CASA recognises examination excellence for women
CASA's Director of Aviation Safety, Mick Toller, has presented the 1998 Sir Donald Anderson Trophy, awarded for academic achievement, at the annual conference of the Australian Women Pilots' Association in Mandurah, Western Australia.
The winner of the award for 1998 was Mrs Victoria Woodyatt of Palm Cove, Queensland. The award recognises the woman who was considered to have made the most meritorious academic progress towards the achievement of professional aviation qualifications.
Mrs Woodyatt gained the highest marks across Australia in pursuit of an Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), and a Multi Engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR).
Born in 1971, Mrs Woodyatt had always been fascinated with aviation and although qualified as a Primary School teacher, became a Flight Attendant with Ansett in 1996. The dream to fly still beckoned so she took twelve months leave to study at the British Aerospace Flight Training Academy at Tamworth, New South Wales. In pursuit of a flying career, Mrs Woodyatt now has over 220 hours in her logbook.
"The Sir Donald Anderson award serves a two-fold purpose in that it not only recognises the academic achievement of a dedicated aviator but also encourages women to enter the challenging and rewarding world of aviation" Mick Toller said when making the presentation on Monday night.
"As an airline pilot with over 30 years experience, I know how demanding it is to gain qualifications and experience and then break into a flying career and I congratulate Victoria on her exam results.
"Examinations are an important part of the Licensing process and I am delighted that CASA is able to recognise excellence in this manner.
"I would also like to acknowledge the work of the Australia Women Pilots' Association in promoting, encouraging and supporting women in aviation. We are increasingly seeing more and more women of all ages entering the aviation world be it in commercial or private capacities", Mr Toller said.
Sir Donald Anderson was a prominent Director-General of Aviation Safety in the late 1940's and served for around 30 years in this capacity. Sir Donald made a significant contribution to the development of civil aviation safety in Australia.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: ME9913PR