Mario Pezzi
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Mario Pezzi (1898-1967) was an Italian aviator known world-wide for his flight in which he achieved greater height than any other pilot in a propeller-powered airplane.
[edit] Biography
The future lieutenant general was born November 9, 1898. He had one brother, Enrico, who also grew up to be a General in the Italian Air Force. Mario joined the Infantry in October 1917, and the next year earned the rank of second lieutenant. He received his pilot's license in 1926. The next year he became part of the General Staff, rising to Cabinet of the Defense Ministry in 1931. After Pezzi's record flight, he was decorated with "Medal of Gold to the Aeronautical Value" and promoted Colonel. Later he also became Commander of Aeronautics as well as Chief of the General Staff. From 1950-1955, Pezzi worked as Head of Cabinet of the Minister and, subsequently, General Secretary of Aeronautics.
[edit] Record Flight
Pezzi reached supremacy above Montecelio (Rome) aboard a Caproni Ca.161 biplane with a Piaggio motor and watertight cabin, wearing a special diving apparatus picture and reaching a height of 17.044m (55.92ft). This record still stands today.
In those years Americans, Germans, English and French fought for this record, and Italy entered the contest with 14.433m (47.35ft) in 1934 from Donates on his Caproni Ca.113 with a Pegaso motor.
In 1936, l'inglese Swain achieved 15.230m (49.97ft) with a Bristol 138; but in the same year Pezzi struck it with 15.635m (51.3ft) caught up to it aboard a Ca.161.
In 1937, Englishman M.J. Adam in its turn exceeded it with 16.440m (53.94ft)to edge always of a Bristol 138.
On October 22 of the following year, Pezzi achieved his still-valid world record for propeller aircraft with a height of 17.044m (55.92ft).
Entered in aeronautics, Pezzi had followed the career of official pilot, and in 1934 he had been named commander of the unit for the record flight from Montecelio. He became an advanced official and received many decorations. In the post-war period he was general secretary of the Aeronautics and subsequently head of Cabinet of the Defense Ministry.
