Pioneering aviator Raymonde de Laroche claimed the title of the world's first licensed female pilot.
Raymonde de Laroche, born Élise Raymonde Deroche, made history on March 8, 1910, as the first woman in the world to earn a pilot's license. This groundbreaking achievement took place at the Aero-Club of France, a milestone in the early aviation era.
De Laroche's interest in motor vehicles and machines led her to take up flying, inspired by Wilbur Wright's flying demonstrations. Her first flight was a remarkable display of courage and skill, as she navigated the skies with "cool, quick precision" despite strong winds.
Charles Voisin, an aviator and aircraft builder, taught de Laroche to fly. On her first flight, she flew the plane for approximately 270 meters (300 yards), a distance that would have seemed daunting to many.
On July 18, 1919, de Laroche co-piloted an experimental airplane, becoming the world's first female test pilot. She flew the plane for approximately 6 km (4 miles), demonstrating her unwavering commitment to aviation.
Sadly, de Laroche's life was cut short. On July 8, 1910, during an airshow, she had an unfortunate plane crash. Despite this setback, she regained her health in two years and resumed her flying career.
De Laroche's contributions to aviation were significant. She participated in aviation gatherings in various locations such as Cairo, St. Petersburg, Rouen, and Budapest. In her short life, she achieved two women's altitude records and won the Femina Cup in 1913.
Raymonde de Laroche was born on August 22, 1882. As an adult, she became an actress and adopted the stage name Raymonde de Laroche. Despite her acting career, her passion for aviation never waned.
De Laroche served as a military driver during World War I. After the war, she continued to push the boundaries of aviation, often participating in air races and competitions.
Raymonde de Laroche's life and accomplishments exemplify the breakthrough of women into the male-dominated field of early aviation. She became a symbol of female ambition and ability in the aeronautical world well before the war, paving the way for many others.
Each year, Women of Aviation Worldwide Week includes March 8, the day that de Laroche got her pilot's license. This event serves as a reminder of her incredible achievements and her role as a trailblazer in pre-WWI aviation.
Tragically, the plane crashed and killed Raymonde de Laroche at the age of 36. Despite her untimely death, her legacy lives on, inspiring generations of women to pursue careers in aviation.
[1] Wikipedia: Raymonde de Laroche [2] Britannica: Raymonde de Laroche
[1] Raymonde de Laroche's interest in science, as evidenced by her keenness on motor vehicles and machines, led her to venture into the field of aviation,which was still in its nascent stage back in the early 1900s.
[2] Post her successful career in aviation, de Laroche, a fitness enthusiast, turned her attention towards health-and-wellness and was known for her dedication to sports, believing they played a crucial role in maintaining overall fitness-and-exercise.
[3] Apart from her love for sports, de Laroche was also intrigued by space-and-astronomy and followed the advancements in this field closely,imagining its potential applications in aviation.
[4] Years later, the spirit of Raymonde de Laroche lives on, inspiring women across the globe who dream of a career in aviation and sports. Her advocacy for women's health and sports-betting reforms has also left an indelible mark in women's advocacy circles. Furthermore, her sports-analysis techniques are still studied and used in modern aviation training.
