Spain's First Female Pilot: Maria Bernaldo de Quirós Obtains Aviation Certificate
Maria Bernaldo de Quiroso: A Pioneering Spanish Aviator
Maria Bernaldo de Quiroso, born on March 26, 1898, into an important aristocratic family, made history in the aviation industry on November 24, 1928. She became the first woman in Spain, and indeed the first woman in the world officially recognized by the International Aeronautical Federation, to earn a civil airplane pilot license [2].
Born to Rafael Bernaldo de Quiroso y Mier and Consolacion Bustillo y Mendoza, Maria's passion for flying was evident from a young age. This passion led her to start taking flying instructions during her second marriage. Her instructor was Jose Rodriquez y Diaz de Lecea [1].
Maria's first marriage produced two children, both of whom tragically passed away. Her second marriage, to Ramon Bernaldo de Quiroso y Arguelles, ended in divorce in 1929, with Ramon passing away in 1920 [1]. After her divorce, Maria married Jose Manuel Sanchez-Arjona y Velasco.
Maria was trained to pilot a de Havilland DH.60 Moth and performed various stunts, such as flying over a Spanish duke's car, during her numerous flying shows in Spain [1]. Her daring feats earned her the military aviation insignia from the Royal Aero Club and recognition as an inspirational figure in aviation [1].
In addition to her achievements, a street in Ciudad Rodrigo bears Maria Bernaldo de Quiroso's name, and an aircraft owned by Spanish airline company Iberia is named after her [1]. Maria Bernaldo de Quiroso's legacy continues to inspire women in aviation, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.
[1] https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Bernaldo_de_Quirós [2] https://www.aero.es/noticias/mari-bernaldo-de-quiros-la-pilota-pionera-de-la-historia-del-aeroespacio-espanol-nace-en-ciudad-rodrigo-en-1898/ [5] https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Ana_Bernaldo_de_Quirós_y_Muñoz
Aviation pioneers like Maria Bernaldo de Quiroso made significant strides in the aerospace industry, revolutionizing the aviation sector with their groundbreaking achievements. Her influence extended beyond the industry, as she was instrumental in shaping the financing and technological advancements that propelled the growth of aviation.
