Aéroclub féminin la Stella

The Aéroclub Féminin la Stella was a French women's aeronautical organisation. It was founded on 10 February 1909 in Paris by Marie Surcouf, a French aeronaut and campaigner for women's rights. Known as La Stella, the organisation's membership included many of the women balloonists who had previously been members of the Comité des Dames of l'Aéronautique-Club de France (ACDF). La Stella was founded as a result of a long struggle by French women to be recognised as competent professionals and accomplished sportswomen in the field of flying, initially in balloons. The club offered restricted access to men, who could be members, but not decision-makers. They were allowed to accompany their wives on flights, but only as passengers.