Hélène Boucher

Hélène Boucher (* May 23, 1908 in Versailles, † November 30, 1934 in Guyancourt near Versailles ) was an early French pilot.

Records

She flew in 1934, the speed record over 100 km ( 485 km / h as top speed ) and thus became the " fastest woman in the world ". In addition, she had the height record held and eight world records with 5,200 meters.

Life

Boucher was a student of Michel Detroyat. The young Kunstfliegerin was considered one of the most popular attractions at air shows in France and abroad. The company Renault took them temporarily under contract by 6 to promote the newly released Viva Sport cylindres.

The pilot came only 26 years old, during a training flight near Versailles killed when the plane crashed through the forest of Guyancourts. It was laid out as the first woman in the Paris Invalides. For her death, the press and other Detroyat blamed that " a young, innocent girl " to such a "dangerous sport" inspired.

She was beaten post mortem Knight of the Legion of Honour. Her body was laid out at the Invalides; this honor was given to become any other woman before her. On their behalf, the Hélène Boucher Cup was donated, which was awarded to pilots.

Adaptations

• With the title Hélène Boucher: A flying life ( Original: Horizons sans fin) In 1953 a feature film that has their lives for the content. She was played by Giselle Pascal.
• In France, numerous schools and streets are named after her, including in Paris, Le Mans and Thionville.