This is a reenactment of the historical man lift. Samuel Franklin Cody developed this system over 100 years ago. Five 10 foot traditional Cody kites were chosen for this event.
The willing volunteer chosen for this feat was the famous Muppet character 'Animal'. A basket was secured at the base of the bridle to lift the daring passenger on the maiden voyage.
The ground crew began to tug on the line to stand the kites on end. Instantly all five kites rose into a vertical flying pattern lifting Animal nearly 500 feet in the air. The train flew in perfect form all afternoon. The pull was so intense that the line had to be anchored to a truck.
Many thanks to the ground crew both members of the Great Lakes Kite Society and of the Niagara Wind Riders. Your support and enthusiasm were unsurpassed. Dan
