Mario Stoppani
Mario Stoppani | |
|---|---|
Mario Stoppani (left) | |
| Born | 24 May 1895 Lovere, Kingdom of Italy |
| Died | 20 September 1959 |
| Allegiance | Italy |
| Branch | Aviation |
| Rank | Sergente |
| Unit | 76a Squadriglia, 3a Squadriglia |
| Awards | 2 Silver awards of Medal for Military Valor, Russian Cross of St. George, both a Silver and a Gold Medal of Aeronautic Valor |
| Other work | Made 15 first flights and set 41 aviation records |
Mario Stoppani (24 May 1895 – 20 September 1959) was an Italian World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories. His valor earned him two Silver awards of the Medal for Military Valor and the Russian Cross of St. George during World War I.
After the war, after a short spell as an aviation instructor, in 1927 Stoppani began a long career as a test pilot and an extensive career setting aeronautical records. He would continue as a test pilot throughout World War II and beyond. While associated with aeronautical designer Filippo Zappata, Stoppani would make 15 first flights and set 41 aeronautical records, one of which still stands. In the course of these feats, Stoppani earned both a Silver and a Gold Medal for Aeronautical Valor. Post World War II, he worked for Breda and SIAI Marchetti.