In 1949, well-known Australian aviatrix Nancy-Bird Walton invited a group of women pilots to meet for morning tea in Sydney. It was from this meeting that the idea of forming an association emerged. The innaugural meeting was held on the 16 September 1950 at Bankstown, with 49 women pilots attending. Within 12 months, there were branches in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, followed several years later by Tasmania and the Northern Territory. The association now has over 500 members.

The aims of the Association adopted in 1952 are to:

• foster closer relationships and unity among women pilo
• assist women to undertake flying in Australia and elsewhere
• develop public interest in aviation, especially among women, and
• assist in the development of aviation in general.

The association organises social activities, organised fly-ins, educational workshops, navigation trials, mentoring, meetings, guest speakers and actively supports aviation associations and clubs with a similar focus. The Association is partcularly proud of its part in having women accepted across the aviation spectrum and will continue to support and encourage women pilots to achieve their dreams. For more information visit the Australian Women Pilots Association Website.