No one can realize how substantial the air is, until he feels its supporting power beneath him. It inspires confidence at once.
Otto LilienthalWe returned home, after these experiments, with the conviction that sailing flight was not the exclusive prerogative of birds.
Otto LilienthalBut we must admit the possibility that continued investigation and experience will bring us ever nearer to that solemn moment, when the first man will rise from earth by means of wings, if only for a few seconds, and mark that historical moment which heralds the inauguration of a new era in our civilization.
Otto LilienthalOne can get a proper insight into the practice of flying only by actual flying experiments. . . . The manner in which we have to meet the irregularities of the wind, when soaring in the air, can only be learnt by being in the air itself. . . . The only way which leads us to a quick development in human flight is a systematic and energetic practice in actual flying experiments.
Otto Lilienthal