Spain's First Female Aviator: Maria Bernaldo de Quirós Obtains Flying License
A Pioneering Spirit: María Bernaldo de Quirós, Spain's First Female Pilot
María Bernaldo de Quirós, born on March 26, 1898, into an aristocratic family, made history as the first Spanish woman to earn a pilot's license. Her journey began in the early days of aviation, a field largely dominated by men, and she broke barriers with her groundbreaking achievement in 1928.
From a young age, María harboured a strong desire to fly. This passion remained unfulfilled until her second marriage to José Manuel Sánchez-Arjona y Velasco, which marked the beginning of her aviation career. José Rodríguez y Díaz de Lecea, a renowned instructor, guided María through her training, helping her master the de Havilland DH.60 Moth.
Despite the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, María's status as a member of an important Spanish family provided her with opportunities that were not commonly available to other women at the time. Her accomplishments, however, are not just about social standing, but about courage, determination, and a spirit of adventure.
María's achievements in aviation have left a lasting impact. She participated in numerous flying shows across Spain, performing daring stunts that captivated audiences. One such stunt involved flying over a Spanish duke's car, a feat that showcased her skill and audacity.
Tragically, María's personal life was marred by loss. She was widowed at the age of 22 and lost both her children from her first marriage. Her second marriage to José Manuel Sánchez-Arjona y Velasco ended in divorce in 1929.
Despite these hardships, María continued to push boundaries in the world of aviation. In recognition of her achievements, she received the military aviation insignia from the Royal Aero Club. Today, a street in the city of Ciudad Rodrigo bears her name, and an aircraft owned by the Spanish airline company Iberia is named after her, honouring her legacy as an inspirational figure in aviation.
[1] https://www.biografiasyvidas.com/biografia/bernaldo_de_quiros_maria/ [5] https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/María_Bernaldo_de_Quirós
- María Bernaldo de Quirós' passion for aviation, which emerged in the science realm of the early 20th century, was not just a family affair but also a testament to womens' health and determination.
- Her groundbreaking achievement of becoming Spain's first female pilot opened doors in the male-dominated health-and-wellness industry of aviation, setting an example for future women in the aerospace technology sector.
- Financial support from her second husband enabled her to advance in the industry, showcasing the importance of wealth in overcoming obstacles within the aviation industry.
- Today, as a trailblazer in the finance world, María Bernaldo de Quirós is remembered as one of the pioneering spirits who paved the way for women in both aviation and finance.
