Caroline Aigle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Caroline Aigle
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 12 September 1974 Montauban, France |
| Died | 21 August 2007 (aged 32) |
| Allegiance |  France |
| Service/ |
 French Air Force |
| Years of service | 2000-2007 |
| Rank |  Commandant |
| Unit | 2/2 Squadron |
Caroline Aigle (born September 12, 1974 – died August 21, 2007) was a brave French aviator. She made history at age 25. Caroline became the very first woman fighter pilot in the French Air Force. Her amazing military career ended too soon. She passed away from cancer just seven years later. After her death, she received the Médaille de l'Aéronautique (Aeronautics Medal). This award honored her great service.
Early Life and Education
Caroline Aigle was born in Montauban, France. She spent her early childhood in Africa. Her father worked there as a military doctor. When she turned 14, Caroline attended the Lycée militaire de Saint-Cyr. This was a special military high school. She studied there for three years.
After Saint-Cyr, she went to another advanced military school. It was called Prytanée Militaire. Later, she joined the famous École Polytechnique. This is one of France's top engineering schools. During her first year (1994–1995), she served in the military. She was with the 13th Battalion of the Chasseurs Alpins. These are elite mountain soldiers. In her final year (1996–1997), she trained at the École de l'Air. This is where officers for the French Air Force are trained.
Becoming a Fighter Pilot
After finishing her studies at Polytechnique, Caroline chose to join the French Air Force. On May 28, 1999, she achieved a huge milestone. She became the first woman to earn the Air Force's special fighter pilot wings. This was a very proud moment for her and for France.
In 2000, she was assigned to fly the Mirage 2000-5 jet. She flew with the "Côte-d'Or" squadron. In 2005, she was promoted to the rank of Commandant. This rank is similar to a Major in other armies. Caroline was also considered for an even bigger role. She was among the top people who might have been chosen as an astronaut. This would have been for the European Space Agency. By the time she passed away, she had flown for 1600 hours. This is a lot of time in the air!
A Talented Athlete
Caroline Aigle was not just a brilliant pilot. She was also a very skilled athlete. She often represented the Air Force in sports events. In 1997, she became the French military champion in triathlon. A triathlon is a race with swimming, cycling, and running. That same year, her military team won the triathlon world championship. In 1999, she and her team won the triathlon world military vice-championship. This means they came in second place. Caroline was also a talented skydiver. She was very good at free-fall parachuting.
Her Legacy
Caroline Aigle was married to Christophe "Douky" Deketelaere. He was also a former Air Force fighter pilot. They had two sons, named Marc and Gabriel.
Sadly, Caroline was diagnosed with a serious illness. She passed away on August 21, 2007. This was just three weeks before her 33rd birthday. Her son Gabriel was born shortly before her death. On October 2, 2007, President Sarkozy honored her memory. He gave her the Médaille de l'Aéronautique (Aeronautics Medal). Caroline Aigle will always be remembered as a pioneer. She opened the skies for other women in the military.
See also
- Marie Marvingt - the first woman to fly in combat for France.
