Aviation, a complex and strategically significant human activity refers to aircraft operation in the Earth's atmosphere (airspace). It encompasses various fields such as scientific research, education, industrial manufacturing, specialized operations, aviation sports, government management, and more.

Using airspace and aircraft, aviation activities can be subdivided into numerous independent industries and sectors, such as manufacturing and civil aviation.

Human aviation has a long history, dating back to ancient times when even primitive tools like stones and spears were used. It includes inventions such as the mechanical dove created by ancient Greek Archytas, flying toys from old Australia, and the mythical Icarus, who could fly. In the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci's apprentice attempted flight experiments with wing-flapping machines resembling birds, but without success.

After extensive research, it was discovered in the 17th century that the power generated by human arms and legs was significantly less than that of bird muscles. Consequently, humans couldn't achieve flight by flapping artificial wings.

In 1782, the Montgolfier brothers created the world's first hot air balloon and conducted a test flight on September 19, 1783. The balloon carried a wicker basket containing the first "passengers" – a sheep, a duck, and a rooster – to an altitude of 520 meters, flying for 8 minutes and covering 3.2 kilometres before safely landing.

In November of the same year, two Frenchmen ascended to 900 meters in a hot air balloon, remaining airborne for over 20 minutes and drifting about 10 kilometres with the wind. This marked the beginning of human flight, turning the dream of flying into reality for the first time in human history.

Many explorations and attempts related to flight by humans began with the imitation of bird flight. The advent of lighter-than-air aircraft inspired people to continue studying bird flight to invent heavier-than-air aircraft. In the early 19th century, British scientist George Cayley proposed the basic principles of heavier-than-air flight and the structural layout of aircraft, marking the birth of modern aeronautics.

In 1847, he designed and built a glider which flew approximately 450 meters with his coachman at the controls. George Cayley is the first person in the world to send a human-crewed glider into the sky successfully.

The powered flight originated in the United States, while the initial surge in aviation enthusiasm occurred in Europe. Europe was the centre of global aviation technology and the initial holyland of the aviation industry. Although Europe first sparked the aviation craze, the proper development of the aviation industry took place in North America, driven by the demand for rapid travel over vast distances.

The Wright brothers established an aircraft manufacturing company, and the events surrounding its rise and fall vividly depict the development of the American aviation industry.