Hang-glider? It’s not powered so you need knowledge of thermals, but it’s basically what you want.
Or even paragliding (which is easier and cheaper). You’re sitting down so facing forwards rather than down, but it’s a beautiful way of seeing things from a new angle.
Yeah, I agree that those are close, but having full control over flying at varying speeds, landing with ease, taking off from anywhere, and going anywhere, is what we are really after.
If you want to take off, you need power. Look at a largish bird taking off, and then factor in the power/weight of the human body... you'll need to haul some ass.
Or even paragliding (which is easier and cheaper). You’re sitting down so facing forwards rather than down, but it’s a beautiful way of seeing things from a new angle.