Summary

Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia medal awarded to Errol Wallace Tod around 1970.

Physical Description

A bronze prize medal (57 mm diameter) awarded to Errol Wallace Tod. It features the logo of the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia and is engraved with detail of the prize

Obverse Description

Within open wreath, a badge depicting sea gull flying right over globe; around on crowned ribbon, ROYAL FEDERATION OF AERO CLUBS OF AUSTRALIA

Reverse Description

Plaque inscribed Errol Wallace Tod; inscribed above in field, For Outstanding / Contributions / to the / Aero Club Movement / of / Australia

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

Located at Moorabbin Airport in Melbourne, the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia is Australia's oldest flying training organisation. The Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia was founded in 1914 by a group of young officers of the newly formed Australian Flying Corps. After World War I individual sections of the Australian Aero Club were formed in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. In March 1926 the national area club movement was formalised under the name of the Australian Aero Club Federal Council. In 1929 the name was changed to the Associated Aero Clubs. In 1948 the name was again changed: to the Aero Club Federation of Australia. During 1960 the prefix 'Royal' was granted by Her Majesty and the present title adopted. The primary object of the Clubs was initially to develop interest in flying throughout the Commonwealth. Particular attention was paid to aerial pageants and air races, and public receptions for pioneer aviators at the end of historic flights. During World War II several of the larger Clubs were turned into elementary flying training schools and provided the instructors, aircraft and ground maintenance facilities to train cadet pilots for the RAAF. After the war the Clubs trained National Service Air Training Corps Cadets, General Reservists, University Air Squadron Cadets and some Citizen Air Force Cadets. In later years emphasis shifted towards the training of commercial pilots for Australia's airlines, the rapidly expanding aerial agriculture industry and charter pilots. Today a principal role of the RFACA is the representation of its members at Federal and State Government levels to encourage the establishment of Flying Training Facilities and to promote the development of private, sporting and recreational aviation. -Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia web site http://www.flyingtraining.com.au/rfaca/rfacahistory.htm. -D. Tout-Smith 24/11/2003.

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