The flying trick was actually invented by John Gaughan and employs the use of wires.

"According to the patent, the performer is supported by a pair of arrays of fine wires that remain invisible to the viewing audience.4 The wires are less than 1 mm thick, but can support 100 kg each. The wire arrays are mounted at the hips, near the human center of mass, to a harness worn under the clothing. This creates a balance point facilitating a wide range of movements while suspended. The wires are attached to a complex computer-controlled rig above the stage that maintains the tension in each, and keeps each array of wires perpendicular to the viewing audience. During the later phases of the performance, two hoops are used simultaneously, which aids the deception as the hoops do not come into contact with the wires. Instead, each ring is brought flush to the wires before being twisted under Copperfield. In the glass box demonstration, the top of the box is threaded between the two sets of wires in a vertical position, before being rotated ninety degrees and lowered into place. The wires remain in place while the performer is in the glass box, passing through crevices between the lid and the sides. Since the box limits movement and he is only able to rotate on one axis, he stays side-on to the front of the audience while in the box. When flying with a volunteer, he holds her in front of him, and she does not come into contact with the set-up."
Source(s):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Copperfield's_flying_illusion
http://www.make-digital.com/make/vol13/?pg=78

Permalink | Report