From Lancair and Glasair to Eclipse, Adam Aircraft, Cirrus, and Icon, why do some aviation startups soar while others stall, despite brilliant designs? This session traces the real forces behind their fates: capital structure, certification strategy, market timing, and leadership. A story-driven, honest look at what aviation's most ambitious entrepreneurs got right and wrong, and what today's next generation of aircraft developers is doing differently to change the odds. Session type: Forum · Interests: History; Products​/​Innovation — Skyfarer is not affiliated with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) or EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. This session is listed for informational purposes from the official AirVenture 2026 schedule. Times and locations can change during the event — verify on the official session page: https://events.rdmobile.com/Sessions/Details/3541105