The first female airline pilot in Italy celebrates her 90th birthday with the Italian Air Force on Tuesday, May 22. At the “Mario de Bernardi” military airport in Pratica di Mare, celebrations were held to mark the 90th anniversary of Comandante Fiorenza de Bernardi, the first woman in Italy and the fourth in the world to hold the profession of airline pilot, with the participation of the Association of Pioneers of the Air Force. The event, presided over by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General of Squadron Aerea Settimo Caputo, began with the celebration of Holy Mass at the airport church in Pratica di Mare in memory of Mario de Bernardi, the test pilot who gave prestige to the Italian Air Force thanks to the results he achieved. The visit continued with the guests' transfer to the Experimental Flight Center (C.S.V.), where the speeches of General Settimo Caputo and the President of the ”Association of Pioneers of Aeronautics”, General of the Air Force Antonino Altorio, who conferred the title of “Honorary President” of the Association on Fiorenza de Bernardi, took place. He recalled how the pilot’s commitment and dedication marked the world of aviation. In memory of the visit to the C.S.V., the traditional gift of the crest was given by Brigadier General Mauro Lunardi, Commander of the Center. The event concluded with a visit to the Experimental Flight Center to “get a closer look” at the aircraft in service at the Center and to watch the flight display of the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
