To Be Free...

OBBI 311100Z 30014KT 9999 FEW030 19/09 Q1022 NOSIG

Becoming a pilot is Rebellion in itself... Rebellion against society, to walk the earth. Rebellion against nature, to break free of its tethers, and most of all a rebellion against one's self, against ones doubts and fears. Never did a romance take its lover higher than Flight, and never has there been a mistress more seductive than the Sky... Lotfia at the tender age of 26, was in Love...

"أقول, أشمعنا دول بيقدروا و إحنا ما نقدرش؟ لازم نقدر نبقى زيهم – لطفية"

“How Come They Get To Be & Do While We Can’t? We Have To Be Able Like The Others – Lotfia”

The Early 1900s saw the dawn of women’s rights and equality movements sweeping through the west, and spreading throughout the world. With women showcasing their achievements on a regular basis, defiant and ambitious they stood tall. Even prohibitive China had Zhang Xiahun, a woman that fought her way into the Nanyuan Airshow in 1916, “Demanding” the right to participate.

1930s Egypt was no exception. A harsh patriarchal society coupled with a very restrictive social culture, gave roots to a reactive force of Women Societies and Political Parties. Empowered with an education, inspired by regional and international accomplishments, and encouraged by the global society, Arab women were rising up.

Not that Lotfia was in anyway politically motivated, but she had a need to be more than just a female of the species. She wanted to prove her worth, experience life, and liberate herself from the cultural chains. Walking through the American College in Cairo, she was seduced by a poster promoting and encouraging women’s flight.

A newly established Aviation School at AlMaza Airport [HEAZ] has just opened its doors to women, and was seeking students.

Globally, women were earning their wings, and Lotfia saw her role in proving the Arab Women’s Worth. At 26, she had no income, her parents downright refused the idea, atop the fact that she had no one to share or learn from. Flying was for men, and general societal culture was not very accepting.

"في إلي بيبقى عنده قوة إرادة, والعقبات بدوس عليها و بيمشي, وفي إلي خاف – لطفية"

“There Are Those Who Prevail & Step On Obstacles With A Walking Pace, And There Are Those Who Live In Fear – Lotfia”

“عاوزة أتعلم طيران – لطفية"

    “I Want To Learn How To Fly – Lotfia”
     
"أنتي لسه صغيرة ، ولازم موافقة أهلك"
الصحفي أحمد الصاوي

“You’re Still Young, And Will Need Your Parent’s Consent – Journalist Ahmed AlSawi”

She sought refuge with a famous columnist and journalist Mr. Ahmed AlSawi احمد الصاوي  asking for help in gaining her wings. He informed her of the dangers, and that because of her age, she needed to have her parent’s consent. She shows up with her mother, in hopes to convince Mr. AlSawi, and for him to convince her mother.

Her mother was a bit more understanding and willing, but her father was an obstacle to be avoided. There was no way he would allow such a risk, let alone the social stigma of an independent woman taking the reins to her life.

Reluctantly her mother signers on her behalf. For fear of being blamed for risking her daughter’s life, her mother had one condition, No financial contribution from the family, Lotfia is to figure out a way to pay for this insane endeavor.

Kamal Elaiwi - GM Egypt Air كمال علوي - مدير عام مصر للطيران

Ahmed AlSawi - Journalist احمد الصاوي - صحفي/ كاتب

With her mother’s reluctant blessings, Mr. AlSawi took Lotfia to meet the then Egypt Air General Manager Mr. Kamal Elaiwi كمال علوي. She explained her situation and asked for a way to achieve this dream. Excited with the idea of promoting Egyptian Aviation, he loved the idea of a Lady in the pilot seat, plus it would do wonders to the company’s PR and perception.

Mr. Elaiwi, offered her a position as a phone receptionist and secretary in the Aviation office. This way she can cover her costs and gave her an excuse to be at the airport. With dream in hand, Lotfia immersed herself in the world of flight. Twice a week Lotfia trained under the guidance of the French Instructor Mr. Carol.

"اذا هم مش عاوزين لية, فانا حأبني نفسي بنفسي. لازم, مدام عندي حاجة كويسة, فلازم اكملها – لطفية"

“ If They Do No Want It For Me, Then I Will Do It For Myself. It Must Be Done, Since I Have This Talent Within, Then I Must Finish It – Lotfia”

As Head instructor of the Egyptian Aviation Academy, Mr. Carol took Lotfia under his wing and approached her with caution. Caution to the dangers of flight, caution to the politics of society. Most of all, Caution to humility, warning her of the intoxicating allure of pride and ego.

Oddly enough, Mr. Carol was the one to expose Lotfia to the public. Corresponding with European Newspapers and reporting on her progress, she was gaining fame in a distant land.

"كان بيخاف علية جداً – لطفية"

​“He Was Very Protective Over Me – Lotfia”

In a media event on the 27th of September 1933, and after only 67 days of training. “Capt. Lotfia ElNadi –كابتن طيار لطفية النادي" earned her wings, holding the 34th Egyptian issued Pilot’s License. Consequently, she became the first Arab and African woman to gain a Pilot License, second to Amelia Earhart as a  Solo Aviatrix.

Lotfia with Mr. Carol Before License Check Ride

"اول ما طلعتو تهيئ لي ان الطيارة بئت خفيفة, الله… فين يا لطفية الحرية الي كانت نفسك فيها, اخذتيها – الطيار لطفية النادي"

​“As Soon As I Lifted, I Felt The Plane Become Weightless… I Finally Got The Freedom I Was Looking For – Lotfia ElNadi Pilot”

News Article of Lotfia's Achievement With Her Instructor Mr. Carol

Throughout the frenzy and away from the public eye, Enraged by the deception, Lotfia’s father was hard to quell. It took loud praises by the public and a flight with his daughter around the Pyramids to convince him of her achievement. Later, he came to be one of her biggest admirers, and she in turn, became a great source of pride to his life.

1933 was also the year that the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale came to Egypt to convene. In a way to promote the industry, a series of competitive events were organized by the Egyptian Aviation Sporting Club. The Aim was to entertain and to allow international aviators to display and challenge their skills.

License in hand, Lotfia signed up as one of 62 international competitors for the Cairo to Alexandria Speed Race. With less than 3 months of experience, she strapped herself in her single-engine de Havilland Moth and manages to reach the finish line significantly ahead of the others. Only to be disqualified for not passing or being spotted over a checkpoint tent.

"شرّفت وطنكِ، ورفعت رأسنا، وتوجت نهضتنا بتاج الفخر، بارك الله فيكِ – الناشطة نسوية المصرية هدى شعراوى"

“You Have Honored Your Country & Lifted Us To New Heights. You Have Crowned Our Renaissance With Pride, God Bless You! – Huda Sharawi Egyptian Women Activist”

Controversy arose. Being that the judging panel was all British, the Egyptian public felt cheated. Keep in mind, this was 1933, the Kingdom of Egypt and the world were a volatile place. As a show of support, and a form of encouragement King Ahmed Fuad of Egypt, ordered a celebration in her honor. During the ceremony, she was awarded a constellation prize of 200 Egyptian Pounds. A significant amount in those days. Feminist leader Huda AlSharawi also managed to raise funds to buy Lotfia an aircraft to tour Egypt in an effort to embolden other women.

Unintentionally, Lotfia became a Feminist and Aviation icon. Being the guiding light for a multitude of women entering challenging fields. Directly being involved in the accession of multiple Aviatrix, Instructors, and Mechanics. She was a regular at the Feminist events and advocated women independence and liberation.

She takes in the challenge and spends her flying years touring Egypt, and participating in regional races. She was even reported to have reached England to be received as a hero and an icon to Women. In 1937 she participated in the Circuit of Oases Race, competing with 32 international participants finishing 3 among the women.

Lotfia Between Huda Shaawi and Talat Harb at Award Cerimony

Lotfia Next to Her Aircraft

Egypt Feminist Group Meeting

Route of The Circuit of Oases Race in 1937 Area Known as "Bahariya Oasis"

5 years of glory propelled ElNadi to heights never before dreamt of. This young woman, from humble beginnings, is now Pen Pals with the likes of Amelia Earhart and other global stars. Regularly in correspondence, sharing experiences and thoughts of life above the clouds and reality on the ground. A Feminist Icon in her own right, she was seen as a beacon of hope to the people surrounding her. She continued to encourage and inspire until tragically it all came to halt, after a horrible crash while landing at an event.

Thankfully, she survives the accident but was left with horrible back injuries, limiting her movement and restricting her from flying. She spent years in treatment and recovery. Finally, seeking releif to her injuries in Switzerland.

After years of treatment in Switzerland, and in recognition of her achievements. The Swiss, were keen to retain Lotifia, granting her honorary citizenship. All but a few years spent in Canada with her nephew, Lotfia spent most of her life in Switzerland. She continued her life grounded, yet untethered. Finally returning to the Nile, and Departing this life in late 2002 at the age of 95.

Lotfia’s story didn't end here, her achievements and stance still echo with empowerment and pride. Films and Documentaries were made about her, notably “Take off from the Sand – الاقلاع من الرمال” by Director “ Wageh George”. She is still celebrated with every new Egyptian and Arab Aviatrix and was honored by Google as a doodle on her 107th life anniversary in October 2014.

Immortalized with aviation's greatest, In one of her last interviews she was asked why did you fly? She simply replied “Freedom – حرية"…

Google Doodle of Lotfia ElNadi