RAAus Notice: January 14, 2009

[Admin]

January 14, 2009: The sad passing of Nancy-Bird Walton, AO, OBE

 

RA-Aus members were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of aviator Nancy-Bird Walton on Tuesday, January 13, 2009.

 

Her first flying lesson — at the age of seventeen — was conducted by Charles Kingsford-Smith. Nancy became the first female commercial pilot in the English speaking world. She was employed by the Far West (NSW) Children's Home to fly a mobile baby clinic, and became known as the "Angel of the Outback".

 

Nancy-Bird (as she liked to be known) also worked as Commandant of the Women's Air Training Corps during the Second World War and later founded the Australian Women Pilots' Association. Last year, Qantas named its first Airbus A380 super jumbo in her honour.

 

Nancy-Bird Walton was a true Australian aviation legend.

 

We extend our sincere condolences to her family.