Todd became fascinated by the emerging field of aviation. This interest seems to have sparked a determined ambition to design and build her own flying machine.

Todd designed her own airplane. She was one of the first women in the world to design an airplane.

Todd oversaw the construction of her biplane, funded by supporters including Olivia Sage. A team of mechanics and engineers helped her build her aircraft. While she was not the pilot for the first flight, she directed the entire process.

Her biplane was ultimately not successful. Its engine was not powerful enough to fly.

After the unsuccessful attempts to get her biplane airborne, E. Lilian Todd turned her attention away from aviation, though the reasons are not entirely clear. She was likely discouraged. She dedicated herself to other pursuits.