The Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia has given its highest honour, the Oswald Watt Gold Medal, to RAAF Fighter Combat Instructor Squadron Leader Paul ‘Simmo’ Simmons.
The award is regarded as the highest honour in Australian civil aviation, and recognises the most notable contribution to Australian aviation.
The presentation of the award was made at the Annual Air Force Proficiency and Leadership Awards, at RAAF Base Amberley on May 31. The presentation was made by Marj Davis, president of the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia, and Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Brown.
“Paul’s enthusiasm and passion for aviation is evident by his contribution to the Air Force, his compassion and caring in assisting young people at risk discover discipline through flying, and his involvement in general aviation, flying the Sabre at Temora, makes him a very worth recipient,” the RFACA said in a statement.
Previous winners of the Oswald Watt Gold Medal include Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, Sir Reginald Ansett and Dr Andrew Thomas.
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Observer
says:Well deserved!
Sam Hays
says:Well done Simmo. Your passion for flying and helping young people have collided in a great way with your leadership skills and desire to make a difference. Aviation is better off and so are many young people and those who have joined you on the journey. I thank God for you my friend!
Sam Hays
Regan
says:Hey simmo it’s me regan from the dale school yu taught me how to fly I was scared at first but I’ve conkerd my fears thanks for helping me and yu deserve that metal I’ve seen you’re f18 videos on YouTube amazing yu no how to fly