Valentine Baker (pilot)

Valentine Henry Baker (1888 – 1942) was a British pilot, aviation entrepreneur, and co-founder of the Martin-Baker Aircraft Company.

Baker gained his Royal Aero Club pilot's certificate in 1914 and served as a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps during World War I. Following the war, he became a prominent figure in civil aviation, involved in various ventures including barnstorming, joyriding, and aircraft sales.

In 1934, Baker partnered with James Martin to form the Martin-Baker Aircraft Company. Initially, the company focused on building high-performance aircraft, but following Baker's death in a flying accident in 1942, Martin redirected the company's efforts towards the development of ejection seats. Baker's contribution to the early years of the company and his pioneering spirit were instrumental in shaping its future direction.