Ann Maria Bocciarelli

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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

Bocciarelli 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

  1. 1 2 "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.
  2. 1 2 Martinaglia, Andre Eugene (2013). Illustrious Italians in Africa (PDF). International Commission and Association on Nobility. pp. 65–66. Archived from the original on 3 April 2021.
  3. 1 2 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.
  4. ↑ "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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