achieving flight was among one of the most challenging and inspiring moments of humanity - from parachutes to planes, individuals seek to enjoy the thrills and freedom associated with flight. hang gliding is among one of the earliest means used to achieve flight - in 1804 sir george cayley flew his first successful glider with a model similar to ones used today.

german inventor otto lilienthal built 18 gliders in the 1890s and kept records of the research he did with over two thousand successful flights. in 1948 americans francis and gertrude rogallo invented what would be known as the 'para-wing' - a flexible shape with no ridid support, it could be produced cheaply and was easy to maintain and operate.