Trophies and Awards

To promote excellence in aviation, the Air Pilots present trophies and other awards to recognise outstanding performance or achievement by individuals or organisations.

In addition to the general awards there are a number of awards that are specific to the Australian Region which are detailed below.

The prestigious Trophies and Awards Banquet takes place annually at Guildhall, London in October.

2022 Awards

The Grand Master’s Australian Medal

Awarded to an individual, a group or organisation involved in any branch of aviation in the Australian Region or to Australian nationals abroad, who or which has made a meritorious contribution to any aviation activity, either by displaying technical excellence or by the development of a procedure or operational technique of an outstanding nature.

2022 Awarded to: RAAF Centenary Flypast Team

On 31 March 2021, the Royal Australian Air Force celebrated 100 years of service since becoming an independent Air Force, built on the foundations of the Australian Flying Corps. In that time, the Royal Australian Air Force has grown from operating wood and canvas aircraft, to become one of the most integrated and capable fifth generation Air Forces in the world today.

A significant element of the centenary celebrations was a flypast over Canberra showcasing past and present Royal Australian Air Force aircraft, including participation in the parade in which the Royal Australian Air Force was presented with a new Queen’s Colour. The flypast culminated in a display over Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra by the Royal Australian Air Force aerobatic display team, the Roulettes. This effort was organised and led by a small team of expert aviators, under the leadership of the Royal Australian Air Force’s most experienced flying display director.

Planning for the event required significant and complex effort over a period of nine months, and culminated in the majority of the current Royal Australian Air Force inventory and over a dozen historic aircraft being represented in the flypast. In all, 57 aircraft with varying performance characteristics participated, many making multiple appearances over a period of ninety minutes. Flightpaths, holding patterns and timing gates were developed by the team to ensure a seamless and safe display was achieved. The display aircraft were supported by air-to-air refuelling assets and a coordinating Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. Participation was also coordinated with Australian Army helicopters, in recognition of the service from previously Royal Australian Air Force operated rotary-wing aircraft, and a Royal Australian Navy Seahawk helicopter that ‘paraded’ the underslung Royal Australian Air Force Ensign to the significant crowd.

Group Captain Tim Sloane and his team of four undertook all of the planning and liaison for the event. This included liaison with multiple Royal Australian Air Force units and organisations, the operators of the civilian operated historic aircraft, civilian and military air traffic agencies, and approval authorities from the Australian Defence Force and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. During conduct of the event, all team members played an active role in ensuring formation timings, leadership, management, and safety were maintained.

Organisation and execution of the event was not without challenges. Due to the fluid COVID-19 restrictions, several team members spent some time in quarantine and were therefore required to continue their work remotely. COVID-19 also meant that the planned communications network was unable to be established, so the team quickly implemented an alternate solution. Further, one team member was isolated for a number of days due the New South Wales floods. The final hurdle overcome was the threat of a number of aircraft from Queensland based units being unable to participate due to the last minute COVID-19 lockdowns, requiring late-night contingency plans to be developed in the event the threat was realised.

Despite these challenges and the constantly changing environment, Group Captain Sloane and his team maintained a quiet determination to ensure the event showcased to best effect the past and present Royal Australian Air Force; which was a fitting tribute to the more than 350,000 Australians who have served, and the more than 11,100 of these who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

On the day, the event went off without incident. That it achieved the aim of spectacularly and safely showcasing 100 years of the Royal Australian Air Force is not in doubt. Indeed, the significant crowd of both public and Australian Defence Force members surrounding Lake Burley Griffin burst into spontaneous applause at the culmination of the ninety minute series of timed flypasts and grand parade of heritage and current operational aircraft.

For their significant contribution, professionalism and dedication, and in true RAAF spirit – through adversity to the stars – Group Captain Tim Sloane and his Royal Australian Air Force Centenary Flypast Team (Squadron Leaders James Denton, Jason Gamlin, Christopher Rogers and Flight Sergeant Tim Muehlberg) are awarded the Grand Master’s Australian Medal.

The Australian Bi-Centennial Award

Awarded as an ongoing commemoration of the Australian Bi-Centenary, to recognise an outstanding individual contribution to Australian aviation.

2022 Awarded to: Steve Padgett OAM

Steve Padgett has been in aviation since 1964. Steve learned to fly at age 16, winning a Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF) Flying Scholarship through the Air Training Corps (ATC), earning commissioned rank, Commercial Pilot’s Licence and Instructor Rating aged just 19. Steve has over 3,000 hours flying experience and has flown numerous types of aircraft from gyroplanes to business jets.

Whilst remaining in the RAAF Reserve Forces as an Instructor to the ATC, Steve started a career in aircraft sales and marketing with Hawker de Havilland and launched his own business in 1978, going on to form Aeromil Australia (later Aeromil Pacific) in 1980. Steve represented major aircraft manufacturers Beechcraft, Learjet, Embraer and Cessna and was successful in achieving a number of international sales awards.

Steve has been instrumental in developing new aviation markets and business in the Asia Pacific region. He facilitated the start-up of several airlines in Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Fiji, the South Pacific and Asia.

During the 1990s, Steve and partners acquired Austin Aero, Austin Texas, providing fuel and support services to major airlines and business and private aviation. As President of the company, the position afforded him considerable experience associated with corporate and commercial aviation in the USA.

In 1995, Steve moved his aviation interests in Australia from Bankstown Airport, Sydney to a greenfield site on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Airport in order to develop Aeromil and other opportunities. This initiative ultimately resulted in the purchase and construction of multiple hangars and facilities, the formation of Sunshine Express Airlines in 1998, and in 2002, the establishment of the Singapore Flying College Advanced Jet Training facility for Singapore Airlines. This has now become Universal Training Systems (UTS), providing advanced jet and turbo prop full motion simulation and related training for private, military, commercial and government organisations from around the world. Also, at the airport, Steve’s personal business interests include Flight Options Pilot Academy providing ab initio, commercial and advanced pilot training to airline standards; Flight Options Charter and Aircraft Management and SJP Aviation aircraft sales and specialist consulting services

In 2002, another significant career milestone was achieved, Steve Padgett co-founded Alliance Airlines, acquiring the assets of Flight West Airlines which was in administration at the time. From two Fokker airline jets and 75 employees at inception, Alliance has grown into the pre-emanate Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) operator in Australia and, supplier of charter services to all major Australian airlines. With over 40 Fokker aircraft in service, the largest single fleet in the world, the airline is now a public company with over 600 employees and bases all over the country. Steve was founding Chairman of Alliance Airlines and retains that position today.

In 2005, Steve Padgett’s company Aeromil Pacific secured the representation rights for Cessna and expanded business and infrastructure on Sunshine Coast and Bankstown Airports.

Under the guidance of Steve, Aeromil Pacific became one of Australia’s largest and most successful privately owned and operated aviation companies, acquired by Hawker Pacific in 2015, with Steve appointed Deputy Chairman of Hawker Pacific (Australia).

As Chairman of the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame, a member of the Australian Air Force Cadets Foundation and life member of the Regional Aviation Association of Australia, Steve contributes to the industry which provided him with his start and his career long passion for all things aviation and the people who work with him in it. Steve Padgett is recognised as a leader in aviation and has been acknowledged by his peers as one the region’s top 10 people of influence.

In June 2019, Steve Padgett was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for outstanding achievement and service. For making an outstanding individual contribution to Australian Aviation, Steve Padgett OAM is awarded the Australian Bi-Centennial Award.

The Master’s Trophy for the Australian Region

The recipient is a person whom, through his/her actions, skills or endeavours, has beneficially assisted the Honourable Company or aviation in any way. The person may also have carried out a significant feat in an airborne or space vehicle.

2022 Awarded to: Liveryman Captain Robert G Dicker BSc(Arch) BE (GIS Hons)

After a distinguished 30-year career as an airline pilot, including 20 years with Cathay Pacific (Captain on A330 & A340) Rob Dicker re-settled in Australia and transferred his Honourable Company of Air Pilots membership to the Australian Region. With a passion for flying training and youth development, Rob was soon head of the Australian Region Aviation Careers and Education Committee (ACEC). In that role, Rob enhanced the visibility of the Australian Region’s aviation scholarship program, seeking out value-adding aviation company support, adding several scholarships to the ACEC program, and setting a new bar for selection to scholarship courses, including CPL and ATPL exams, instrument rating and multi-crew courses. His dedication, diligence, and commitment to the HCAPA ACEC has resulted in healthy competition within the emerging aviation community for highly-regarded HCAPA sponsored scholarships.

After several years leading the ACEC, Rob was elected Chairman of HCAP Australian Region at the Annual General Meeting in March 2019, and eased into the role as Chairman in July 2019. Rob applied himself with equal aplomb and diligence to the Chairman role. He was across numerous issues, adding to the engagement of HCAPA with the regulator, Airservices, and numerous other agencies. The contacts he made as head of ACEC stood him in good stead, and he used those contacts to further the position and influence of HCAPA to, arguably, new levels. Rob’s tour of duty coincided with COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, Rob maintained an outstanding level of contact with the Executive Council, using Zoom meetings to best effect, he looked after the welfare of all HCAP/HCAPA members, from those directly impacted by the stand downs and lay-offs, through to senior members who were ‘locked down’ and restricted with limited family support and/or social contacts.

In his spare time post-Cathay, Rob has completed a degree in Geospatial Engineering (with 1st Class Honours) and is an active flying instructor at the Royal Australian Navy base/HMAS Albatross flying club at Nowra.

Rob Dicker has been the consummate Chairman, allowing others to lead a topic, asking the right questions, and driving sensible outcomes across a myriad of issues. Rob reads the room well, knows when to use HCAPA to best effect and always with respect and professionalism. He has injected himself into CASA matters where required and allowed others to participate in debate across the topics near and dear to HCAP – safety and standards.

In recognition of excellent service to the Honourable Company of Air Pilots Australian Region Rob is awarded the Master’s Australian Trophy 2022.

2021 Awards

The Grand Master’s Australian Medal

2021 Awarded to: Flight Lieutenant Laura Haws

Flight Lieutenant Haws is an Engineering Staff Officer within Headquarters Air Combat Group, currently supporting F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler maintenance, logistics and engineering for Number 82 Wing at RAAF Base Amberley.

Currently, her primary role is to oversee the Fleet Management of the inventory of 35 Super Hornet and Growler aircraft. She is responsible for overseeing the scheduling of maintenance and modification for the fleet of aircraft, engines and associated components, including the planning of activities, allocation of resources, and liaison with operators (aircrew) and contractors to ensure availability of aircraft is maximised. The maintenance schedule for the aircraft is a complicated mix of both calendar- and usage-based, and is highly dynamic based on changing demands for usage, additional modifications and changes, and a substantial range of unscheduled work that leads to a constantly changing program of work.

As an engineering staff officer in 2020, Flight Lieutenant Haws was involved in a large range of engineering tasks and projects aimed at supporting the operating squadrons, through maximising their ability to generate operating aircraft. These tasks and projects required the exercising of leadership, direction, planning, problem solving and close liaison with a range of stakeholders. They are non-trivial tasks relating to system improvement, or correcting deficiencies, in order to support the more effective delivery of air combat capability in support of the RAAF and Australian Government objectives.

In 2020, Flight Lieutenant Haws was responsible for the delivery of a number of significantly different but equally impressive tasks that had substantial, tangible outcomes for the ability of the operating squadrons of Number 82 Wing, that generated capability and delivered air power effects.

The first of these tasks was the development and implementation of a Wing Deployment Planning tool, which filled a void in exercise and deployment planning that had existed for many years. This tool, developed on her own initiative and in much of her own time has dramatically streamlined the preparation process for the supporting of flying exercises and deployments.

The second was the establishment of a centralised tool store entity within the Wing, allowing for the more efficient and effective central management of the finite support and test equipment and tooling assets held by the wing, making better use of the resources held and provision of support for maintenance and engineering

The third was the coordination of a detailed and thorough risk assessment into aircrew use of an integral boarding ladder on the Wing’s aircraft, which had been unused to the point of itself posing a hazard through unfamiliarity on the part of the crews. Her approach showed great understanding of risk and risk management, of legislative requirements, and of novel approaches to problem solving.

Flight Lieutenant Haws is a promising, capable young officer. Throughout 2020, numerous members of the Super Hornet and Growler community – aircrew, maintenance and contractor – praised her exceptional engineering and leadership skills. Consistently, praise of Flight Lieutenant Haws has focussed on her exceptional competence in role and her ability to interact with others. Colleagues cite her emotional intelligence and her ability to engage with others in a manner that achieves results through collaboration, cooperation and mutual respect. Flight Lieutenant Haws consistently engages the right people from the right organisations, reaching out beyond engineering into logistics and operational workforces to ensure all stakeholder needs are considered.

Flight Lieutenant Haws engenders the respect of subordinates through her personal demonstration of genuine concern for their well-being. She communicates confidently, openly and warmly and in doing so generates great rapport with her colleagues, leading to better outcomes developed in a harmonious and cohesive work environment. Her deep and considered thinking about problems and her outstanding support to aviation outcomes is commendable and warrants her nomination for this prestigious award.

Flight Lieutenant Haws is awarded the Grand Master’s Australian Medal 2021.

The Australian Bi-Centennial Award

Awarded as an ongoing commemoration of the Australian Bi-Centenary, to recognise an outstanding individual contribution to Australian aviation.

2021 Awarded to: Flt Lieutenant Geoffrey Fox

Flight Lieutenant Fox is a specialist aircrew officer and flying instructor of the highest calibre. His dedication to pilot training and standardisation whilst flying the 737-Boeing Business Jet at Number 34 Squadron have upheld the exacting standards required in the provision of VIP transport in support of the Government of Australia.

Flight Lieutenant Fox joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1987 and graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1989. He completed his pilot training in 1991 followed by operational tours on Falcon 900 and P3C Orion aircraft. In 1998, he graduated from flying instructor course followed by instructional tours at Number 2 Flying Training School and Central Flying School flying the PC-9A.

Achieving Squadron Leader rank in 2000 and Wing Commander in 2007, Flight Lieutenant Fox completed postings at Number 34 Squadron and various executive roles culminating in Command of Number 33 Squadron.

Returning to his passion in 2013, Flight Lieutenant Fox successfully gained a Specialist Aircrew posting at Number 34 Squadron accepting responsibility for pilot check, training and standardisation on the 737-Boeing Business Jet whilst also serving as an on-call line captain. The Specialist Aircrew role is designed to retain corporate knowledge guarding against routine Military posting cycles; Flight Lieutenant Fox has achieved this and continues to provide exemplary service in this role.

Captain John Ashton Memorial Award

To recognise a professional pilot or organisation for an outstanding contribution to flight standards and aviation safety within Australia.

2021 Awarded to: Royal Flying Doctor Service, Queensland Section

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland Section (RFDSQ) transported 11700 patients in the last calendar year, logging just on 28200 flight hours for the period. From eight bases in Queensland, the area of operation encompasses Remote and Regional Australia with operations to unimproved surfaces; including road landing sites, as well as International Airports.

The Flight Standards Team of seven personnel, led by the Manager Flight Standards Warren Schmitt and oversighted by Head of Flying Operations (HOFO) Shane Lawrey are responsible for Flight Standards, including CASA Licensing requirements to meet the obligations and Aviation Standards for the organisation under the auspices of Air Operator Certificate CASA.TAAOC.0060-23.

To manage the risks, associate with single pilot operations in high performance turbo prop aircraft, in 24/7 aeromedical operations, the RFDSQ Pilot group participate in a robust training and checking regime. Each Pilot is subject to the following on an annual basis:

1 week of training and checking, twice yearly (nominally at 6-month intervals) themed on safety data from the RFDSQ Safety Management System (SMS) data and/or sector risk profiles.
An in-aircraft night check consisting of a minimum of 3 sectors and night circuits at a “blackhole” aerodrome with 1 instrument approach on return.
An in-aircraft route proficiency check conducted on a rostered shift assessing aeromedical tasking standards
A Cabin Safety day, including theory, practical training and assessment of emergency procedure standards.
Human factors training integrated with other disciplines based on themed SMS trends for the sector.
Aviation and RFDSQ specific online recurrent training/testing.

The Flight Standards Team have also assisted implementation of the following operational improvements delivering efficiencies, safety outcomes and best practice aviation standards in a complex aeromedical environment:

Introduction of RVSM approval to the Kingair fleet with ongoing crew simulator training and checking.
Introduction of Performance Based Navigation and LNAV/VNAV APV capability with associated training and checking systems.
Duplicated navigation and surveillance avionics systems with no single point of failure by design.
Assisted the RFDSQ to achieve International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Stage 1, 2 and 3 in consecutive accreditation cycles. RFDSQ became the first dedicated aeromedical provider in Australia to achieve level 3 in March 2021 having worked for 6 years previously achieving levels 1 and 2. The International Business Aviation Council is headquartered in Montreal Canada and monitors and conducts audits worldwide. To achieve level 3 accreditation the highest aviation safety standards and the culture within the organisation must be of the highest order.
Maintains the CASA approved CAR217 Training and Checking System as well as the CASA Part 141 Training Organisation.
Operationalised the B350 type transitioning the RFDSQ and its Pilot cohort to greater than 5700 kg air transport operations.
Introduced integrated human factors training for staff and crew interacting with front line operations.
Rationalised the RFDSQ fleet achieving an all multi-engine turbine fleet of B200 and B350 Kingairs.
Transition the RFDSQ Training and Checking from all in-aircraft to an integrated simulator and aircraft model.

The RFDSQ has been in operation for 92 years and the above accomplishments have positioned the organisation as a world class Aeromedical provider serving the Queensland and Australian Community.

For an outstanding contribution to flight standards and aviation safety within Australia, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland Section and its Flight Standards Team is nominated for the Captain John Ashton Memorial Award 2021.

The Master’s Trophy for the Australian Region

2021 Awarded to: Adrianne Fleming OAM

Adrianne Fleming learned to fly in the late 1980s whilst working for the Civil Aviation Authority as an Airways Systems Data Officer, a support role to Air Traffic Control. By August 1993, aged just 24, she had advanced to hold a Commercial Pilot Licence and Grade 1 Flight Instructor rating, and with her husband Geoff, opened her own flying school, Tristar Aviation, at Moorabbin airport in Melbourne.

Over the years, as they developed the business, Adrianne became known as a specialist in training methodology and the school expanded to the highest levels of aviation training, with a staff of 12 instructors and offering approved courses to Australian and overseas students. Many of their former students are now employed with Australian and overseas airlines.

2020 Awards

The Grand Master’s Australian Medal

2020 Awarded to: Captain Susan McHaffie

Captain Susan (Sue) McHaffie commenced her aviation career in 1989 as a flight instructor. For almost ten years she demonstrated her passion for training rising to become a Chief Flight Instructor and Examiner but most importantly she influenced and shaped the careers of many pilots flying across the world today.

In 1998 she commenced her relationship with the Bombarder (now De-Havilland) products by joining Flight Safety International initially as a Flight Simulator and Ground Instructor. By 2005, she was recognised by many Dash 8 operators as a technical expert on type so Tyrolean Airlines in Europe requested her assistance with the Dash 8 Q400 for 2 years from Flight Safety International. Following this Air Canada Jazz (Air Canada’s Regional Airline) signed her up for another two years to assist with and fly the Bombarder CRJ. After assisting Jazz she returned to Flight Safety International

By 2010, her skills and capability were recognised by Flight Safety International and she was appointed as Director of Programs. In this role she was responsible for courseware and material development for the Bombardier commercial product line, including the Twin Otter, Dash 7, Dash 8, Q400 and CRJ aircraft. She developed training programs including training manuals, presentations and exams as well being responsible for the regulatory approvals of training materials. She was Flight Safety’s liaison with Bombardier (now De-Havilland) Flight Operations.

In the same year, she was recognised by the North American aviation industry as a Subject Matter Expert on pilot training and the Dash 8 which culminated in her being appointed to the US Congress Committee and Industry Panel into the Colgan Air 3407 Dash 8 Q400 accident at Buffalo, New York. Following this she was appointed by the FAA to the UPRT development and training committee to formulate and develop UPRT training for industry which issued the first Advisory Circular (AC).

After 15 years with Flight Safety International and establishing a significant mark in both North American and European training, she accepted a role as Manager Fleet Technical and Development with QantasLink in Australia. Leaving her native Canada, she headed to Australia in 2013 to head up the Fleet Technical and Development department across Australia’s largest regional airline.

For the next seven years, her skill set from technical knowledge, training and development shone through in the following achievements at QantasLink –

• Introduced the iPad as the electronic flight bag – first in the world for regional airlines
• Developed the first in country and the world Load App onto the iPad – mitigate significant loading risks and delivered enhanced operational efficiency
• Developed the first centralised Flight Planning app to deliver fuel efficiency benefits and provide pilots with a “one stop” shop
• Implemented fuel efficiency measures across the QantasLink fleet
• Developed a new operations manual suite
• Implemented various electronic mediums for training

During this journey, her innate vision saw her develop and founder an initiative in 2014 which became a worldwide movement – namely FlyPink. She decided to combine her love of aviation with a family connection to breast cancer and identified an opportunity for pilots to swap their traditional epaulettes for pink epaulettes during the month of October which is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Money raised from the epaulettes went to Breast Cancer organisations.

Since 2014, the movement of FlyPink has literally taken off globally. Today Fly Pink not only see epaulettes being worn by pilots but engineers, ground teams and also modified pink wings for Cabin Crew. The movement is truly a reflection on her commitment and passion to a wonderful cause which is now an industry supported event.

Ironically in 2017 after raising so much money for breast cancer, the founder of FlyPink was to be diagnosed with breast cancer herself. She faced the challenge with grace and wonderful tenacity resulting last year with a clear diagnosis.

After 30 years associated with flying operations, she decided a new challenge beckoned. As a pilot, instructor, examiner and aircraft technical expert she was appointed to the Airworthiness and Engineering team as the Manager for Continuing Airworthiness Organisation Services late last year. In this role she will leverage her technical and leadership capability to support and develop the Airworthiness organisation. This is the first time a pilot has been appointed to such a position and CASA was fully supportive of this appointment based on the respect they have for her capability.

Today as an Australian citizen, Captain Susan (Sue) McHaffie is well respected by industry and regulators across the globe. She has made a significant contribution to the industry not just through her technical and training skills and capability but by leaving a legacy through FlyPink which will no doubt be a movement that future generations of the industry will reflect on and realise that one person can start a movement by combining their love of the industry with a common dream to make a difference.

For her meritorious contribution to aviation Captain Susan McHaffie is the Grand Master’s Australian Medal recipient 2020

The Australian Bi-Centennial Award

Awarded as an ongoing commemoration of the Australian Bi-Centenary, to recognise an outstanding individual contribution to Australian aviation.

2020 Awarded to: Greg Hood FRAeS, ATSB Chief Commissioner and CEO

Gregory (Greg) James Hood has spent his entire career in aviation and risen to become one of the most respected aviation administrators in Australia and internationally.

Greg Hood (born September, 1960) grew up in Adelaide, South Australia. Following school and a stint at university Greg joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1980 as an Air Traffic Controller serving for the next ten years at various location around Australia as well as a deployment to the Sinai.

Upon leaving the RAAF Greg took his Air Traffic Controller skills to the civil sphere and joined Australia’s Air Navigation Services provider, initially the Civil Aviation Authority and later, Airservices Australia. Greg worked in a number of ATC centres around Australia for the next three years before moving to the Centre for Air Traffic Services, University of Tasmania, as an ATC instructor, based in Launceston.

Greg’s leadership and management skills were beginning to be recognised and after almost two years in Launceston he moved to the Brisbane ATC centre taking on roles as Team Leader, Group Leader and Flight Information Region Manager over the next seven years.

In 2002 Greg was promoted to the Manager of the Melbourne ATC centre within Airservices Australia and then in 2006 as the Manager, National Towers and Regional Services.

During his time with Airservices Australia Greg was integrally involved in the implementation of major air traffic management and technology projects, such as the Australia Advanced Air Traffic System (TAAATS), the evolution of safety management systems and the introduction of user-preferred routes and flex-tracks.

After his 18 years with Airservices Australia Greg moved to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for a period of 5 years, initially as the Group General Manager Personnel, Licensing, Education and Training and then as the Executive Manager, Operations.

However, Airservices Australia beckoned again and Greg returned as the General Manager, Demand and Capacity Management for a short period before taking on the role of Executive Generals Manager, Air Traffic Control.

In 2016 Greg moved to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau as its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Commissioner, a role that he holds to the present day.

During his career Greg has served on a number of national and international committees and boards including as a board member of Safeskies Australia and Vice-Chair of the steering committee for the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation’s Operations Standing Committee. In 2019 Greg was elected as the Chair of the International Transportation Safety Association (ITSA). Whatever his role, Greg has been a regular presenter at conferences and symposia advocating with passion for aviation.

Greg is a recipient of the Australian Defence Medal, the Australian Service Medal – Sinai Clasp, and the Multinational Force and Observers Medal. He is a Freeman of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Greg holds a PPL as well as flying gliders, owns his own light aircraft and is also an accomplished musician and linguist.

Greg Hood has made an outstanding contribution to Australian aviation over his 40 year career and is the recipient of the 2020 Australian Bi-Centennial Award.

Captain John Ashton Memorial Award

To recognise a professional pilot or organisation for an outstanding contribution to flight standards and aviation safety within Australia.

2020 Awarded to: Captain Graham Stokes FRAes

Captain Graham Stokes FRAeS currently holds the position of Head of Training and Standards for Virgin Australia Group which includes Chief Executive Officer – Virgin Australia Part 142 Training Organisation, accountable for Flight Crew and Cabin Crew Training and Checking. He is also a B737-800 Captain.

Graham was born in the United Kingdom and educated at Windsor Grammar School from 1974 to 1981. By 1983 he had become a Flying instructor at Wycombe Air Centre.

His career then moved to the Airlines with British Midland, Britannia Airways (B757/767), Cathay Pacific B747-400) and British Airways (B747-400 and B737). He then joined the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in 2006 as a Training Inspector and became Regional Manager (Flight Operations) for the Southern, Stirling & Stansted Regional Offices. He returned to the airlines in 2011, becoming Head of Flight Operations Training & Standards, Virgin Atlantic Airways, a role including:
• Head of Flight Operations Training & Standards, Virgin Atlantic Airways
• EASA Post Holder for Crew Training
• Head of Operations for Approved Training Organisation
• Responsible for Flight Crew, Cabin Crew and Engineer training
• Captain B747-400
• TRI/TRE B747-400
• Senior Examiner All Virgin types.

In 2016 he moved to his current role with Virgin Australia. Graham has a wealth of experience in the introduction of training programs both in Australia and previously in the UK including:
• Responsible for introducing combined oversight and integration of 2 AOC training programmes at Virgin Australia
• Senior Manager responsible for introduction of B787 into Virgin Atlantic
• Introduction of robust Pilot Development Programmes at Virgin Atlantic & Virgin Australia
• Introduced Cadet Pilot scheme at Virgin Atlantic (Led union negotiations)
• Introduced 3 hour simulator sessions at Virgin Atlantic (driving productivity improvements)
• Alternative Training Qualification Programme (ATQP) Working Group;
i) Chair of CAA / Industry working group,
ii) Responsible for the development & introduction of ATQP in the UK, & for influencing within Europe and the Middle East.
iii) Supported several UK airlines in setting up & introducing their ATQP programmes
• Chair of two Catch-Up Operational Evaluation Boards for EASA, for the B757/767 & B747-400/-8.
• Responsible for Flight Crew training course design, implementation and management at Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic Airways, British Airways & Britannia Airways.
• CAA Flight Operations Icing Gateway;

Away from his airline work, Graham is a Board member of the Royal Queensland Aero Club. While he was still in the UK he was a former Chief Flying Instructor – RAF Lyneham Flying Club Charity. This is a registered charity that promotes flying for young Airmen at heavily discounted rates.

For his outstanding contribution to flight standards and aviation safety within Australia, Captain Graham Stokes FRAeS is awarded the 2020 Captain John Ashton Memorial Award.

The Master’s Trophy for the Australian Region

2020 Awarded to: Michael Cleaver BSc (Hons)

Michael (Mike) Cleaver was born in January 1949 and grew up in the Bristol area of the United Kingdom.

After school he attended the University of East Anglia where he gained a BSc (Hons) in Chemical Sciences and Education and subsequently became a Science Teacher. It appears that his interest in Aviation was spawned during his university days as Secretary of a Gliding Club. Since that time Mike has had an abiding interest in Light Sports Aviation, General Aviation, Gliding and Ballooning.

Mike holds a Commercial Pilot Licence and Instructor Rating in addition to being a Glider Instructor and Chief Flying Instructor of the Temora Gliding Club.

Mike emigrated to Australia in the early 1970’s where he first worked as a Science Teacher, initially at Junee High School, before joining Airservices Australia as a trainee Air Traffic Controller.

In 1983 he joined the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), initially monitoring aviation self-administration organisations and providing assistance with developing their manuals and auditing their systems. Later, legal drafting and instruction on policy development in the general and recreational aviation areas; writing technical and consultation documents and analysing impacts of proposed legislative change, including airspace policy, safety education and management.

Mike retired from CASA in 2009.

Mike joined the Honourable Company of Air Pilots (HCAP) in March 2006 as a Freeman. In 2016 he took the Livery at a ceremony in Adelaide during the Master’s visit to Australia.

Mike has been an active member of the Executive Council of the Australian Region since 2010 when he became the inaugural ACT Working Group Chair in June of that year.

As a Canberra resident Mike represented the HCAP on multiple committees and consultations, particularly in areas of light aircraft, gliding and ballooning, including as a member of the Part 91 Working Group in matters on light aircraft and, with the assistance of John Eacott, on helicopters.

Mike took on the role of Assistant Secretary in 2011 and then Secretary until 2014 when he became Director, Technical and Air Safety.

In 2017 Mike became Chairman, Australian Region serving in that role until June 2019 when he became the Immediate Past Chairman and where he continues to provide his experience and advice to the Executive Council.

Mike has given selflessly of himself in serving the Australian Region of the Honourable Company over the past fifteen years as well as the broader aviation community, and in particular general aviation, over a much broader time frame.

Through his active involvement and endeavours Mike Cleaver has beneficially assisted the Honourable Company of Air Pilots and Aviation in Australia and is therefore his awarded the 2020 Master’s Trophy for the Australian Region.

2019 Awards

The Grand Master’s Australian Medal

2019 Awarded to: RAAF Aircraft Research and Development Unit

The Australian Bi-Centennial Award

Awarded as an ongoing commemoration of the Australian Bi-Centenary, to recognise an outstanding individual contribution to Australian aviation.

2019 Awarded to: Nathan Higgins, Advanced Flight Theory

Captain John Ashton Memorial Award

To recognise a professional pilot or organisation for an outstanding contribution to flight standards and aviation safety within Australia.

2019 Awarded to: Captain David Evans

The Master’s Trophy for the Australian Region

The recipient is a person whom, through his/her actions, skills or endeavours, has beneficially assisted the
Honourable Company or aviation in any way. The person may also have carried out a significant feat in an airborne or space vehicle.

2019 Awarded to: Captain Darryl Hill

For a complete list of current and previous Trophies and Awards winners please visit this link.

If you have any questions about our awards please contact awards@airpilots.org.au.

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