KEY POINTS:
More than 1000 people gathered in Kapiti College today to mourn the death of 17-year-old schoolboy Bevan Hookway who died on on Sunday when the Cessna 152 plane he was flying and a helicopter collided above Paraparaumu, north of Wellington.
Bevan had been half way toward the 50 flying hours needed for his private pilot's licence. He survived the crash but died later in hospital.
The 19-year-old helicopter pilot James Taylor and his 30-year-old instructor Dave Fielding died at the scene.
Bevan's classmates, friends and fellow students wept and held each other for comfort today as those at the funeral were told of a cheerful, bright, popular, high achiever who died too young doing what he loved most - flying.
His uncle Ross Bidmead spoke of how Bevan held down two or three jobs at a time, cleaning and working in the local supermarket, saying he counted his wages not in dollars, but in flying hours.
One friend who grew up with him through the same Raumati South kindergarten and school remembered how as young children Bevan had been struck with "awe" and "delight" at the sight of Skyhawks during a primary school visit to Ohakea air base.
Kapiti College principal Tom Kane said Bevan had been an excellent student who could have achieved anything academically he desired, but was focused and determined on one goal - to be a pilot in the airforce.
Mr Bidmead said Bevan's first solo flight on January 16 was a day of his greatest delight and taking control of the plane had meant more to him than the excellent NCEA results he had received on the same day.
Mr Bidmead said Bevan's family had been devastated by the tragedy, but had not sought to blame anyone.
His aviation instructor said Bevan had been exactly what he looked for in a student an excellent airman, focused, committed and professional.
Many of his teachers - past and present - openly wept as speakers recalled Bevan's pranks, jokes, good humour and almost unlimited potential.
At the end many of his 116 fellow year 13 students could not contain their grief as Bevan's coffin - painted to resemble the sky -was farewelled by a haka and a lone piper.
The funeral ended with the release of blue and white balloons which flew into the Kapiti sky, over Paraparaumu Airport where his life ended just a few days ago.
Mr Fielding's funeral at the Kapiti Aero Club was being held later this afternoon.
- NZPA
