Brazilian aviation pioneer Ada Rogato died in São Paulo at the age of 66. Rogato had been born in that Brazilian city in 1920. She was the daughter of immigrants from Italy.

Rogato developed a strong interest in flying at an early age and, with money that she made through such jobs as selling embroideries and handicrafts, she enrolled at the Flying Club of São Paulo. She earned her class C glider pilot’s license in 1935, becoming the first South American woman to achieve that type of certification. After taking more lessons the following year, she became the third licensed female airplane pilot in Brazil.

Rogato subsequently worked as a test pilot for light aircraft built in Brazil. She also flew in various air shows. After taking a skydiving course in 1941, she became Brazil’s first female paratrooper. This achievement resulted in the Brazilian Air Ministry recruiting her to serve…