Peter Lloyd

George Alfred Lloyd, (15 December 1920 – 16 August 2022), known as Peter Lloyd, was an Australian aviator and businessman. From the 1950s, Lloyd was involved with administering aero clubs in Australia and internationally, as well as promoting air sports and air safety.

Early life Lloyd was born in Sydney in 1920, and attended Sydney Church of England Grammar School, and then the University of Sydney.

Military service On 31 May 1940, Lloyd enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force for service in the Second World War. He was assigned to the 2/6th Field Regiment and saw action in the Middle East and New Guinea, ending his service as a lance-sergeant. On 8 March 1945, Lloyd was mentioned in despatches for gallant and distinguished service in the South-West Pacific.

Aviation career On his return to Australia, Lloyd worked as an entrepreneur and grazier. In 1951, Lloyd was elected treasurer of the Royal Aero Club of New South Wales, and in 1955, he qualified as a pilot. In 1957, Lloyd became president of the club, a position he held for ten years, and then again from 1972 to 1974. He built up the club from poor condition to the largest aviation school in the British Commonwealth.

In 1958, Lloyd became president of the Federation of Australian Aero Clubs, and set about greatly increasing the federation's membership and promoting aviation sports throughout Australia. and died on 16 August 2022, at the age of 101.

Honours In 1964, Lloyd was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) as president of the Royal Aero Club of New South Wales. In 1966, Royal Aeronautical Society medal, Adelaide branch. In 1969, he received the Oswald Watt Gold Medal—Australia's highest aviation award. In 1989, Lloyd was awarded the FAI Gold Air Medal—one of only three Australians to have won the award. In the 1990 Australia Day Honours, Lloyd was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to aviation and international relations. In 1992, he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.