Sir Angus still passionate about choppers

Australia's newest knight, Sir Angus Houston, remains passionate about many things, but one in particular - helicopters.

Among his many duties and positions, the former defence and air force chief and helicopter pilot is the new patron of the Snowy-Hydro SouthCare rescue helicopter.

While he was defence chief, the SouthCare helicopter rescued an injured serviceman.

"They probably saved his life," he told AAP at Government House in Canberra on Friday after his investiture.

They were very competent and, for the Canberra community, a vital organisation.

"And I support them to the hilt," he said.

So would he go flying with them?

"Of course I would," he said. In the pilot seat? He'd love to, but noted he was not "currently current" to fly helicopters.

Sir Angus has numerous other duties to keep him busy, such as being chairman of Airservices Australia, Defence South Australia and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, and being patron for about a dozen charitable organisations.

The official citation for his knighthood mentions his distinguished defence service and his many activities post-defence, especially his role heading the joint agency undertaking the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370.

"He has won the confidence and trust of the Australian people with his calm demeanour and quiet authority," it says.

"Sir Angus is a pillar of our community, a national treasure, truly worthy of our highest recognition."

Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove said the investiture was a wonderful moment for Sir Angus and the nation.

"Your service ... is so extensive and so eminent that it's very hard to put in a brief description," he said.

"When other folks are going to a general retirement, you are busier than ever."

Prime Minister Tony Abbott's Australia Day announcement that Sir Angus would become a knight was overshadowed by the announcement that the Duke of Edinburgh would receive the same honour.

That set in train events which took Mr Abbott close to a leadership spill.

Sir Angus said he accepted this award for what it was.

"It's a very high level of recognition. I feel very humbled by it," he said.