The Australian Flying Wings Awards returned to a fitting setting on Saturday 16 May, with the 2026 ceremony held at the HARS Aviation Hall of Fame at Albion Park, as part of the Wings Over Shellharbour airshow.
It was a privilege to present the awards alongside Shaun Holmes of CASA, recognising the individuals and organisations making a genuine difference to general aviation in Australia.
The morning opened with the GA Flight Training Organisation of the Year, taken out by Airflite, with Kristian Constantinides on hand to collect the award. Airflite's recognition reflects the consistent standard of training it delivers to the next generation of Australian pilots.
Peninsula Aero Club was named Aero Club of the Year, with Luke Bramston accepting on behalf of the club. Aero clubs are the heartbeat of general aviation in this country, and Peninsula's work in keeping that community alive and thriving was rightly acknowledged.
Dave Prossor took out the Flying Instructor of the Year award, a recognition of the patience, skill and dedication that the best instructors bring to their work every day. It is a role that shapes careers and, ultimately, saves lives.
Ben Byrnes was named Young Achiever of the Year, a well-deserved acknowledgement of the contribution younger members of the aviation community are already making to the sector.
The Col Pay Award for Lifetime Achievement, the most significant award of the evening, was presented to the fabulous Phil Unicomb. Named in honour of the late Col Pay, one of Australian aviation's great characters, this award recognises a career of sustained contribution to general aviation. Phil's achievement in receiving it speaks for itself.
The HARS Hall of Fame provided a spectacular backdrop for the event, surrounded by some of Australia's most significant historic aircraft. It was a reminder of how deep the roots of Australian aviation run, and why recognising those who continue to nurture it matters so much.
Congratulations to all of this year's winners.