Born: 1898 (Ural Mountains)
Biography:
Zinaida Petrovna Kokorina (Russian: ) was a trailblazing Russian aviator and schoolteacher. Born in 1898 in the Ural Mountains, Kokorina overcame adversity to become the world’s first female military pilot in 1925, leaving an indelible mark on aviation history.
Raised in Perm in a humble household, Kokorina displayed exceptional intelligence and was admitted to secondary school. In 1916, she relocated to Petrograd to pursue a university education, graduating as a teacher in 1921. It was during her time in Kiev that Kokorina had her first encounter with an airplane flying overhead, sparking a lifelong fascination with aviation.
Inspired by the sight of the airplane, Kokorina immersed herself in the world of aviation, accepting a position as a librarian at the flying school in Kacha, Crimea. There, she met and fell in love with Estonian aviator Albert Poel. Tragically, their plans for marriage were shattered when Poel died in a plane crash just days before their wedding.
Determined to chart her own path in the skies, Kokorina sought the opportunity to train as a military pilot at the prestigious Military Aviation School in Yegoryevsk near Moscow. Initially facing dismissal, she displayed unwavering determination and sought support from Mikhail Kalinin, the Soviet head of state. Thanks to her extraordinary persistence, Kokorina was granted the opportunity to prove herself.
On May 3, 1924, Kokorina soared to the skies for the first time, flying solo and demonstrating her natural aptitude for piloting. Shortly thereafter, she obtained her military license, marking a significant milestone in her career. Although she aspired to become a fighter pilot, Kokorina’s remarkable talents convinced her superiors to urge her to remain at the school as an instructor.
During World War II, Kokorina’s expertise as an instructor played a critical role in shaping a new generation of military pilots. She trained numerous pilots, including several women who would go on to achieve great success in combat. Kokorina’s contributions during this tumultuous period further solidified her place in aviation history.
After her illustrious aviation career, Kokorina took on the role of a dedicated schoolteacher and headmistress at Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan. For an impressive three decades, she imparted knowledge and nurtured young minds, leaving an indelible impact on the community. Upon her retirement, Kokorina returned to Moscow, where she continued to inspire those around her with her remarkable story of resilience and dedication.
Zinaida Kokorina’s pioneering spirit, coupled with her dedication to education and aviation, make her an iconic figure in Russian history. Her unwavering passion for flight shattered traditional gender stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of female aviators. Today, her legacy lives on as a testament to the power of determination, proving that with courage and perseverance, one can transcend any obstacle.