David Barford in his garage where he designed and built most of his aircraft. Some pieces, like the wings, had to be shortened to the exact size of the longest room in his house.

David Barford and his wife Ruth having tea in their VW Bus, their home for the duration of the competition.

Team Betterfly guides it's delicate aircraft across the grass of England's Sywell Aerodome.

David Barford of team Betterfly just before takeoff.

Team Betterfly in flight.

Team Betterfly rounding the first corner in the triangle course attempt.

Team Betterfly nearing the end of their competition winning triangle course attempt.

Team Betterfly walking their airplane back to the takeoff site after a flight.

Members of Team Betterfly work overtime after an unassisted takeoff on grass resulted in a smashed cowling.

More repairs on the aircraft's cowling.

A member of Team Edgley inspecting a recent modification to the aircraft.

John Edgley shaving minute details off a piece of foam for his aircraft.

A member of Team Edgley tests out the joystick which controls the canard.

Inside a makeshift hangar at the airfield, University of Bath students attach blue foam to their propeller blades.

Peter & Jo White have volunteered as marshals for both years at the Icarus Cup. They participate out of pure interest and their love for aviation. Marshals keep note of time, windspeed and make sure everyone stays safe during the festivities.

A pre flight meeting covered by a local TV station.

With the large propeller designed for an unassisted takeoff attached, Paul of Team Betterfly waits just before takeoff.

Team Betterfly waiting for the go ahead to take off.

Barford's friends and family take their pre-takeoff positions around betterfly.

Wheels up for Team Betterfly.

Team Airglow in flight.

Team Betterfly putting their aircraft away in a temporary hangar tent.

Flight instructor and glider pilot Mike Truelove prepares for takeoff in Airglow, the aircraft that won the 2012 Icarus Cup. In this competition pilots double as engineers.

Mike Truelove of team Airglow just before takeoff.

Team Airglow in flight. 

Southampton University was the only team to use a non-recumbent bicycle.

Southampton University was featured by a TV crew for most of the competition.

Southampton attempting takeoff.

Bill Brooks measuring the wind speed so he can decide if it's a safe enough speed to fly. Bill is the chairman of the human powered flight group and he came up with the rules and format for the Icarus Cup.

Team Edgley making some minor adjustments before takeoff.

Team Edgley waiting to take off. The team won no points during the competition.

Clive Davidson of team Edgley tests the machine before flight.

Bill Brooks and marshals test the wind and discuss the possibility of flying.

Team Edgley holding their aircraft at the end of another trying day without flight.

Human powered aircraft gather at the end of the 2013 Icarus Cup. Of the four planes that competed, only two flew more than 1 minute. Organizers hope to turn this obscure hobby into a sport.