Deputy Chairman of Rex Airlines, John Sharp, has payed tribute to Max Hazelton, who sadly passed away at 95 years-old on 9 April in Orange.

Charles Maxwell Hazelton was an Australian aviator and founder of Hazelton Airlines, a regional Australian airline which later became Regional Express Airlines in 2002.

In 1954, Max made national news after crashing his four-seater plane, which sparked the largest search in Australian history.

Six days later, Max emerged from the bush after walking 100 kilometres to civilisation.

“Max was one of the great pioneers of aviation in Australia,” Mr Sharp told Michael McLaren.

“He defied all of the rules, took enormous risks and was incredibly determined.”

See more highlights from Chris O’Keefe below: