Countess Maria Fede Caproni passed away on 5 November 2017.
Maria Fede Caproni - by Gregory Alegi
Countess Maria Fede Caproni passed away on 5 November 2017.
If her life were a film, the title might be The Woman Who Whispered to Aeroplanes. But that would not do her justice, because her overwhelming passion extended to every aspect and form of flight, from hot-air balloons to aerophilately, from historic aircraft to women aviators.
The aviation community returned her affection with equal intensity, conferring on her the uncontested role of godmother and patron of everything that flies. With no need for quotas, she was welcomed in turn onto the education commission of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, the arbitration board of the Aero Club of Italy, and the boards of AIAD and of the Pioneers of Aviation, of which she was also honorary president.
In a male world centred on technology, her stories brought an entirely feminine sensitivity to the people and the behind-the-scenes. A fascinating conversationalist, she could capture the attention of chiefs of staff, pilots and artists. This allowed her to accomplish feats incredible for an individual armed only with the strength of a prestigious name and an unshakeable will. One example for all: the recognition of the Saudi crown prince, before the astonished eyes of his ceremonial escort, during the inauguration of the Riyadh aviation museum, whose most prized piece is a Caproni Ca.100 biplane.