The Master’s Message
The current Master is Elizabeth Walkinshaw.
Previously Elizabeth has worked as a computer programmer/analyst; engineering company director and owner/manager of a large, successful horse breeding and competition business.
Flying helicopters since 1986, Elizabeth still loves to fly. Helicopters flown include the Jet Ranger, Augusta 109 and, most recently, the Squirrel.
She is a Board member of the General Aviation Safety Council and Air Pilots Property Ltd, the Liaison Officer for the Red Arrows, member of the Trophies and Awards and the Flying Club Committees, the Unmanned Air Systems Technical Group, the Airspace Innovation and Research Technical Group, and the Mentoring group and also helps with Scholarship sifting.
Committee member of the Candlewick Ward Club, becoming the next Chairman, and has also taken part in the Lord Mayor’s Show on four occasions.
Interests – motor racing. Previous Chairman Women’s Motor Racing Associates Club, raising huge amounts of money for many Charities including the Air Ambulance.
A love for horses particularly riding side saddle, she holds an HGV licence, enjoys walking and swimming, and occasionally uphill skiing, snowshoeing and cross country.
The Master writes …
I am writing my first Master’s Message before I have been installed as your Master, but that event will have happened by the time you read my words, and I am delighted to have this opportunity to write about my year ahead.
My installation will have taken place in March, just three days before my birthday – a lovely present. I am delighted to be elected as Master, and I would like to emphasise how privileged and honoured I feel to have this position bestowed on me, as only the second female Master of the Company in 97 years. I am extremely keen to serve the Company well and look forward to my year.
I have a passion for flying and everything associated with the world of aviation. As Master, I look forward to giving my time, enthusiasm, and dedication in combination with my knowledge and experience, and I will do my best in my position as Master and Ambassador for this International Company. Of course, every Master has been different, and I will be no exception!
As a long-time helicopter pilot, one of my focuses will be to encourage more knowledge of these aircraft, and to encourage more helicopter pilots to join the Company. Helicopters play important roles such as Air Sea Rescue and Air Ambulance and in all three Military services. January 2026, saw the first flight of the UK’s fully autonomous, full-size helicopter, the Leonardo Proteus, and for the first time Royal Navy helicopters used live data from multiple drones to target a moving vehicle. New drones will pair up with Boeing Apache attack helicopters, with Industry partnering with Defence to shape future of autonomous weapons systems.
The Company Journal
The Company produces a bi-monthly issue of its journal ‘Air Pilot’ edited by Allan Winn containing information on the aviation scene and Company activities.
You can download the current issue as well as past issues back to 2008 at this link.
Australian Region (HCAPA)
Chairman’s Newsletter
