Spanish Pioneer Maria Bernaldo de Quirós Becomes the First Female to Obtain a Pilot's License
=====================================================================
In the annals of Spanish aviation history, one name stands out as a trailblazer for women - María Bernaldo de Quiroso. Born on March 26, 1898, into the aristocratic family of Rafael Bernaldo de Quiroso y Mier and Consolación Bustillo y Mendoza, María was afforded more opportunities than the average woman of her time.
From an early age, María harboured a dream of soaring through the skies. Tragedy struck when her first husband, Ramón Bernaldo de Quiroso y Arguelles, passed away in 1920, leaving María a young widow. However, this setback did not deter her from pursuing her passion.
After her husband's death, María married José Manuel Sánchez-Arjona y Velasco, who later became a mayor. This marriage ended in divorce in 1929. It was during her second marriage that María began her flying lessons.
José Rodríguez y Díaz de Lecea, a renowned flying instructor, took María under his wing. She trained to pilot a de Havilland DH.60 Moth and, on November 24, 1928, made history by becoming the first woman in Spain to earn a civil airplane pilot's license. The International Aeronautical Federation bestowed upon her the title of civil airplane pilot, cementing her place in aviation history.
María's significant achievement broke gender barriers in early Spanish aviation, paving the way for women in the industry. Her pioneering spirit made her a role model for women during that era, and she is still remembered as an inspirational figure in aviation today.
In recognition of her groundbreaking accomplishments, an aircraft owned by the Spanish airline company Iberia bears her name. Additionally, a street in the city of Ciudad Rodrigo has been named after her, further immortalising her legacy.
Despite the lack of specific details about other achievements during her career beyond this key accomplishment, María Bernaldo de Quiroso's status as a trailblazer in aviation history is undeniable. She performed stunts such as flying over the car of a Spanish duke, and took part in numerous flying shows in Spain.
María Bernaldo de Quiroso received the military aviation insignia from the Royal Aero Club, adding another feather to her cap. Her life story serves as a testament to the power of determination and the breaking of gender barriers in a male-dominated industry. María Bernaldo de Quiroso will forever be remembered as one of the noteworthy female aviators who made significant contributions to the aviation industry.
In the pursuit of her aviation dreams, María Bernaldo de Quiroso navigated the male-dominated industry with unyielding resolve, paving the way for future women in the aerospace sector. Her groundbreaking achievements in finance – acquiring investments for her flying lessons and airplanes – served as a beacon of inspiration for female enthusiasts in the realm of technology and the aviation industry.
