Aviation legends to be inducted into hall of fame

This year marks the fifth wave of inductions into the hall of fame, with the ceremony to take place at the Temora Aviation Museum on November 12.

Headlining the inductees is Albury’s Edgar Percival, who designed a Percival Gull Four aircraft named Miss Southern Cross, which Sir Charles Edward Kingsford Smith used to break the flight record between Australia and England in 1933.

Fellow inductee Lester Brian served in the air force and was the first general manager of Trans Australia Airlines before it was merged into the Qantas brand, while counterpart George Macarthur was a renowned pilot and journalist who served as the editor of Aviation Safety Digest, the aviation industry’s bible for nearly forty years.

Joining them is test pilot and commercial air operator Horatio Miller, aviator and businessman​ Sir Robert Norman and Mr Norman’s Queensland-based brainchild Bush Pilots Airways.

AAHOF vice chairman Geoff Breust said the induction ceremony promised to be a big night.

“It's a very significant occasion for the industry,” Mr Breust said.

“It's something the industry has really supported extremely well and has become a major highlight of the year.

“It's really the only activity that recognises those who contributed substantially to the civil aviation industry in Australia.”

This year’s ceremony marks the first time it has been held outside of Wagga, with organisers looking hold the event in other towns with desirable venues and close ties to the aviation industry every alternate year.

Family members of deceased inductees will be present to accept the honour on their behalf.

Tickets to the gala dinner and ceremony will be available at www.aahof.com.au until November 9.

A return coach service will be available between Wagga and the Temora Aviation Museum for the event. 

This story first appeared on The Daily Advertiser.