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Celebrating extraordinary women in aeronautics

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Sopra Steria would like to highlight the achievements of two extraordinary women who have defied expectations, overcome adversity, and paved the way for greater inclusivity in aeronautics. Brigitte Revellin-Falcoz and Dorine Bourneton are not just pioneers in aviation; they are champions of resilience, innovation, and accessibility.

Brigitte Revellin-Falcoz: The youngest licensed pilot in France

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Brigitte Revellin-Falcoz has always challenged the status quo. When told that piloting was a “man’s business,” she took this as a challenge rather than a deterrent. By her 17th birthday, she had earned her pilot’s license, making her the youngest licensed pilot in France.

Beyond her personal accomplishments in aviation, Brigitte has dedicated her career to advocating for the integration of people with disabilities into the field. As highlighted in La Dépêche, her passion for inclusion has driven her to push for systemic change, ensuring that aviation is accessible to all, regardless of physical ability. Her commitment to inclusivity remains unwavering, and she continues to use her platform to drive change.



Dorine Bourneton: A Story of Extraordinary Perseverance

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The story of Dorine Bourneton is one of remarkable resilience. At just 16 years old, she survived a tragic plane crash that left her paralysed. Yet, her passion for aviation never wavered. Encouraged by her loved ones, she obtained her pilot’s licence in April 1995, marking the beginning of a groundbreaking journey.

Dorine went on to become the world’s first disabled female aerobatic pilot and has since been a fierce advocate for equal opportunities in aviation. According to IPSA’s International Women’s Rights Day Conference, she worked tirelessly to change aviation laws, ultimately allowing disabled pilots to pursue professional careers. Thanks to this legislative breakthrough, at least seven disabled pilots have since entered the field. She has also authored three books detailing her journey.

Brigitte Revellin-Falcoz and Dorine Bourneton have joined forces in their shared mission to promote equal rights and inclusivity, proving that determination and passion can break down any barrier. Through HandiVoltige, an initiative dedicated to making aerobatics more accessible, they continue to inspire the next generation of pilots with disabilities.



A shared vision for inclusion

Both women’s commitment to accessibility aligns with Sopra Steria’s Disability Mission, which champions the inclusion of people with disabilities through technological innovation. The company’s Handitutorat program mobilises students from top schools and universities to provide academic support to high school students with disabilities, fostering confidence and guiding them toward higher education.

Philippe Baconnet, Head of Sopra Steria’s Disability Mission, emphasises the impact of this initiative: “This tutoring gives them confidence and allows them to progress academically. We must remain humble – not all transition to higher education - but the benefits in terms of self-confidence and personal growth are undeniable.”

 

 Empowering the Next Generation

Dorine’s influence extends far beyond her own achievements; she actively inspires and mentors future pilots. Through programmes such as Rêve de Gosse, she has helped train young talents like César, who has since become a cadet pilot officer. Meanwhile, Brigitte Revellin-Falcoz’s son is the CEO of the renowned airline Jetfly. These women’s dedication to inspiring, sharing, and passing on their knowledge ensures that the next generation of aviators is equipped to push boundaries and defy limitations.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we honour the outstanding contributions of Brigitte Revellin-Falcoz and Dorine Bourneton. Their stories remind us that the sky is not the limit—it is just the beginning.

A special thanks to my colleague Olivier Clavel for sharing the story of these two extraordinary women and for his continuous encouragement of women to shine both within and beyond Sopra Steria.

For more on their journey and advocacy, visit HandiVoltige Aérienne, Rêve de Gosse, La Dépêche, and IPSA

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