TRAVERS-AYERS hovering aeroplane and ornithopters. (Travers-Ayers, 19 Dornton Road, Balham, London SW12)

   Although the 'Hovering Aeroplane' was only made in model form in 1913, it showed considerable ingenuity and was seen to lift off from water successfully. The ornithopters were tested full size on Tooting Common in 1914.
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   Two ornithopters were made by Travers-Ayers. The first consisted of a light framework weighing 50 lb., in which a man stood on a platform to manipulate the birdlike wings of some 25ft span. A tail elevator of 5ft. span was fitted.
   The second ornithopter was strapped directly to the man's back. The wings were of 16ft span, constructed with artificial feathers, which could be raised and lowered by the operator pulling on arms, forming part of the wings.