By Elva Rush AOPA 27388

I first encountered Arthur in 1965 when, at thirtythree years of age and against almost insurmountable odds, I decided to learn to fly. The awesome struggle to clothe, nurture and educate my brood of four children and to care for my husband effectively eliminated "spare" moments, let alone hours, for myself

Yet, I had long nursed an unrequited desire to fly an aeroplane. In 1948 aged 16, I had hesitantly crossed the grass paddock with the notice "Moorabbin airport" to inquire about flying lessons. The solitary male there exclaimed "you're just a kid AND a girl". That comment sedated my latent desire for some 17 years.

It was a beautiful day in May 1965, when I happened to be driving past a much changed Moorabbin Airport, my car actually seemed to slow down passing the Schutt flying Academy.

I switched off the engine, and nervous and apprehensive found myself outside a closed door. I knocked on the door.

"Come in," said this male voice, and so I did.

A silver haired gentlemen, wearing a somewhat bemused smile, said, "I'm Arthur may I help you."

Certain of another rebuff, I gasped, "yes, I wish to learn to fly."

"Great," was his answer.

Possibly to this day "schutty", as we, his band of fledglings came to know him, was unaware that his attitude would make or break my spirit and my aspirations to become a pilot.

That day changed my life.

With utmost panache he took me and introduced me to his team of instructors. I was welcomed in what was to become a favourite place for me spanning some 10 years or so.

Arthur was an inspiration. After each flying lesson, when I alternated between the depths of depression or the heights of joy depending on my performance, he would materialize, seemingly from nowhere, to enquire about my progress. He had a quiet and unfaltering confidence in my ability (frequently not shared by myself) and his attitude was the catalyst that kept me returning each week with monotonous regularity for my flying lessons.

When battling with unfamiliar theory on subjects of meteorology, engines and airframes and other perplexing dilemmas, Arthur would point me in the direction of the person qualified to deal with my queries.

I can still recall one crisp winter morning when flying conditions were perfect and I had been out practising solo circuits. On this particular day my co-ordination was what you would have expected of a flying kangaroo. After one particularly demoralising set of landings (yes, a set, I bounced four times, from one attempt to return to the runway) the tower controller sarcastically commented, "Papa Lima X-ray, you have arrived." Mortified I headed for the taxiway, mentally decided "that's it" - no more of this debacle of learning to fly.

As I crept back towards the flying Academy, Arthur must have sighted my dejected figure for his fatherly arm went round my shoulders. He enquired how it was going, and I replied saying I knew I would never learn to land an aeroplane with consistent style. He led me towards the aircraft, and we taxied out. I performed well, like a true professional. We aspiring pilots were proteges, to be checked on, nurtured and encouraged at uncannily strategic intervals.

Arthur's background, first in a family rural business and then as a pioneer of general aviation in Australia, has been written in a published biography and tells of his influence on many people spanning 50 years in our country's aviation industry. His experiences range from ferrying, barnstorming, joyriding and promoting of Australia to Australians.

After many hours of sweat and countless tears swatting for exams, I finally was awarded my private pilot's licence, and decided to buy a small plane.

This was NOT just another sale to Arthur. He still continued to watch his flock, not satisfied until I could completely handle that aircraft in all conditions with considerable skill. He extended this after sales service to all new aircraft owners he dealt with, for we all had little flying experience outside the confines of our training area.

But this was all just a beginning - a genesis. He encouraged myself and two other fellow aviators to form, practice and demonstrate formation flying as the first ever all women's formation flying team. In subsequent years we performed at many airshows and if Schutty was present, he would be there when we taxied in, beaming like a proud father at a school presentation night.

I decided after gaining my unrestricted flying licence to undertake a trip to Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, and home through outback Queensland and New South Wales. Arthur "just happened" to have a safari going in vaguely the same direction at approximately the same time. Would I like to join them? No trouble, no fuss, still the protecting patriarch of the newly licensed pilot.

His vast knowledge of Australian bushlore, his understanding of our Outback and its people was comprehensive and flawless. Never intrusive, but welcome everywhere we touched down, make flying in the bush with Arthur a privilege and a joy. Greetings from Outback station owners were effusive, and we were made to feel like old friends.

Departing from these wonderful stopovers was like farewelling family. Flying in remote areas, Arthur made sure we were all aware of potential dangers from weather and any other hazards to trap the unwary. He believes that safe and successful trips evolved from adequate briefing.

Arthur is a true and modest Australian pioneer. He has moved from the simplicity of barnstorming and joyriding in the days of fabric and "God help you", to implementing the first instrument Flying School (other than in commercial flying,) to running now countless safaris, and introducing many fellow Australians to our National Heritage - Outback Australia and its people.

Arthur has and encompassing knowledge of aircraft and the people who fly them, and understands the idiosyncrasies of both.

Aircraft and the people who fly them are an integral ingredient of twentieth century lifestyle, and Arthur's contribution to this medium, is testimony to his dedication to aviation.

The Queen saw fit to award Arthur Schutt an OBE for his services to the aviation industry in Australia. I wish it were within my power to confer an even more prestigious award to this man, the instructor, the friend, and the inspiration for so many Australian pilots. I will always admire this gentle smiling man with the silver hair, and the kindly twinkling blue eyes.

Arthur - the aviator, the pioneer of this, our country, the Australian for fellow Australians, is above all, a human being with the best heart in the world.

Arthur Schutt has influenced my life. To this day I pilot a modest little Cessna for the infinite joy and love of just flying.

Sometimes, just before sunset, when I am up beneath the clouds, I remember one of his favourite sayings, "Always remember, it is our privilege, NOT our right to be here".

Thank you Arthur.