Flying instructor receives Prince of Wales Award

Geraldton pilot and RAAF Reservist Geoffrey McDougall has received the prestigious Prince of Wales Award to help extend his flying instructor qualifications.

The Prince of Wales Award scheme rewards selected Australian Defence Force Reservists for their dedication and commitment to Reserve service by providing an opportunity to undertake a training or development activity related to their civilian occupation or profession, with recipients receiving up to $8000 to undertake an agreed activity. 

McDougall and his wife Carla own and operate Kelmac Aviation, which offers RA-Aus flight training and aircraft sales (Kelmac is the Western Australian representative for Tecnam) and maintenance support.

McDougall plans to use his winnings to complete training and testing to become a CASA certified Grade 1 flying instructor, which will allow Kelmac Aviation to expand its pilot training into General Aviation.

FLTLT McDougall is also a part-time RAAF flying instructor, flying BAe Hawk jet lead-in fighter aircraft with 79 Squadron at RAAF Pearce, Bullsbrook, WA. He has more than 30 years experience flying military and civilian aircraft in Australia and overseas. Before becoming an Air Force Reservist, he flew CT-4, PC-9 and Macchi trainers, Caribou transport and F/A-18 fighter aircraft as a full-time officer in the RAAF.

The award, presented at a DRSC-WA state council meeting at Leeuwin Barracks in East Fremantle, also recognised Kelmac Aviation as a supportive employer of Reservists.