Introduction

The purpose of the first chapter of this book is to give a general introduction to the world of the early aviation industry and the endeavours of the original aviators. The entrepreneurial qualities of a number of these aviators provide useful case studies for those interested in studying how context influences the nature and extent of entrepreneurship, particularly how successful entrepreneurs create or develop opportunities at the inception and emergence of high-technology industries. This chapter’s discussion will later be embedded within the current state of entrepreneurial studies in order to demonstrate relevance to current challenges facing entrepreneurs.