Mr Trevor-Jones has received an Order of Australia Medal [OAM] for his outstanding dedication towards the growth of aviation in Bathurst.

Although the news took him by surprise, Mr Trevor-Jones was humbled to be included on the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

"I was very shocked and had no indication I'd ever receive such a recognition for my career," he said.

Mr Trevor-Jones' passion for aviation began as a school student in the days when service in the Australian Defence Force [ADF] following graduation was compulsory.

However, his dream to become a pilot suffered an early setback: he was found to be colourblind.

Despite the setback, Mr Trevor-Jones never lost faith that he would forge a career in aviation one day.

"I took up a job in the motor trade while regularly lobbying to the Department of Civil Aviation [DCA] for an opportunity to learn to fly," he said.

"In 1959, the DCA approved my application to obtain a commercial licence, and I commenced lessons the next year."

Read about Bathurst's other 2019 OAM recipients:

1960 was also the year Mr Trevor-Jones joined the Bathurst Aero Club as secretary and treasurer at a time where the club was facing financial strain.

"When I joined, the club had £600 in the bank and £1000 in bills to pay," he said.

Since 1968, Mr Trevor-Jones has been the honourary treasurer of the club.

Mr Trevor-Jones was also instrumental in founding Star Air Charter Flying Training School and Aircraft Charters in 1976 as a means to foster aspiring pilots.

"Between 1985 and 2009, we trained around 600 people, most of whom went on to forge careers in aviation," he said.

"There's former students who are now pilots in command for major airline companies such as Qantas and Jetstar."

Through Star Air Charter, Mr Trevor-Jones was also responsible for transporting well-known politicians including former federal member for Calare, David Simmons and former state member for Bathurst, David Berry.

READ ALSO: Lachlan Pendarakis joins Bathurst Aero Club

While Mr Trevor-Jones' career in aviation often involved unusual hours, his love of flying never dulled his enjoyment for the profession.

"It feels satisfying to have helped so many people take the first steps towards a career in aviation," he said.

"I've spent almost 20,000 hours in the air, and when you're up there, you gain a perspective of the world that is hard to replicate in any other profession."