Folio
897 of the Codex Atlanticus contains two variants of the same design.
Above is a machine governed by just one pilot, the pose of these pilots recalls that of the modern cyclist
(though we must bear in mind that bicycles did not yet exist in
Leonardo’s time). This was a youthful design; the search for a
flapping-wing solution reveals some lack of knowledge. As the years
passed, Leonardo would develop designs for gliding flight that were
far more effective. Nevertheless, this design hides a detail that is
technically extraordinary. In front of the pilot’s face Leonardo
drew a small, upside-down ampulla from which a small object is
suspended. This is a bona fide attitude indicator (and probably the
first in history)! The knocker would indicate to the pilot the
machine’s inclination and the attitude of flight. When the machine
was in rectilinear, horizontal flight, the pendant would not touch
the edges of the bell.
Machines
Flying Bicycle
Codex Atlanticus, folio 897r