For someone so young, Lachlan Hyde has packed more into his 23 years than most people twice his age, combining experience in the not-for-profit and community sectors, holding down the presidency of an aeroclub and serving as a youth advisor to government, while also being recognised with Australian Aviation’s Rising Star award.
His love for all things aeronautical is generational, having spent hours upon hours around planes and aerodromes with his father and grandfather as a boy growing up.
‘I don’t think I really had a choice in the matter,’ laughs Lachlan.
‘Some of my earliest memories are being around the Camden Airport in NSW or flying around with dad who piloted the Cessna C152 to the Diamond DA42 and everything in between.
‘Some might even consider it a non-conventional upbringing because at one stage we went with dad to the Maldives for a few years, as he took a job flying DHC-6 twin otter seaplanes and I did my schooling via distance education.’
An aspiring pilot himself with his recreational pilot’s licence in reach, Lachlan’s passion isn’t simply limited to flying, but rather, ensuring the industry is accessible to as many people as possible.
‘I joined the Australian Air League Cadets when I was 8 years old and later became an officer and was exposed to regulations, flight training, safety and aerodrome operations,’ Lachlan says.
‘I really enjoyed the youth leadership aspect, supporting other young people to help them reach their aviation aspirations, and giving back to the community.’
That passion for people and aviation collided, with Lachlan taking the reins and reviving the Royal Aero Club of NSW last year, where he now holds the positions of president and chairman.
‘I often joke that on paper I’m the worst person to be running things as I have little business background and no pilot’s licence, but it’s somehow been successful,’ he explains.
‘Facing significant challenges through the 1980s and 90s saw the club placed into receivership.
‘Today it has more than 100 members and is becoming the southern hemisphere’s largest volunteer flying school, which is something I’m really proud of.
‘It wasn’t something I set out to do and just sort of fell into it but with some great support, the club is back up and running and is now a vibrant part of the NSW aviation community’.
To add to his already long list of achievements, Lachlan was also named among the 2023 CASA Wings Award winners, as the Young Achiever of the Year.
The awards recognise the achievements of flyers, instructors, clubs and services in general aviation.
Lachlan was recently presented his award by CASA Chair Air Chief Marshal (retired) Mark Binskin and Australian Flying Magazine’s Kreisha Ballantyne at an event hosted by the aero club at Camden Airport last month.
The event was attended by members of the NSW aviation industry and elected representatives from state and local government, as well as the broader community.
‘It’s always a bit surreal being recognised for these types of things because you’re surrounded by a lot of great people of high calibre, but it validates the countless hours, long days and the labour of love,’ Lachlan says.
‘I enjoy seeing other young people taking to the skies and putting wings on their dreams; that’s what it’s all about.’
Away from aviation, Lachlan is pursuing a career in transport planning, currently working with the Regional and Outer Metropolitan Transport Services team to deliver major projects and integrated network planning initiatives across NSW.
