This paper surveys the historical perspective and design considerations for developing the human powered aircraft(HPA). Especially the weight and materials, aerodynamics, flight controls, and power trains are focused. The average power a human can produce and sustain is approximately 200${sim}$250 W which is a critical design constraint of HPA. The survey shows that the empty weight of HPA was in the 30${sim}$40 kg range(90${sim}$110 kg include pilot). Thus, in order to design a successful HPA, the value of power to weight ratio should be 2.0 W/kg or above. The HPA design technique could be applied directly to the development of an unmanned high altitude airplanes used for atmospheric research, where light structures, low Reynolds number aerodynamics and high efficiency propeller design are required as well.