Eugenie Mikhailovna Shakhovskaya

Eugenie Mikhailovna Shakhovskaya (1889–1920) (Евгения Михайловна Шаховская, Yevgeniya Mikhaylovna Shakhovskaya) was a pioneering aviator. She was the first woman to become a military pilot when she flew reconnaissance missions for the Czar in 1914.[1][2]

References

  1. ^ "Women Combat Pilots of WW1". Monash University. http://www.ctie.monash.edu.au/hargrave/women_combat_pilots_ww1.html. Retrieved 2010-10-18. "Princess Eugenie M. Shakhovskaya was Russia's first woman military pilot. Served with the 1st Field Air Squadron. Unknown if she actually flew any combat missions, and she was ultimately charged with treason and attempting to flee to enemy lines. Sentenced to death by firing squad, sentence commuted to life imprisonment by the Tsar, freed during the Revolution, became chief executioner for Gen. Tchecka and drug addict, shot one of her assistants in a narcotic delerium and was herself shot." 
  2. ^ "300 Women who changed the world". Encyclopædia Britannica. http://www.britannica.com/women/timeline?tocId=9404138&section=249216. Retrieved 2010-10-18. "In Russia, Princess Eugenie Shakhovskaya is the first female military pilot. She flies reconnaissance missions."