Mario Stoppani

Lovere, 1895-1959

Test Pilots and Experimenters

Between 1915 and 1917, he fights in the 3rd Squadrilla and in the 76th Fighter Squadrilla (Nieuport 11), downing six enemy airplanes. In 1917 he is transferred to the technical directorate of the Aviation Corps and is then hired by Ansaldo as test pilot. In 1919, at the controls of a SVA5, he reaches Barcelona, seat to the World Aeronautical Exhibition. He then tests the aircraft produced by the Cantieri Riuniti dell’Adriatico (CRDA) in Monfalcone. He achieves many records: the Monfalcone-Massaua flight with the Cant Z.501 (1934) seaplane and the first altitude record in the world (7,831 metres) at the controls of a Cant Z.506 (1936). Gold Medal of Aeronautic Valor.

Bibliographical references
Mencarelli, Igino | 1971 Mario Stoppani (24 maggio 1895-20 settembre 1959). Roma: Stato maggiore aeronautica – Ufficio storico aeronautica militare.