Australian Women Pilots’ Association at SAAM

Supporting women pilots since 1950

Founded in 1950 following an initiative by pioneering Australian aviator Nancy-Bird Walton, the Australian Women Pilots' Association has grown into a national organisation with more than 500 members. The Association is dedicated to supporting women in aviation and promoting the growth of aviation throughout Australia.

Its aims are to:

•   Foster closer relationships and unity among women pilots.
•   Encourage and support women to pursue flying in Australia and overseas.
•   Promote public interest in aviation, especially among women.
•   Support the development of aviation in general.

Today, the Association offers fly-ins, educational workshops, mentoring, navigation trials, guest speakers and social events, while continuing to inspire and encourage women to achieve their aviation goals.

SAAM's AWPA Display

SAAM's display features stories and historical artifacts of known and (relatively) unknown women pilots. Some are mentioned below:

Amy Johnson- First woman to fly solo UK to Australia (1930)
Florence Taylor & Emma Scultz - First Australian women to fly (1909)
Millicent Maude Bryant - First woman to be licensed to fly in Australia (1926)
Lores Bonney -First woman to circumnavigate Australia (1932)
Freda Thompson - First Australian woman to fly solo from UK to Australia (1934)

In 2023, SAAM took delivery of McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (RAAF A21-32). Keen observers will notice that the name of the pilot on the LHS of the aircraft is FLTLT E. Willis "SWAT". Emily Willis, is one of a select number of female fighter pilots in the RAAF. SAAM members and invited guests were able to meet Emily as she was at SAAM for the official handover of the Hornet. The RAAF also sponsors its female pilots to be members of the Australian Women Pilots' Association.