DAPTO man Jake Anastas was popular and professional at work, but to his heartbroken wife Tori he "made everything brighter".
The 29-year-old was one of three pilots to die when two light aircraft collided mid-air at Belimbla Park, in south-west Sydney, last Saturday.
Off-duty Qantas captain Gary Criddle, 72, was instructing Mr Anastas at the time, while Khadervali Gagguturu, 60, was piloting the other plane.
The plane Mr Criddle and Mr Anastas were in had taken off from Cessnock.
Jake had spent nearly half his life in the skies, falling in love with flying in his youth, with the weekend's flight the final step to achieving his commercial pilot's licence.
In a touching tribute, Tori Anastas said Jake was a "loving, caring and remarkable husband, who had a tremendous impact on everyone in his life".
"He was my best friend and my world. He loved flying and made everything brighter, he always made me feel like I could soar with him."
The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS) principal Dr Julie Greenhalgh said they were deeply saddened by the death of the former student.
During his time at TIGS, from 2007 to 2012, Jake was a talented swimmer and served as sport prefect.
"The Anastas family has long-standing ties to our community, with Jake's sister, Breana, an alumna and a valued member of staff," she said. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Anastas family and hold Jake's loved ones, along with the class of 2012, in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
Jake worked as an electrical technician at Sydney Airport, with his workplace also paying tribute to him.
"Jake will be remembered as a popular, professional and highly respected member of the Sydney Airport team," chief operating officer Adrian Witherow said.
"Jake's love and enthusiasm for aviation and the airport shone through in everything he did, and he will be missed right across the airport precinct.
"Jake's father, best man and godfather are members of our tight-knit airport operations team. Our thoughts and condolences are with them, and Jake's wife and family."
A GoFundMe page has been created to help Tori "provide a fitting tribute to someone so special", the couple's friend and fundraiser organiser Alexandra Jurmann said. Visit gofundme.com/f/jake-thomas-anastas to make a donation.
