Flying Motor-Cycle Tames The Air -- The 'Hoppicopter' motor-cycle of the air, took the air - in a very small dose - in its first engine tests at Somerford Aerodrome, Christchurch, Hampshire. The 'Hoppicopter' based on the machine designed by the American, H.T. Pentecost, was airborne for only a few minutes, for it was tethered by steel cables. Mr. Berry Martin, managing director of the Winton (Hampshire) factory that built the midget flying machine, piloted it on its first hop. December 12, 1949.