Receiving a Wings Award has seen Northern Rivers Aero Club (NRAC) flight instructor Nathan Parker fly even higher this week.

Earlier this year, he received the NSW Young Australian of the Year Award for 2021. Now, at the age of 25, Nathan has been recognised by Australia’s peak aviation bodies as Australian Aviation Young Achiever of the Year 2020.

Read more about Nathan: SUNDAY PROFILE: Losing a hand won't stop Nathan Parker flying

Setbacks didn't stop Lismore's Nathan Parker being NSW Young Australian of the Year

Nathan Parker with his mentors at NRAC, Samuel Todhunter and Bill Kiernan.

Nathan's catch cry is “come and chase your dreams and goals regardless of your situation".

Despite losing an arm when he was involved in an army vehicle accident, Nathan never let go of his dream of becoming a pilot and went on find a successful career in aviation.

Nathan was-chosen as the winner of the national award by The Royal Aeronautical Society of Australia, Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Australian Flying Magazine.

In the award citation, the editor of Australian Flying magazine wrote “despite setbacks that prevented a military flying career, you have nevertheless worked hard to pursue your aviation dream and in the process have achieved the key milestones of a career in civil aviation.

“Your passion for aviation and willingness to contribute are not lost on your peers who value your input and respect the way you have approached the challenges that are behind and ahead of you.

“This award recognises the esteem in which you are held and what you gave achieved with dedication and hard work, so thank you Nathan you are Australian CASA Wings Awards 2020 winner.”

Nathan said it was humbling to receive the award, but recognised the role his NRAC instructors played in giving an opportunity to fly after this accident.

“I’ve been lucky,” Nathan said. “There are a lot of young people out there trying to start a career in aviation that don’t have such an impressive club full of support behind them.

Nathan with NRAC members and representatives from The Royal Aeronautical Society of Australia, Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Australian Flying Magazine.

“Without my instructors Sam Todhunter and Bill Kiernan, I wouldn’t be able to chase the dream.

“They took a risk giving me a chance and the opportunity to see what is possible.

“I think their words were ‘shut up, get in the plane and see what is possible’.

“I see myself as a normal guy who is chasing an aviation dream and I’m sure many young people have that dream too.

“As an instructor at the club, it’s cool that I have been able to help people of all ages - young and old who have always wanted to fly.

“If you have always wanted to do it, come in and partake in aviation and be a part of the club as well.

“Anyone can do it and its easier than you think – bring your love and passion for it and share it.”