The self-styled 'bird in a biplane' will learn today if she has won the fight to clear her name after being stripped of a prestigious award amid claims she lied about flying solo.

Tracey Curtis-Taylor had been honoured for recreating aviation pioneer Lady Mary Heath's historic 1928 flight from Cape Town to Britain in a vintage aircraft.

But she was unceremoniously stripped of the Bill Woodhams Trophy by the Light Aircraft Association after it was alleged that she had passengers with her during the 8,000-mile journey in 2015.

Tracey Curtis-Taylor, pictured with a vintage Boeing Steaman biplane completed an 8,000 mile journey in 2015 flying from Cape Town, South Africa to Britain, recreating the 1928 historic flight of aviation pioneer Lady Mary Heath

Ms Curtis-Taylor, 56, accuses her detractors of being members of an 'old boys' club'

Ms Curtis-Taylor, 56, appealed against the decision by the LAA, which represents recreational pilots, and claims the decision was part of a 'vicious vendetta' by a group 'that operates like an old boys' club'.

The row has divided the LAA's 7,600 members, many of whom will attend today's meeting in Northamptonshire. Two representatives will call for Ms Curtis-Taylor's award to be reinstated.

'I've been treated disgracefully,' said Ms Curtis-Taylor.

'Many of the members are ex-military men and about 80 to 90 per cent are over 60. They act like some kind of old boys' club.

Ms Curtis-Taylor, pictured, flew her aircraft over 23 countries over the course of three months

'I've often felt like an outsider because it has been made clear that some resented seeing a woman doing something that they don't do.

'The personal attacks have been incredibly painful. The financial cost and distress to me has been huge. I never set out to deceive anyone. It's been blown out of all proportion.

'I wish they had never bothered to give me the award. There was no money, just a cup which you keep for a year and then give back.'

She said: 'I was doing everything to promote the female pioneers who did fly solo, but I never claimed to be doing the same. I was, however, the only pilot. No one flew but me'

Ms Curtis-Taylor admits that in a 'slip of the tongue' during one interview, she inadvertently used the term 'solo' to describe the trip.

But she added: 'I was doing everything to promote the female pioneers who did fly solo, but I never claimed to be doing the same. I was, however, the only pilot. No one flew but me.'

LAA chairman Brian Davies said: 'A vote was taken [to rescind the award]. The member said that it was unfair, so the remedy is to take the vote again, which is what we plan to do.'