Bell saw an opportunity to create an association of skilled inventors to work through these aeronautic puzzles, and formed the Aerial Experiment Association think-tank. Along with Balwin and McCurdy, members included Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge from the United States Army, who was to act as an observer.

Another key player of the Association was Glenn Curtiss, a manufacturer of motorcycles who had expertise in the development of small, powerful engines. Alexander Graham Bell and Glenn Curtiss played leading roles in the development of aircraft, which led up to the flight of the Silver Dart in 1908.