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Tributes flow for aviation 'trailblazer' Walton

Tributes have poured in from around the country for one of Australia's most famous aviators, Nancy-Bird Walton, who died today aged 93.

Meanwhile, her family has accepted New South Wales Premier Nathan Rees's offer of a state funeral for the aviation pioneer, but a date has not been set yet.

Ms Walton is being remembered as a headstrong and vivacious Australian, and an inspiration to women.

Qantas chief Alan Joyce last saw her in October, and said she leaves a huge legacy.

"Her history of achievements for Australian aviation is a very long one," he said.

"She was absolutely an amazing character. She was always full of life, full of enthusiasm. Her zest for aviation was something that was very clear for everyone to see."

Mr Joyce called Ms Walton a "great pioneer" and a "trailblazer".

"That's something we'll greatly miss," he said.

"She contributed a significant amount to aviation in Australia.

"She's been an inspiration to so many aviators. Qantas sends its condolences to her family, to her friends."

Ms Walton's 82-year old brother Raymond Bird lives at Cooktown in far north Queensland, and says she had a very good flying instructor.

"[Sir Charles] Kingsford Smith taught her to fly and Smithy was a personal friend of hers," he said.

"But she did a lot of outback flying in her young career.

"When she was 18, 19 and 20 she would take a doctor or a nurse to various outstations to treat patients or even fly patients to hospital."

Ms Walton later started an air ambulance service for outback New South Wales and headed the Women's Air Training Corps during World War II.


Govt tributes

Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard says Ms Walton dispelled the myth that flying was a "bloke's job".

Ms Gillard said she was, and would remain, a national icon who inspired generations of women.

"Nancy-Bird led the way for women pilots. Ever since her first flight, she helped dispel the myth that flying is solely a man's domain," she said in a statement.

"Nancy-Bird's achievements ... have inspired generations of women to forge careers in the aviation industry and reach for the skies in all walks of life."

Nationals leader Warren Truss also paid tribute to Ms Walton.

"She took great pride in seeing the success and acceptance of women in aviation," he said.

"Nancy-Bird Walton was an extraordinary pilot, adventurer, businesswoman and humanitarian, and the nation is poorer for her loss."