World's Pioneering Female Aviator: Raymonde de Laroche Earns First Aviator's License
In the early 20th century, a group of brave and determined women broke barriers and paved the way for women in aviation. These trailblazers achieved remarkable feats, often facing societal obstacles, in a time when the skies were largely dominated by men.
Raymonde de Laroche: The World's First Licensed Female Pilot
One such pioneer was Raymonde de Laroche, born on August 22, 1882. De Laroche, who initially had a passion for sports and later became an actress using the stage name Raymonde de Laroche, was inspired by Wilbur Wright's flying demonstrations and decided to become an aviator.
On March 8, 1910, de Laroche made history by earning her pilot's license from the Aero-Club of France, becoming the world's first licensed female pilot. Her first flight, which took place on October 22, 1909, saw her flying a plane for 270 meters (300 yards), operated with "cool, quick precision" as described by aviation journalist Harry Harper.
De Laroche continued to make waves in the aviation world, achieving two women's altitude records during her career. On July 18, 1919, she co-piloted an experimental airplane, becoming the world's first female test pilot. Unfortunately, on that same day, the plane crashed, taking the life of de Laroche. However, she managed to regain her health and return to flying within two years.
Other Notable Pioneers
Before World War I, several significant female aviators made their mark in aviation. Lyubov Golanchikova from Russia became the world's first female test pilot on December 1, 1913. Lydia Zvereva, also from Russia, was the first Russian woman to earn a pilot's license in 1911 and performed the first aerobatic loop by a woman in 1914.
In the United Kingdom, Hilda Hewlett earned the first British female pilot’s license in 1911 and co-founded the first flying school in England in 1910. Melli Beese from Germany was the first German woman pilot in 1910 and later designed her own airplane. Božena Laglerová from Austria-Hungary was the first woman to earn an Austrian pilot license in 1911.
In Italy, Rosina Ferrario became the country's first female pilot in 1913, while Elena Caragiani-Stoenescu was the first Romanian woman pilot. Both women sought to serve in wartime aviation but were denied. Ann Maria Bocciarelli from South Africa was the first woman in Africa to earn a pilot’s license before WWI.
These women broke gender barriers by not only earning pilot licenses but performing complex aerobatics, founding flying schools, and even entering testing and aircraft design, laying groundwork for women in aviation well before World War I.
Notably, these achievements predate the rise of famous later figures such as Amelia Earhart, who rose to prominence after WWI.
A Summary of Key Pre-WWI Female Aviators and Achievements
| Aviator | Country | Year | Notable Achievement | |---------------------------|----------------|------------|--------------------------------------------| | Lyubov Golanchikova | Russia | 1913 | First female test pilot | | Lydia Zvereva | Russia | 1911 | First Russian female pilot; first aerobatic loop by woman (1914) | | Hilda Hewlett | UK | 1911 | First British female pilot; co-founded first flying school in England | | Melli Beese | Germany | 1910 | First German woman pilot; airplane designer | | Božena Laglerová | Austria-Hungary| 1911 | First Austrian female license | | Rosina Ferrario | Italy | 1913 | Italy's first female pilot | | Elena Caragiani-Stoenescu | Romania | pre-WWI | First Romanian female pilot; attempted wartime service | | Ann Maria Bocciarelli | South Africa | pre-WWI | Africa's first female licensed pilot |
These pioneers achieved licenses, aerobatic feats, and flight instruction roles, often facing rejection for military flying roles during WWI. Their accomplishments established the foundation for women’s increasing participation in aviation in the 20th century.
- Raymonde de Laroche, a sports enthusiast and actress, became the world's first licensed female pilot in 1910, following her fascination with Wilbur Wright's flying demonstrations.
- In 1913, Lyubov Golanchikova from Russia was the first female test pilot, paving the way for women in the science and finance-driven aviation industry.
- Lydia Zvereva, also from Russia, earned the first Russian female pilot license in 1911 and performed the first aerobatic loop by a woman in 1914, demonstrating the possibilities in transport and health-and-wellness through aviation.
- In the UK, Hilda Hewlett co-founded the first flying school in England in 1910, contributing to the growth of the aviation industry and inspiring other women to pursue careers in this sector.
