This past week our aviation industry and pilot community lost a giant of the AOPA Australia movement, with the sad news of the passing of Past President Mr Peter Patroni AM, aged 85 years.
Serving as President between 1982 and 1995, Peter passionately guided and lead our association for over a decade, helping navigate AOPA Australia to a membership of 10,000 strong. Peter was an experienced fixed wing and rotary pilot and during his 13 years as President of AOPA Australia, firmly confronted poor government policy and unnecessary aviation regulation head-on.
Throughout the aviation industry, Peter was renown for his good sense of humor, with many an AOPA Australia editorial headline and letter showcasing his wit, vim and vigour for general aviation advocacy, along with his healthy disdain for senseless regulation and bureaucracy.
On behalf of our national membership, I express our sincere appreciation for Peter’s energy, passion and unwavering determination that he demonstrated and delivered during his time as President, and express our sincere condolences to his wife Beverley and family.
Our hearts and thoughts are with them all at this time.
A celebration of the life of Peter Joseph Patroni AM will be held at Kew Golf Club on Monday 19th August commencing at 10.30am.
Sincerely,
BENJAMIN MORGAN
AOPA Australia – Executive Director
Peter’s first address to members was in July of 1982;
Peter’s final report as President was published in April of 1995;
