In this news segment from circa 1950, we are introduced to a weird flying contraption called a “pedal copter.” In part, the contraption looks like a bicycle without wheels, which is attached to a large helium balloon and has a propeller attached to the bottom of the "bike." 

The pedal copter is moved outside of a large, dark hangar located at the military base in Lakehurst, New Jersey. 

Charles Paul, a US Navy employee and the inventor of the pedal copter, is seen flying his contraption. 

The voiceover says that pedal copter travels 10 miles per hour, weights 140 pounds, uses about 5,000 cubic feet of helium, costs $500 dollars, and that the US Navy has no interest in Paul’s invention. 

In the final shot, Paul waves to the camera -- as if he were saying goodbye to the viability and likability of his creation.