Estonia's Pioneering Female Aviator: Elvy Kalep
In the heart of Paërnu County, Estonia, on June 26, 1889, Elvy Kalep was born. This remarkable woman would go on to make history as the first female pilot from Estonia and later dedicate her life to art, literature, and cultural promotion.
Kalep's aviation career was marked by groundbreaking achievements. After meeting Anthony Fokker, a renowned Dutch pilot, she developed a passion for flying. In 1931, at the age of 32, she passed her pilot's test, becoming the first Estonian female pilot. One of her most notable flights was the first one from Berlin to Tallinn after obtaining her license.
However, Kalep's aim was not just to break records. She joined the Ninety-Nines, an international organisation for female aviators, and used her platform to support other women in the field. Her pioneering spirit was evident, but her ambitions extended beyond the skies.
After her aviation career, Kalep turned her attention to art and literature. She became a children's book illustrator and author, publishing an illustrated book about aviation in 1936. The book, which was reprinted with a foreword by Amelia Earnhart in 1938, reflected Kalep's creative vision and love for storytelling.
During her visit to the 1939 New York World's Fair, Kalep promoted her children's book on television, further showcasing her dedication to sharing her passion for aviation with young readers.
Kalep's life was not without hardship. She lost her parents at a young age and lived with her aunt in Russia. The February Revolution in 1917 forced her and her aunt to flee to Vladivostok, where Kalep married a Russian general and had a son. Tragedy struck when her husband and son passed away, and Kalep moved to China to work as a translator.
Later in life, Kalep moved to France, where she took up oil painting. She also married Rolf Baron von Hoeningen-Bergendorff. Kalep lived in the Regency Health Care Center in Florida from 1986 until her death at the age of 87 in 1989.
Throughout her life, Elvy Kalep's contributions extended beyond her aviation achievements. Her work in art, literature, and cultural promotion enriched the cultural landscape, reflecting a diverse and inspiring legacy.
As a child, Elvy Kalep's life was filled with hardships, but she never let that deter her from achieving her dreams. Later in her career, she ventured into the industry of art and literature, creating an illustrated book about aviation in 1936 that showcased her love for storytelling. After her aviation achievements, Kalep's ambitions extended into the realms of finance and technology, pioneering the aerospace sector as a female aviator and later dedicating her life to art, literature, and cultural promotion.
