Condolences

Yvonne Trueman Governor Arabian Section 99's

I was privileged to know a very great and courageous lady in the early days of her and my flying and stayed with her, date-wise I think mid 60's and please pass on the thoughts from the Arabian Section of the International Women's Flying Association of the 99's - she was a pioneer of flying and put Australia on the map. We will miss her.

Susan Larson President 99s

On behalf of 99s worldwide, I extend my condolences to the family and to 99s in both Australia and New Zealand upon the passing of Life Member Nancy Bird Walton. Nancy was bigger than life, a feisty and charming woman with a spot-on memory who never forgot anyone she met. And once you met Nancy, you never forgot her either.

While speaking with Australian Governor Pat Brookfield this evening (Wednesday afternoon in Australia), we reminisced about Nancy and how she was instrumental in organizing the Australian women pilots along with leading the battles to keep airfields open. Her charm and memory for names and faces endeared her to all she met. From Pat's description, Nancy was almost a one-woman welcoming committee to pilots in Australia, and I will say that she not only promoted but also epitomized 'world fellowship through flight'.

Nancy was truly remarkable and will be greatly missed by aviators around the world, particularly her sister pilots. Indeed, life for Nancy Bird Walton was meant to be flown.

Desiree McCaskill - President NZAWA

I am sorry to hear of Nancy Bird Walton's death. She was a great lady and aviatrix. Please accept our condolences from NZAWA. I am sorry I cannot attend her funeral but maybe one or two of our members will make it over the Tasman next week to celebrate or wonderful life.

Hedwig Sensen - President, Vereinigung Deutscher Piltinnen

The Vereinigung Deutscher Pilotinnen, the German Women Pilots Association, have heard with great sadness that Nancy-Bird Walton, AO, OBE, our number 10 member passed away on January 13, 2009 and followed 13 months later her German lady friend Elly Beinhorn.

Nancy has always shown great interest in the development of the Vereinigung Deutscher Pilotinnen which is proud to have enjoyed contact with this great woman pilot for more than 40 years.

With high esteem for her never ending enthusiasm and her countless contributions to aviation, we share the sadness about Nancy’s passing away with all people who have known her.

On behalf of all members of the Vereinigung Deutscher Pilotinnen I extend our sincere condolences to her family and to the Australian Women Pilots Association.