Ann Maria Bocciarelli (also Anna 1897-?) was a South African aviator. In 1913, she was the first woman to earn a pilot's license in Africa.
Biography
editBocciarelli was of Italian descent and was born in Kimberley in 1897.[1][2] She was the daughter of the sculptor, Achille Bocciarelli.[1]
In 1913, Bocciarelli was one of 10 citizen flight trainees sponsored by the Union of South Africa to train with the Paterson Aviation Syndicate.[3] Like other pilots in the school, she trained on Compton-Paterson biplane.[4] She earned her pilot's license in 1913, making her the first woman on the African continent to become a licensed aviator.[3]
Eventually, she and her family returned to Italy.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b "1910 to 1920 - Early Flying in South Africa". South African Power Flying Association. Archived from the original on 20 August 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- ^ a b Martinaglia, Andre Eugene (2013). Illustrious Italians in Africa (PDF). International Commission and Association on Nobility. pp. 65–66.
- ^ a b Gabara, Nthambeleni (8 August 2013). "Transformation in Aviation Still a Major Challenge". SAnews. Archived from the original on 6 February 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- ^ "Pioneers of Aviation Museum in Kimberley, Northern Cape". South Africa Venues. Archived from the original on 13 June 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
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