Suzanne Melk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Suzanne Melk
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Melk in 1950.
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| Born | March 17, 1908 Navenne, France
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| Died | February 4, 1951 (aged 42) |
| Nationality | French |
| Spouse(s) | Jean Dreyfus (m. 1935—1950) |
| Aviation career | |
| First flight | 7 June 1935 in a Hanriot HD.32 |
| Flight license | 1935 (powered) 1938 (gliders) |
Suzanne Melk (born March 17, 1908 – died February 4, 1951) was a brave French pilot. She was a true aviation pioneer, meaning she was one of the first people to do something important in flying. Suzanne was famous for being the first known woman to fly in France. She also became the first woman in Europe to get a pilot's license in 1935!
Contents
Suzanne's Early Life
Suzanne Melk was born in a town called Navenne in France. She grew up on a farm with her brother and two sisters. Her family made wine and grew tobacco there. As a teenager, Suzanne worked at a local hardware store. She also enjoyed playing the piano and creating art.
When Suzanne was 12 years old, she saw biplanes flying near her farm. This made her super interested in airplanes and flying!
Her Amazing Flying Career
Suzanne started flying in 1935. She earned her pilot's license in the same year. She learned to fly using a repaired Hanriot HD.32 airplane.
Becoming a Flight Instructor
In 1937, Suzanne passed her exam to become a flight instructor. This meant she could teach other people how to fly! She trained many women to become pilots at a field near Orly Airport in France.
Helping During World War II
During World War II, Suzanne volunteered as an ambulance driver. She helped transport injured members of the French Resistance. These were brave people who fought against the occupation of France.
Flying Fighter Planes
After the war, Suzanne joined the French Air Force. She flew planes like the Nord Pingouin. Suzanne Melk and Élisabeth Boselli were the only two women ever to fly the Dewoitine D.520. This was a very fast fighter plane!
Gliding Adventures
After flying fighter planes, Suzanne became very interested in gliders. These are planes that fly without an engine, using air currents. In 1944, she earned her glider license.
In 1946, Suzanne started competing in European Gliding championships. On March 26, 1947, she won the European Gliding Duration championship. She flew for an amazing 16 hours and 3 minutes! Just two days later, she won the speed competition, reaching 311 miles per hour.
Competing in the United States
In July 1947, Suzanne moved to the United States to compete in North America. She was often the only woman competing in these events.
In 1948, Suzanne had a big success at the Trophy of Sanford competition in Florida. She finished second and won a $4,000 prize!
Her Legacy
Suzanne Melk was in Durham, North Carolina for an event when she became sick. Sadly, she passed away in a hospital on February 4, 1951. She was a true inspiration for many people, especially women, who dreamed of flying.
Awards and Records
Suzanne Melk set several impressive records during her flying career.
Records
National Records (in France):
- Longest Glider Flight — 16 hours, 43 minutes
- Highest altitude in a Glider — 3,950 meters (12,959 feet)
World Records:
- Highest Altitude in a Glider — 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) (This record was not officially approved)
Special Awards
Suzanne Melk was also recognized with several important awards:
- FAI Gold Air Medal nominee
- Resistance Medal
- Order of Civil Merit
- National Order of Merit
- Michelin Cup nominee
