Two pilots with strong connections to general aviation and community flying have been recognised in the King's Birthday 2026 Honours List, announced by the Governor-General on 8 June.
Howard William Hobbs of Roma, Queensland, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the people and Parliament of Queensland and to the community. Hobbs is the current chair and a director of Angel Flight Australia, having served on the board since approximately 2019, and has been a volunteer community service pilot and aircraft owner with the organisation since 2022. He is also a member of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Queensland Branch of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Angel Flight Australia CEO Marjorie Pagani said the honour was richly deserved.
'Howard's appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia is a fitting recognition of a lifetime dedicated to serving others,' Pagani said. 'Whether through his years in public office, his commitment to regional communities, or his invaluable contribution to Angel Flight Australia as both a volunteer and Chair of our Board, Howard has consistently demonstrated integrity, compassion and leadership.'
'Howard's passion for helping people living in rural and remote Australia has made a lasting impact on our organisation and the communities we serve. We are incredibly grateful for his guidance, wisdom and unwavering support over many years, and we couldn't be more pleased to see his service recognised with this well-deserved honour.'
Sydney pilot Peter Robert Clisdell has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the real estate industry and to the community. Clisdell's aviation contributions include nine years as a volunteer pilot with Angel Flight Australia between 2010 and 2019, fundraising for the Royal Flying Doctor Service via the Steadfast Outback Air Race in 2015, and service to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Australia, where he was named Member of the Year in 2018.
The King's Birthday 2026 Honours List recognised 949 Australians across a range of fields.