Australian aviation legend Max Hazelton dies at the age of 95
The man who almost 70 years ago survived an air crash which sparked Australia’s largest search at the time, Australian aviation legend Max Hazelton, has died aged 95.
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A legend of Australian aviation has died, three weeks short of his 96th birthday.
Max Hazelton, the co-founder of Hazelton Airlines and one of the founding fathers of Rex, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday evening at Orange in NSW.
He began his aviation dream as a crop duster pilot at Toogong near Orange, pioneering the spraying of cotton crops at night to avoid the wind that made daytime flying impossible.
In 1954, Mr Hazelton made national news after crashing his four-seat Auster Aiglet in bad weather near Oberon in the NSW central tablelands, sparking the largest search in Australian history at the time.
As each day passed hopes of finding him alive faded, until six days later he emerged from the bush having walked 100km through rugged terrain.
The dramatic tale of survival was almost eclipsed by what was to follow as Mr Hazelton set flying endurance records, and defied a union ban to fly live merino sheep out of Australia.
He campaigned vigorously for Sydney Airport’s third runway, flew medical mercy flights and fought bushfires in his plane.
Hazelton Airlines was bought by Ansett in 2001, not long before the latter’s collapse, paving the way for the creation of Regional Express (Rex) a year later.
Rex deputy chairman John Sharp said Mr Hazelton was a quiet, humble man who would forever be remembered for his unbridled passion for, and love of, both aviation and his family.
“He wasn’t afraid of hard work, with his dedication, determination and drive underpinning his many extraordinary achievements,” Mr Sharp said.
“Max’s heart was always in the country which is why this sentiment is emblazoned on our aircraft and remains the ethos on which this company has been built.”
On behalf of Rex Airlines, Mr Sharp extended sympathies to Mr Hazelton’s wife Laurel and their children Toby, Carolyn (deceased) and their children.
Originally published as Australian aviation legend Max Hazelton dies at the age of 95
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