The 2025 CASA Wings Awards winners have been announced, recognising the people and organisations strengthening Australian general aviation through leadership, instruction, community engagement and service.
Each year, the Wings Awards shine a light on those who go above and beyond for the GA community, from lifetime contributors and dedicated instructors to aero clubs, training organisations and emerging young aviators.
As CASA CEO Pip Spence said, the awards are about recognising the people who quietly underpin the sector.
“General aviation is built on people who care deeply about what they do, and the Wings Awards give us a chance to shine a light on those efforts,” Spence said. “The 2025 winners represent the passion, professionalism and commitment that keep general aviation strong across Australia.”
Col Pay Award for Lifetime Service to General Aviation
Phil Unicomb
With nearly five decades in aviation, Phil Unicomb has shaped Australian general aviation through advanced instruction, aerobatics and loss-of-control prevention training. A mentor to thousands of pilots and more than 40 state and national champions, Phil’s influence extends across instructors, examiners, corporate pilots and airline captains. His lifelong commitment to safety, professionalism and skill development makes him a fitting recipient of the Col Pay Award.
Aero Club of the Year
Peninsula Aero Club
Based at Tyabb on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the Peninsula Aero Club has supported regional aviation for more than 60 years. The club owns and operates Mornington Peninsula Airport and continues to deliver high-quality flight training while maintaining strong community engagement, including hosting the long-running Tyabb Airshow. Its leadership, heritage and commitment to accessibility have made it one of Australia’s most respected aero clubs.
Instructor of the Year
David “Dave” Prossor
With more than 50 years in aviation and over 30 years as a flight instructor, Dave Prossor has built a reputation for depth of experience and quiet dedication to mentoring pilots. Specialising in tailwheel training and supporting pilots in remote regions, Dave has strengthened safety and standards across the industry. His career reflects a rare blend of operational breadth, generosity and instructional excellence.
GA Flying Training Organisation of the Year
Airflite Flying College
Operating from Jandakot Airport in Perth, Airflite Flying College has established itself as one of Australia’s leading aviation training organisations. With integrated CASA Part 141 and Part 142 approvals, strong industry connections and around 130 students trained each year, Airflite prepares graduates to enter the workforce with confidence and professionalism. Its embedded operational model bridges the gap between licence and career.
Young Achiever of the Year
Ben Byrnes
Grade Two instructor Ben Byrnes has demonstrated rapid progression and a strong commitment to service early in his career. From charter operations to tailwheel instruction and volunteer flying with Little Wings, Ben combines technical growth with a desire to give back. His drive, professionalism and long-term ambition to serve regional communities mark him as one of GA’s rising talents.
2025 CASA Wings Awards Prizes
This year’s CASA Wings Award winners will share in prizes valued at more than $5,500, thanks to the generous support of the program’s industry partners.
Col Pay Award for Lifetime Service to General Aviation
The recipient receives a Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro Aviator Smartwatch with vented titanium bracelet, valued at $2,429. Garmin’s most capable D2 smartwatch includes a worldwide aviation database, weather and moving maps, built-in torch, vivid AMOLED touchscreen display, health and fitness monitoring and up to 11 days of battery life.
GA Flying Training Organisation of the Year
The winner receives a $500 fuel credit from World Fuel Services, plus a one-year subscription to AvPlan Australian Premium Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), valued at $319.
Aero Club of the Year
The winning club receives a $500 fuel credit from World Fuel Services, along with a one-year subscription to AvPlan Australian Premium Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), valued at $319.
GA Flying Instructor of the Year
The winner receives an ICOM IC-A16 handheld VHF radio transceiver, valued at $425, as well as a one-year subscription to AvPlan Australian Premium Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), valued at $319.
Young Achiever of the Year
The recipient receives a GME MT610G Personal Locator Beacon, valued at $425, plus a one-year subscription to AvPlan Australian Premium Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), valued at $319.
The 2025 CASA Wings Awards continue to celebrate the individuals and organisations ensuring Australian general aviation remains vibrant, inclusive and sustainable for the future.
The winners will be presented with their awards and prizes at a ceremony in May at Wings over Shellharbour.
Read the full feature article in the March/April edition of Australian Flying, which is out now.