Born: c. 1979 (Billund, Jylland, Denmark)
Biography:
Line Bonde (born c. 1979) is a Danish fighter pilot who made history as the first female Danish fighter pilot. Coming from Billund, Jylland, Line Bonde grew up in a traditional Danish family. Her father was the main salary earner, while her mother worked half-time and took care of the home and her two daughters.
During her school years, Bonde proved to be a powerful swimmer and soon became one of the best in Denmark. However, swimming alone was not enough to quench her thirst for adventure. It was during a trial flight in a Danish Air Force Hercules that Bonde discovered her true calling – she was destined to become a pilot.
In her first attempt to pursue her dream, Bonde faced a setback. She failed her initial test, not due to any lack of physical or theoretical knowledge, but simply because the examining psychologist believed she knew too little about flying. Determined to prove herself, Bonde returned a year later to successfully complete basic flight training in 2002.
Continuing her journey, Bonde spent the next two years at the officers school, honing her skills and deepening her knowledge. Following that, she embarked on a 16-month training program in the United States at the prestigious Sheppard Air Force Base, under the EURO-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program. It was here that Bonde earned her wings, a significant milestone in her career.
In July 2006, at the age of 27, Line Bonde shattered the gender barrier and made history by becoming the first female Danish fighter pilot. Her achievement broke down societal norms and stereotypes, inspiring women and girls across Denmark and beyond to pursue their dreams, regardless of their gender.
Returning to Denmark, Bonde was assigned to serve at the Fighter Wing Skrydstrup Air Force Base at the beginning of 2006. Her presence and success as a fighter pilot not only demonstrated her exceptional skills and dedication but also highlighted the progress made in gender equality within the Danish Armed Forces.
Line Bonde’s accomplishment has had a lasting impact on society. She has become a role model for young women aspiring to careers in aviation and the military. Her pioneering achievements have helped to pave the way for future generations of female pilots and have improved the representation of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.