KEY POINTS:
James David Taylor was an award-winning student who epitomised all the very best attributes of a quality, young man, says his former headmaster.
The 19-year-old, who comes from a farming background, left Nelson College in 2006 after spending five years there as a boarder.
Headmaster Gary O'Shea told the Herald yesterday James would be "sorely missed".
"He was one of those boys who really embraced boarding and got into everything, first fifteen rugby, rowing, mentoring of younger students. He was pretty much a well-rounded, top, young man. He would take part in anything that went on in the school."
He described James as a kind, compassionate, person who always had a desire to fly.
"He was a very well-balanced, young man who made really good friends and relationships and was well-looked up to. He was a very fit, physical guy."
In 2006, he was awarded the Maruia Company Prize for all-round contribution to the school.
"You couldn't think of a better boy to showcase what we are trying to achieve in the school."
His younger brother is a boarder at the school in Year 13. "So that's hit really hard and I believe he has a sister boarding at Nelson Girls' College."
James began his training at Helipro in Paraparaumu in September.
The company's business manager John Read yesterday said that James was a well-liked and capable student.
"He was focused on getting his licence and was proving himself to be very capable. He was a very popular student and very enthusiastic about getting his licence and beginning a flying career."
He said James was training towards a commercial pilot's licence for a helicopter, but at the time of the accident was sitting his private pilot's licence.
"Everybody was confident he'd pass with flying colours."
