# Raymonde de Laroche

> French pilot and the first woman in the world to receive an aeroplane pilot's licence

**Wikidata**: [Q255315](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q255315)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymonde_de_Laroche)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/raymonde-de-laroche

## Summary
Raymonde de Laroche was a French aviator and the first woman in history to earn an airplane pilot's license, marking a milestone in aviation and gender equality. Born in 1882, she pioneered female participation in aviation before her death in 1919.

## Biography
- **Born**: August 22, 1882  
- **Nationality**: French  
- **Known for**: First woman to obtain an airplane pilot's license (1910)  
- **Field(s)**: Aviation  

## Contributions
- **First Woman Pilot's License (1910)**: De Laroche received her pilot's license (No. 1) from the *Fédération Aéronautique Internationale* on March 8, 1910, officially recognized as the first woman to achieve this feat.  
- **Competitive Aviation**: She participated in early aviation competitions, including the 1910 *Grand Prix d'Aviation* and the 1913 *Coupe Fémina*, demonstrating women's capability in a male-dominated field.  

## FAQs
**What is Raymonde de Laroche's most notable achievement?**  
She became the first woman globally to earn an airplane pilot's license in 1910, breaking gender barriers in aviation.  

**Where did she pursue her aviation career?**  
Her work was primarily based in France, where she trained, competed, and gained international recognition.  

**How did she influence aviation history?**  
De Laroche challenged societal norms by proving women could excel in aviation, inspiring future generations of female pilots.  

## Why They Matter
Raymonde de Laroche's licensure in 1910 shattered glass ceilings in aviation, proving women's technical and physical aptitude for flight. Her participation in competitions further normalized female involvement in the field, leaving a legacy that transcended her short career. Without her precedent, the advancement of women in aerospace may have faced greater resistance, delaying progress toward gender inclusivity in aviation.

## Notable For
- First woman to hold an airplane pilot's license (1910).  
- Pioneer for women's roles in early 20th-century aviation.  
- Competitor in prestigious pre-WWI air races and exhibitions.  

## Body

### Early Life and Career
Raymonde de Laroche was born Élise Léontine Deroche on August 22, 1882, in France. Little is documented about her early life, but her fascination with aviation emerged during its infancy. She pursued flight training under Charles Voisin, a prominent aircraft manufacturer, and soloed in a Voisin biplane.  

### Aviation Milestones
On March 8, 1910, de Laroche passed her flight examination, earning license No. 1 from the *Fédération Aéronautique Internationale*. This achievement made her the first woman—and one of the earliest individuals globally—to receive formal recognition as a pilot. She adopted the surname "de Laroche" professionally, reportedly to shield her family from public scrutiny.  

### Competitive Flying and Legacy
De Laroche competed in events like the 1910 *Grand Prix d'Aviation* and the 1913 *Coupe Fémina*, where she set a women's altitude record of 5,000 meters. Her career was cut short when she died in a glider accident on July 18, 1919, at age 36.  

### Historical Significance
Though her flying career spanned less than a decade, de Laroche's determination redefined perceptions of women's capabilities. Her license symbolized a breakthrough for gender equality, predating women's suffrage in many nations. Today, she remains a celebrated figure in aviation history, commemorated in museums and international tributes.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Lingua Libre
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013