Funeral for flying instructor tomorrow

Jessica Neeson at the Manawatu flight training centre in Feilding. Photo / Supplied

Family and friends will tomorrow farewell the 27-year-old flying instructor killed in a mid-air collision over Manawatu last week.

Jess Neeson and her student Patricia Smallman, 64, were killed in a collision between two Cessnas near Feilding Aerodrome, 6km southeast of the town, last Monday.

The trainee pilot of the second plane managed to land uninjured.

A private funeral service for Ms Neeson will be held at All Saints' Cathedral in Palmerston North tomorrow, with a flyover to take place during the service.

Aside from family and friends, members of Women in Aviation and students from the Flying School were expected to attend, along with many from the farming community.

In a statement released today, Ms Neeson's family said she was bubbly, focused and caring.

"A gentle soul, a free spirit, who was always smiling, caring and confident. When she laughed, you wanted to laugh too."

The Civil Aviation Authority has said the investigation into the crash could take up to six months.

- NZPA