Prosecutors initially asked that Phillipos be held while he awaits trial, arguing that he poses a serious flight risk.

NPR: Mass. Funeral Director Considers Burial Offers

Space-flight veterans in the company are well aware of the trial-and-error nature of technology development, but they also know risk is an essential part of innovation.

CNN: Private space travel: A new era begins?

During his trial, Ashby said that Shweitzer shot a video tape of the flight.

CNN: Military judge to drop charges in cable car accident

Raj Rajaratnam (Galleon Group) was considered a flight risk also, but he was g iven bail and released pending his trial.

FORBES: Winifred Jiau -- A Blow To Expert Networks and The Small Players

Federal prosecutors opposed these travel requests, saying his conviction posed "a risk of flight"--a risk that didn't exist when Snipes was still awaiting trial.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Prior efforts had been a mixture of trial and error and hard work mixed with a basic understanding of the mechanics of flight.

ENGADGET: The Highs and Lows of Human-Powered Flight Alt