Our Recipients 

Josiah was the first recipient of the Roger Connellan Award in 2017. 

The award is designed to support bush pilots to further their skills and training, honouring Roger Connellan who rose to be the Chief Check and Training Officer with the Connellan Airways and focused on piolet training and safety (particularly important in the bush). 

"In 2017, I was aspiring to become a flying optometrist. In 2018 I was able to make that happen and I think the early media around the Roger Connellan Award was very influencial in convincing some people that it was a feasible option.

The night rating and instrument rating will obviously enable me to fly after dark and in cloud, but the training was far more useful than just that. Even if I was to never fly at night or in cloud, I am much more proficient in the use of aviation GPS technology, radio navigational equipment, radio communication and communicating with air traffic control. I also have a much broader understanding of aviation in general, meterology, airspace, airport design and this all improves proficieny and situational awareness when in the cockpit."