Raymonde de Laroche, born Elise Raymonde Deroche (1882–1919), was a French aviator and the first woman in the world to receive a pilot’s license. Her achievements in aviation made her a trailblazer for women in a field that was, during her time, largely dominated by men.

Key points about Raymonde de Laroche:

1. Early Life: Raymonde de Laroche was born on August 22, 1882, in Paris, France. Before her aviation career, she worked as an actress.
2. Introduction to Aviation: Raymonde became interested in aviation after attending the Grande Semaine d’Aviation (Great Aviation Week) at Châlons-sur-Marne in 1909. The event inspired her to pursue a career in flying.
3. First Woman to Fly Solo: On March 8, 1910, Raymonde de Laroche made history by becoming the first woman in the world to fly solo in an airplane. She piloted a Voisin biplane at an airfield in Châlons, France.
4. First Woman to Receive a Pilot’s License: In 1910, Raymonde de Laroche also became the first woman in the world to receive an official pilot’s license. The license, No. 36 of the Aéro-Club de France, was awarded on March 8, 1910.
5. Airshow Performances: Raymonde de Laroche participated in numerous airshows and aviation events, showcasing her flying skills. She gained recognition and became a popular figure in the aviation community.
6. Challenges and Achievements: In an era when aviation was still in its infancy, Raymonde faced skepticism and challenges due to her gender. However, she overcame these obstacles and demonstrated her capabilities as a skilled pilot.
7. Fatal Accident: Unfortunately, Raymonde de Laroche’s aviation career was cut short by a tragic accident. On July 18, 1919, during a test flight as a passenger, the aircraft she was in crashed. Raymonde de Laroche, along with the pilot and another passenger, did not survive the crash.
8. Legacy: Raymonde de Laroche’s contributions to aviation and her pioneering role as the first woman to receive a pilot’s license remain an important part of aviation history. Her achievements inspired future generations of women to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace.

Raymonde de Laroche’s impact on aviation is remembered as a groundbreaking achievement that opened doors for women in a field traditionally dominated by men. Her legacy continues to inspire women to pursue careers in aviation and contribute to the advancement of aerospace technology.