All throughout history, governments have attempted to use subsidies to advance their interests, essentially picking winners and losers. The race to be the first in flight is no exception. The United States government decided to select Samuel Langley to create the first airplane as he appeared to be the most capable and well-credited person. Yet, as we know from history, Langley was upstaged by two bicycle mechanics, from a small town in Ohio, the Wright brothers. Discover how they were able to succeed where the government appointed “expert” failed.