The French pilot who became the first aviator to traverse the Andes between Argentina and Chile began her journey on 1 April 1921 with a meager 40 hours of flight experience. Flying a fragile Caudron G.3, she bypassed high-altitude summits by navigating treacherous mountain valleys, ultimately landing in Santiago to earn international recognition for her technical precision.
Early Development and Aviation Training
Born in 1895 in Arcueil, Adrienne Bolland was the youngest of seven children born to Belgian émigrés. Known in her youth for a stubborn and assertive temperament, she sought employment in aviation to settle financial debts incurred through gambling. She enrolled at the Le Crotoy headquarters of aircraft manufacturer René Caudron. Despite disciplinary issues during her training, she obtained her pilot's license in only two months.
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Sent to Argentina by Caudron to perform demonstration flights, Bolland undertook a crossing of the Andes that predecessors had failed to master safely. Operating an aircraft powered by an 80 hp Le Rhône engine, she navigated without maps in extreme cold that caused the blood vessels in her nose and lips to burst. She later attributed the successful passage to specific directions provided by a medium, which instructed her to identify an oyster-shaped lake and turn toward a mountain face resembling an overturned chair.
Military Service and Later Life
Following her aviation exploits, including a record-tying 212 loops during an 18-flight race around France, her career shifted. She eventually became involved in leftist political causes. During World War II, she served as a captain and participated in the French Resistance as a member of the Confrérie Notre-Dame. The French government awarded her the status of Officer of the Legion of Honour for her contributions. She died in 1975 in the 16th arrondissement of Paris and is buried in Donnery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1895, Arcueil
- Died: 1975, 16th arrondissement of Paris
- Citizenship: France
- Primary Occupation: Aircraft pilot
- Military Rank: Captain
- Notable Award: Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Burial Site: Donnery
Questions readers ask
Was she the first person to fly over the Andes?
She was the first aviator to complete the crossing between Chile and Argentina.
How did she get her start in aviation?
She began flying lessons at the Caudron headquarters to pay off gambling debts.
Achievements
- Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Worked as aircraft pilot and writer
