People have been flying for hundreds of years - using balloons, gliders and aircraft. Learning to fly was a great challenge.

Here's a challenge for you: design your own model aircraft that flies well. You will have to find out about how an aircraft flies. You will have to test your aircraft.

Begin by studying how the Wright Brothers met their challenge. Then consider Alcock and Brown. A few activities are also provided to help you prepare.

Then, when you feel ready, begin to design your own model aircraft. Several design models are provided as suggestions to get you started. You may want to ignore them and try something completely original. After all, that's how the Wright Brothers and Alcock and Brown succeeded.

Once you build your aircraft, test it. See how it flies. How will you judge your success? That's up to you. Here are some ideas.

• How far does your model fly?
• How long does it fly?
• How fast does it fly?
• How high does it fly?
• How well is its flight controlled?
• How well does it reach a target or follow a course?

Compare your results with other students, or try several designs yourself, like the Wright Brothers had to do.

The Wright Brothers' Challenge

Consider that challenge that Wilbur and Orville faced.

Alcock and Brown's Challenge

Consider the challenge of crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Compare the Flights

Compare the two historic flights. How were they different? How are they similar to the way airplanes fly today?

Compare the Aircraft

Compare the two historic aircraft.

Flying through History

Take a wider look at the history of flight.

High Speed Crossing

What have you learned? Try to answer some questions about the flights.

5 Minutes to Cross Atlantic

Compare a range of flight information.

Flight Log

Try an interesting activity to set the scene.

Design Models

Now, you're ready to design your own model aircraft. These design models will help, if you need them.