Canadian human-powered plane sets record

A University of Toronto student has achieved what's believed to be a first in aviation.

Todd Reichert, a PhD candidate, has built a human-powered aircraft with flapping wings that the school says set a world record by flying continuously.

The machine an ornithopter is inspired by sketches made by Leonardo da Vinci in 1485.

Reichert flew his aircraft, called the Snowbird, in Tottenham, Ont., on Aug. 2 as a witness from the world-governing body for air sports and aeronautical world records watched.

The university says the organization is expected to confirm the ornithopter's world record in October.

Reichert says the wing-flapping device sustained both altitude and airspeed for 19.3 seconds, and covered a distance of 145 metres at an average speed of 25.6 kilometres per hour.

Although its wingspan is comparable to that of a Boeing 737, around 32 metres, the machine weighs just 43 kilograms.