Our History

history1

 

 

 

On 16 September 1950 a group of thirty five women became charter members of the Australian Women Pilots’ Association at a meeting at Bankstown Airport in Sydney. These women pilots of all ages and experience became the core of a nationwide network which today, like then, aims to assist women to achieve their goals in aviation.

AWPA is an entirely voluntary organisation.

Founder

Nancy Bird Walton picture 1 Nancy Bird Walton picture 2

 

 

 

 

 

Nancy Bird Walton AO OBE
1915-2009

Activities

Illawarra

 

 

 

 

For a country as immense as ours, the Australian Women Pilots’ Association is organised on a statewide basis, with a national executive committee to promote women’s involvement in aviation from aero clubs to airlines. State and regional groups organise meetings, fly-ins, seminars and social events. These give you a chance to meet members with similar interests, experience other forms of aviation and enjoy visits from other flyers.

Association members meet annually for a four day conference and Annual General Meeting held in either March, April or May. Annual conferences are held in a different state each year. The conference includes education sessions, networking, a flying competition and the presentation of awards and scholarships.

Aims

  • to encourage women to gain flying licences of all types, either as a hobby or profession
  • to maintain pilot networks in state and local areas where women in aviation can meet and exchange information
  • to promote training, employment and careers in aviation
  • to assist in the future of aviation through public interest, safety and education