Christchurch Helicopters has paid tribute to a former student pilot who trained with the company.
23-year-old Blake Wilson flew for several minutes from Cairns Airport into the no-fly zone over the CBD, before crashing into the roof of the DoubleTree hotel at 2AM on Monday.
Blake passing his commercial flight test, in September 2022. Supplied
Wilson, who was the sole occupant, died at the scene.
He held a New Zealand commercial helicopter licence, but was not authorised to fly in Australia.
Wilson had been attending a private party before the crash.
In a statement sent to chrislynchmedia.com, Christchurch Helicopters said ” Blake completed his Diploma in Aviation with Christchurch Helicopters in 2022.
“He was well-liked by the staff and his fellow classmates.
He will be missed by the team at Christchurch Helicopters and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
