Mike Downs

In 1862, balloons were the only way to reach the sky. But 14-year-old Otto Lilienthal didn’t want to fly in balloons. He wanted to soar like a bird. 

Scientists, teachers, and news reporters everywhere said flying was impossible. 

Otto and his brother Gustav desperately wanted to prove them wrong, so they made their own wings and tried to take flight. The brothers quickly crashed, but this was just the beginning for Otto, who would spend the next 30 years of his life sketching, re-sketching, and building gliders.

As Otto’s designs improved, his flights got longer. His control got better. He learned the tricks and twists of the wind. Amazed crowds began to gather to witness the feats of this incredible flying man.

Otto Lilienthal’s years of determination paid off as he became the first person in history to make repeated successful flights, earning him the title of the world’s first real pilot. The Flying Man is the story of this remarkable aviation pioneer and a testament to ambition, resilience, and creativity.

Mark Sanderlin

Recorded Books

The Flying Man: Otto Lilienthal, the World's First Pilot