KEY POINTS:
Families and friends of the five New Zealanders who died on the Air New Zealand plane yesterday have spoken about their loss.
Captain Brian Horrell, 52
The elderly Southland parents of an Air New Zealand pilot, believed dead after a plane belonging to the national carrier crashed off the French coast early yesterday, are "absolutely shattered" but trying to keep strong, a family spokesman said.
Captain Brian Horrell, an Auckland-based pilot with more than 15 years' experience, was one of four Air New Zealand staff on board the Airbus A320 which crashed into the Mediterranean Sea.
His parents, Herbert and Moira, are in their 80s and live in the small Southland settlement of Tuatapere.
Mr Horrell's cousin Ray Horrell said the couple were struggling to come to terms with the disaster. "It's just been awful. They are just shattered, especially losing one of their own [children] before they [die] themselves."
Mrs Horrell was holding up relatively well and was trying to be strong for her husband and the other members of what Mr Horrell called a very tight-knit family.
The couple's son began his career as a pilot in Christchurch but was later transferred with many other flying staff to the company's Auckland headquarters.
Captain Horrell loved flying and enjoyed working for the national carrier.
He was married to Shelley and the couple have two teenage children.
The family said his wife had received excellent and compassionate support from Air New Zealand staff.
A staff member was staying with her 24 hours a day, intercepting phone calls and trying not to expose her to media attention.
It was not clear last night whether Shelley Horrell was planning to fly to France with the grieving relatives of other victims or wait at home for more news. Captain Horrell's parents will stay at home.
- OTAGO DAILY TIMES
Michael Gyles, 49
Christchurch aircraft engineer Michael Gyles has been described as a loving family man and a dedicated "all-rounder" in his work by those who knew him.
The 49-year-old father of two teenage boys was "very affable and very well liked", a colleague said.
"He would have a laugh with you. He came across in a laidback manner but he was very thorough in what he he did."
Mr Gyles had started as an apprentice and worked his way up through Air New Zealand in a career spanning 30 years.
"He was a very dedicated company man."
A man describing himself as a "security" stood guard outside Mr Gyles' home in an upmarket Christchurch cul-de-sac yesterday as visitors came and went.
Shocked neighbours described Mr Gyles as quiet and very close to his family.
One of his two sons was seen walking the family dog.
Aviation Security staff kept guard around the Air NZ engineering hangars in Christchurch where colleagues of the two Christchurch engineers killed were struggling to come to terms with what had happened.
Flags flew at half mast near the hangars.
Aviation and Marine Engineers Association national secretary George Ryde said Mr Gyles was well trained and highly skilled.
- Jarrod Booker
Noel Marsh, 35
The death of Christchurch aircraft engineer Noel Marsh, 35, is an especially cruel blow for his grieving family.
The Weekend Herald understands Mr Marsh's wife is seven months pregnant. Mr Marsh also has two boys.
The Marsh family said in a statement yesterday: "We are deeply saddened about the events of today, although still retain some hope that Noel will be found alive."
They also thanked family, friends and Air NZ for their support, and the French search and rescue authorities for their "determined efforts" to locate survivors.
"Noel relished the opportunity to travel to Europe to be involved in the acceptance process for the A320. He loves his job and as a family we are extremely proud of him," the statement said.
A person standing guard at the family home in Rolleston, just outside Christchurch, said Mrs Marsh was deeply distressed. No one from the family was willing to speak yesterday.
A former colleague of Mr Marsh said he was a dedicated and highly respected engineer who was very thorough in his work. He had worked for Air NZ for six years.
- Jarrod Booker
Jeremy Cook, 58
The Civil Aviation Authority staff member killed was Jeremy Cook.
The Acting Director of Civil Aviation, Graeme Harris, said Mr Cook was a popular engineer who was respected and liked throughout the aviation industry.
"An aviation enthusiast, he has had a long career dedicated to enhancing aviation safety standards, and this accident has affected all within the aviation industry," Mr Harris said.
The CAA would provide support to Mr Cook's wife, family and friends now and in the future. The Wellington man joined the CAA as an airworthiness inspector in April 2005.
A maintenance engineer with an extensive background in aircraft maintenance, his career includes time with Air Niugini in Papua New Guinea, Ansett New Zealand, and the Christchurch Engine Centre.
Mr Cook was on the plane because his job at the CAA was to process the entry of aircraft into the New Zealand civil aviation system.
- Andrew Koubaridis
Murray White, 37
Murray White, of Pakuranga, had worked for Air NZ for the past 19 years. He was employed as an aircraft engineer and was on board the flight as an observer before the plane was due to be handed back to the airline.
Aviation and Marine Engineers Association national secretary George Ryde said Mr White was a highly skilled engineer who, with others, had made a big contribution to New Zealand over the years.
