Susana Ferrari Billinghurst facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Susana Ferrari Billinghurst
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Born | Buenos Aires, Argentina
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20 March 1914
Died | 13 August 1999 Salta, Argentina
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(aged 85)
Occupation | Aviator |
Relatives | Luciana Pedraza (granddaughter) Guillermo Billinghurst (cousin) |
Susana Ferrari Billinghurst (born in 1914, died in 1999) was a brave Argentine aviator. She had a mixed background, with family roots from Italy, England, and Ireland. Susana made history by becoming the very first woman in all of South America to get a commercial pilot's license. This big achievement happened in 1937, showing her amazing skill and determination in the skies.
Contents
Flying High: Susana's Aviation Career
Susana Ferrari Billinghurst was a true pioneer in aviation. She broke barriers and achieved many firsts. Her passion for flying started early, leading her to become a professional pilot.
First Woman Commercial Pilot
In 1937, Susana achieved something incredible. She earned her commercial pilot's license. This made her the first woman in all of South America to hold such a license. It was a huge step forward for women in aviation.
Long Flights and Important Missions
Susana was not afraid of long journeys. In 1940, she flew a special plane called an amphibious aircraft. This type of plane can land on both water and land. She piloted a Sikorsky S-43 on an amazing 4,000-mile trip. This long flight took her all the way from Panama to Argentina.
In November 1943, Susana took part in another important flight. She flew to Uruguay alongside two other female aviators, Elida Carles and Julia Perez Cattoni. They officially represented the Argentine government on this trip. This showed how respected and recognized Susana and other women pilots had become.
Fighting for Women's Rights
Susana Ferrari Billinghurst was not just a pilot; she also cared about women's rights. In 1943, during Argentina's Revolution Day, she did something very symbolic. She went to the presidential house and gave a bouquet of flowers to the new president. This act helped to encourage the president to support women's rights, especially in the field of aviation. Her actions helped open doors for other women who dreamed of flying.
Susana's Family Connections
Susana Ferrari Billinghurst came from a family with many interesting connections. Her great-grandfather was Mariano Billinghurst, a well-known person after whom the city of Billinghurst, Argentina, is named.
Her uncle, Lisandro Billinghurst, was also an Argentine aviator. This shows that a love for flying ran in her family. Susana was also a cousin of Guillermo Billinghurst, who served as the president of Peru. Later in life, Susana became the grandmother of actress Luciana Pedraza. Luciana is married to the famous actor Robert Duvall.
See also
In Spanish: Susana Ferrari Billinghurst para niños