 2026
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The earliest account of successful human flight is of a Chinese prince, who in 559 was forced to jump off a tower, strapped to a large kite. He survived the ordeal after gliding a considerable distan… (lemmy.world)
submitted 4 days ago by time2lose@lemmy.world to c/interestingasfuck@lemmy.world
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Full title: The earliest account of successful human flight is of a Chinese prince, who in 559 was forced to jump off a tower, strapped to a large kite. He survived the ordeal after gliding a considerable distance, and was subsequently starved to death in prison.

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[–] Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works 3 points 3 days ago (2 children)

I told my kids, "jumping from a high place doesn't count. It's only flying if you start from the ground." Did that prevent them jumping off a roof and breaking a limb? Maybe. Or they just weren't stupid. Anyway they survived to adulthood without broken bones.

[–] trolololol@lemmy.world 3 points 3 days ago (2 children)

I'd go further and say you must start from a standing position. Or else I can prove rocks can fly.

Addressed to those murican brothers. Signed: a Brazilian fan of Santos Dumont.

[–] Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works 1 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

Agreed except:

Waterfowl often take off from a floating position

Bats from a hanging position

[–] Zarobi@aussie.zone 1 points 3 days ago

Standing on a catapult. Checkmate, aviasts

[–] Natanael@infosec.pub 1 points 3 days ago

Doable with a large kite. Proper flight should be controllable