The Australian Air League is a youth organisation for boys and girls aged from 8 years which encourages an interest in aviation as a career or as a hobby for the youth of Australia.The organisation is entirely self-funding and is staffed by volunteers who give their time generously to achieve its goals. The Australian Air League has no political, racial or religious connections. The aims and objectives of the Australian Air League include: * To promote and encourage the development of Aviation in the Youth of Australia * To promote good citizenship * To promote ingenuity and resourcefulness of its members * To develop the physical and mental abilities of its members The League's motto "A Vinculo Terrae" translates into "Free from the bonds of the Earth". This motto contains the very essence of flight into space. The Australian Air League was formed in 1934, in an era when Australian Aviators such as Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, Charles Ulm, Bert Hinkler, Sir Ross and Keith Smith and others were household names and heroes. The first Squadron was opened in Manly (NSW) and the Air League quickly spread throughout that state. In early 1939 the first Squadron was opened in Victoria and in 1944 the first Girls Section was formed. Today the Australian Air League is active in NSW, the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania and is still expanding.