2025 CASA Wings Awards
The CASA Wings Awards celebrate the achievements of exceptional individuals and organisations in the general aviation (GA) community. The awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge the people and companies that go above and beyond to make general aviation better for all.
Nominating only takes a few minutes and this year our winners will share in prizes valued at more than $5,500. Further, if your nomination leads to a person or organisation winning a CASA Wings Award, you’ll also win a prize: a one-year subscription to Australian Flying magazine.
Nominations are open now and close 16 November 2025. Winners will be presented at Airshows Downunder Shellharbour on 13 March 2026 and published in the March-April 2026 edition of Australian Flying.
JUDGING CRITERIA AND SUBMISSION ADVICE
Before you begin a nomination, check the judging criteria and submission tips for the five categories.
Download judging criteria and submission guidance
SUBMIT A NOMINATION
Ready to make a nomination? Choose an award category below to begin your nomination. Nominating only takes a few minutes and you can nominate yourself or your own organisation.
Note: While broad statements of support may be included, specific examples that demonstrate how the nominee has met or exceeded the judging criteria (see above) are of most value. Consider examples that demonstrate how the nominee is different, special or innovative. If relevant, supply data showing measurable results. Any questions, please contact us at wingsawards@australianflying.com.au
COL PAY AWARD FOR LIFETIME SERVICE TO GENERAL AVIATION
This award recognises a person who has contributed significantly to general aviation over a long period. It is the highest accolade presented by The Wings Awards. The Col Pay Award is named after general aviation legend Col Pay, a pioneer of agricultural aviation, and a celebrated restorer, owner and pilot of some of Australia's most loved warbirds. Nominations for the Col Pay Award are perpetual; once someone is nominated, the submission will be considered in the following years. This doesn't happen with any other Wings Awards categories.
Submit a nomination for Col Pay Award for Lifetime Service to GA
GA FLYING TRAINING ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR
This award recognises a flying training organisation that has contributed significantly to general aviation.
Submit a nomination for GA Flying Training Organisation of the Year
AERO CLUB OF THE YEAR
This award recognises an aero club that has contributed significantly to general aviation.
Submit a nomination for Aero Club of the Year
GA FLYING INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
This award recognises a flying instructor who has contributed significantly to general aviation.
Submit a nomination for GA Flying Instructor of the Year
YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
This award recognises a person aged under 25 years old who has contributed significantly to general aviation.
Submit a nomination for Young Achiever of the Year
PRIZES
This year our winners will share in prizes valued at more than $5,500. Also, if your nomination leads to someone winning a CASA Wings Award, you’ll also receive a prize: a one-year subscription to Australian Flying magazine.
COL PAY AWARD
Garmin D2™ Mach 1 Pro Aviator Smartwatch with vented titanium bracelet, valued at $2,429. Garmin's most capable D2 smartwatch yet includes a full suite of aviation features, including worldwide aviation database, weather and moving maps. There's also a built-in torch, vivid AMOLED touchscreen display, health and fitness monitoring and 11 days battery life. |
GA FLYING TRAINING ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR
Fuel credit from World Fuel Services to the value of $500. World Fuel delivers cost-competitive fuel to more than 700 airlines and 11,000 businesses and general aviation customers at airports worldwide. World Fuel operates at a number of airports around Australia and provides fuel arrangements at other airports through its supply partners. |
One-year subscription to Avplan Australian Premium Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) valued at $319. AvPlan is the leading Australian flight planning application for Apple iOS and Android devices. AvPlan EFB is designed as the go-anywhere lifetime EFB application that grows with you – from local VFR recreational aviation through to professional IFR charter and regional airline operations.
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AERO CLUB OF THE YEAR
Fuel credit from World Fuel Services to the value of $500. World Fuel delivers cost-competitive fuel to more than 700 airlines and 11,000 businesses and general aviation customers at airports worldwide. World Fuel operates at a number of airports around Australia and provides fuel arrangements at other airports through its supply partners. |
One-year subscription to Avplan Australian Premium Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) valued at $319. AvPlan is the leading Australian flight planning application for Apple iOS and Android devices. AvPlan EFB is designed as the go-anywhere lifetime EFB application that grows with you – from local VFR recreational aviation through to professional IFR charter and regional airline operations.
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GA FLYING INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
ICOM IC-A16 handheld VHF radio transceiver, valued at $425. ICOM's most popular handheld VHF transceiver offers 8.33 kHz and 25 kHz channel spacing, built in bluetooth for handsfree operation and up to 17 hours of battery life. All in a durable, waterproof and compact body. Other features include LCD and key backlight for nighttime operations and 200 memory channels with names up to eight characters.
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YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
GME MT610G Personal Locator Beacon, valued at $425. Every year, thousands of people across the globe are rescued with the help of an emergency beacon. The compact and lightweight MT610G PLB is waterproof and offers a 7-year battery life. It's the only Australian-made PLB on the market and it boasts a typical GPS accuracy better than 100m. |
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JUDGING PANEL
The Wings Awards are independently judged by Australian Flying, the Royal Aeronautical Society Australian Division, and members of the general aviation community. A fourth member of the judging panel will be announced in August 2025.
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Steve Hitchen |
Doug Nancarrow |
Shelley Ross |
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WINGS AWARDS HONOUR ROLL
The Wings Awards have been acknowledging the achievements of individuals and organisations in the Australian general aviation sector since 2014. You can see the winners of Wings Awards from 2014 to 2024 here.
QUESTIONS
Have a question about The Wings Awards? Feel free to email us at wingsawards@australianflying.com.au
CASA WINGS AWARDS SPONSORS
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