Ann Maria Bocciarelli

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. "1910 to 1920 - Early Flying in South Africa". South African Power Flying Association. Archived from the original on 2015-08-20. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  2. Martinaglia, Andre Eugene (2013). Illustrious Italians in Africa (PDF). International Commission and Association on Nobility. pp. 65–66.
  3. Gabara, Nthambeleni (2013-08-08). "Transformation in Aviation Still a Major Challenge". SAnews. Archived from the original on 6 February 2017. Retrieved 2020-03-22.
  4. "Pioneers of Aviation Museum in Kimberley, Northern Cape". South Africa Venues. Archived from the original on 13 June 2017. Retrieved 2020-03-22.
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