In the late 19th century there were many aspiring aviators who brought aviation closer to fruition. These were inventive people who would have been influential in whatever field of endeavour they chose. Some came close to being the first to achieve powered heavier-than-air flight. In the absence of powerful lightweight engines many struggled to get airborne. Some even claimed that they achieved flight before the Wright brothers.

To see a short description of each pioneer, please 'left click' on the images below

Clément Ader

Otto Lilienthal

Lawrence Hargrave

Hiram Maxim

Octave Chanute

Percy Pilcher

Augustus Herring

Gustave Whitehead

Wilhelm Kress

Richard Pearse

Karl Jatho

Samuel Langley

John J Montgomery

Traian Vuia

Jacob Ellehammer