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Mon, Mar 22, 2004

Flying As Fast As I Can Pedal

Human-Powered Aircraft Breaks Japanese Record

A pedal-powered aircraft built by the Science and Engineering faculty at Japan's Nihon University flew approximately 12 kilometers (7.46 miles) Sunday, breaking the Japanese record of 10.9 km (6.77 mi).

The Mainichi Daily News reports the aircraft, piloted by 22-year old Nihon University student Kai Hirawata, ended up ditching in the ocean after encountering strong headwinds.

The pedal-powered aircraft has a wingspan of just under 105 feet and weighs only 77.16 pounds. Fragile is a word that comes to mind.

"I was facing strong head winds and worried the plane would break," said pilot Hirawata. "But it handled pretty well even though I was frequently changing altitudes."

FMI: www.ce.nihon-u.ac.jp/index_e.html

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