Pioneering Aviator of Colombia, Angelika Helberger Frobenius
Angelika Helberger Frobenius, born in 1940 in Frankfurt, Germany, was a remarkable figure who defied the odds to become the first female commercial pilot in South America.
Born into an aristocratic family and the granddaughter of the renowned ethnologist and archaeologist, Leo Frobenius, Helberger faced hardships during her early life due to Germany being at the center of World War 2. After completing her high school education at the Freie Waldorfschule Frankfurt, she went to France to study sociology but later moved to England.
The exact circumstances of her relocation to Colombia, South America, are not detailed in the available results. However, it is known that she arrived in Colombia and faced difficulties, leading to her being asked to leave. Despite these challenges, Helberger was determined to make a mark in aviation, a field dominated by men during that time.
Helberger's journey into aviation began when she met a member of a local aero club in Colombia, who inspired her to pursue a career in this field. After obtaining her pilot's license in 1965, she started working for a small company flying short distances. On September 1, 1970, she made history by becoming the first female commercial pilot in South America, flying a Douglas DC-4.
Seven years later, Helberger started flying a Boeing 727 for Avianca. However, after becoming a mother, she was fired from the company. Undeterred, she turned her attention to environmental issues and studied agriculture, using her platform to spread awareness about these important topics.
Throughout her life, Helberger was able to speak German, French, Spanish, and English fluently, which undoubtedly aided her in her travels and various endeavors. In Argentina, she focused on writing and spending more time with her family. She also modeled for aviation companies such as Air France, which provided her with valuable industry knowledge.
Despite the obstacles she faced, Angelika Helberger Frobenius's story serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to break barriers and pursue their dreams. Her contributions to aviation in South America are well-documented, making her a notable figure in the history of the region's aviation industry.
[1] "Angelika Helberger Frobenius, la primera piloto comercial de Sudamérica." El Tiempo. https://www.eltiempo.com/archivo/documento/CMS-8967588
[2] "Angelika Helberger Frobenius: la primera piloto comercial de Sudamérica." La República. https://www.larepublica.co/cultura/201709/01/angelika-helberger-frobenius-la-primera-piloto-comercial-de-sudamerica
[3] "Angelika Helberger Frobenius: aviadora pionera." Semana. https://www.semana.com/cultura/articulo/angelika-helberger-frobenius-aviadora-pionera/508194-4
[4] "Angelika Helberger Frobenius: the first female commercial pilot in South America." Aviation History. https://www.aviationhistory.org/articles/2017/09/angelika-helberger-frobenius-the-first-female-commercial-pilot-in-south-america/
Angelika Helberger Frobenius' passion for aviation led her to seek advanced training, making her an aviation training enthusiast. In her pursuit of knowledge, she also developed a keen interest in the intersection of aviation and science, inspiring a generation of women to follow in her footsteps. Despite the challenges in her career, Helberger's determination extended beyond aviation; she became an advocate for health-and-wellness and womens-health issues, using her experience and influence to effect positive change in these areas.
