The club acts as a social hub for aviation enthusiasts, hosting numerous functions for its members throughout the year and providing a base for local flying schools.

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One of the flying schools based at the Bathurst Aero Club is Ward Air, which also secured a wings award, taking out the Flying Training Organisation of the Year category.

"You put your application in and you don't know how many people are putting applications in and you don't know what sort of chance you have," club president Ian Johnson said.

"But to take it out this year we were pretty chuffed and for Ward Air to come along and get flight training of the year as well, they were pretty good dual awards for Bathurst."

Bathurst Aero Club received the award because of its dedication to general aviation, engagement with the youth of Bathurst and local flying schools, fostering community involvement and its efforts to keep members engaged during COVID with online programs.

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This was the first time the local club had won a CASA Wings Award and with nominations open to clubs all across Australia, it was an exciting victory.

"We may have had small awards and things like that over the years, but not in the last 10 years, and it's probably the most prestigious award," Mr Johnson said.

After having to cancel numerous events last year due to COVID, Mr Johnson hopes the club's social calendar can progress uninterrupted this year, starting with the open day towards the end of March.

The club hosted an open day last year for the first time in around two decades and it was very well-attended.

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This year locals will have another opportunity to look at the club, talk to pilots and instructors and look at the planes on display.

Mr Johnson said it was about "broadening people's awareness of aviation".