Australian aviator recognised in the Australia Day honours list

[damono]

Mr Donald Charles ADAMS of Toogoom Queensland (Seabird Aviation Australia) was recognised today For service to the aviation industry with an Order of Australia Medal.

 

Founder and Chairman, Seabird Aviation Australia, since 1983; involved in the design, certification and current production of the Seabird Seeker. Commenced a daily aerial paper run and delivery of urgently required goods to 7 townships in the Maryborough/Bundaberg hinterlands, 1963-1970. Chairman, Queensland Aerial Operators Association, for one term in the 1960s. Introduced the Britten Norton Islander aircraft into Australia and the Pacific region, 1970. Involved in aerial grass-seeding of the Brigalow scrub areas, 1957-1965. Made the first aircraft landing at the newly-developed Hervey Bay Airport, 1961. Obtained pilot’s licence, 1946. Involved in the construction of an air strip and tourist accommodation on Lady Elliot Island, 1969. Involved in the construction of the first air strip on Fraser Island, 1961.

 

Mr John Hamilton MACKNIGHT ofDeniliquin NSW (Macknight Airlines) was recognised today For service to the aviation industry, and to the community.

 

 

Founder and Operator, Macknight Airlines, 1970-1997; provided air services to Wagga Wagga, Deniliquin, Finley, Tocumwal and other districts in south west Riverina. Casual Pilot, Wettenhall Air Services, 1997-2005.

 

Partner, Air Charter Business, 1964-1970. Life Member, Regional Aviation Association of Australia; Board Member, for many years; Foundation Member. Current Flight Checker of airport lighting systems and visual approach aids throughout Australia and East Timor, Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Ground Instructor, Pilot Proficiency Program, International Comanche Society; Public Officer; Chief, 2006-2007. Current Consultant, airport matters. Former Board Member, Deniliquin Hospital. Former Chair, Red Shield Appeal, The Salvation Army. Former President, Deniliquin Club. Involved in an agricultural farming property in Deniliquin, from 1975 until his retirement in 2002. Awards/recognition include: Access Road to Deniliquin Airport was named ‘Macknight Drive’ by the Deniliquin Council in his honour, 2008. Aviation Safety Foundation Award, 1998.

 

 

http://www.gg.gov.au/res/file/2011/honours/ad11/

 

 

 

Congratulations Don and John.

 

 

 

[Admin]

Congrats also Don...I have a slight idea what that is like as my Father was awarded an Australia Day Medal a few years back for Services to the Army Reserve...it is a great recognition to those that have devoted themselves in a particular area without expecting anything in return...well done Don!!!

 

 

[facthunter]

Good that aviation is recognised. Bit of a typo with Britten NORTON Islander. (Should be Norman) nev