Nominations for the 2027 CASA Wings Awards close on 15 November. If someone shaped your flying, this is your chance to tell their story.
Most of us can point to someone who made a difference: an instructor, a club volunteer, a business owner who went out of their way. Yet every year, plenty of deserving people go unrecognised because nobody gets around to nominating them.
Flick back through your logbook and you may notice one name keeps turning up in the instructor column. Remember your first flight, and the support you received from the school or aero club who made it possible. Most of us can point to someone who made a difference: an instructor, a club volunteer, a business owner who went out of their way.
Yet every year, plenty of deserving people go unrecognised because nobody gets around to nominating them.
Here are the most common reasons, and why none of them should stop you.
"Someone else will have nominated them."
Maybe, but often nobody has. Each nomination tells the judges something new, so add yours anyway.
"Nominating myself feels awkward."
Self-nominations are welcome, and plenty of strong entries come that way. If your club or business has had a big year, put it forward.
"We're too small to win."
The judges look for contribution and commitment, whatever the size of the operation. A small aero club that has rebuilt its membership or a one-person maintenance business keeping a regional fleet flying is exactly what the awards are for.
"I wouldn't know what to say."
Tell their story the way you'd tell it at the clubhouse. What did they do, who did it help, and what changed as a result?
There are six categories: the Col Pay Award for Lifetime Service to General Aviation, GA Flying Training Organisation of the Year, Aero Club of the Year, GA Flying Instructor of the Year, Young Achiever of the Year for nominees under 25, and GA Business of the Year.
Winners will be announced in the March-April 2027 issue of Australian Flying, and anyone who nominates a winner receives a year's subscription to the magazine.
So, who's in your logbook? Nominations close on 15 November and you can nominate here.