Make:

Royalestel writes -

This instructable will show you how to make a cutting edge flying model known as an ornithopter.

An ornithopter is a lot like a model airplane, but it flaps its wings like a bird or an insect, and is much prettier to watch in flight.

This is pretty easy to build; you really only have to make sure the bearings are all parallel. Everything else can be crooked and this will STILL fly just fine. It is also VERY sturdy and can take many, many crashes without breaking. As an added bonus (and due to my personal tightwadery) it is CHEAP. You can make this ornithopter out of household items. Mine cost about $1.30 to make.

Related:

Ornithopter - The Electric Bat - Link.

Building an Ornithopter. Can humans fly by flapping? Build a small, rubber band-powered ornithopter whose motion is similar to a bird in flight. Subscribers--read this article now in your digital edition or get MAKE 08 @ the Maker store.