In the sky: a motorized hang glider with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the controls. The head of state is involved in a scientific experiment as part of the "Flight of Hope", which aims to preserve a rare species of cranes, by showing the nursery-reared birds their flying route. At the helm of the aircraft which the birds have taken as their leader, Putin made three flights - the first to get familiar with the process and two others with the birds. 5 September 2012.