THE North Yorkshire pilot who died after his Tiger Moth aircraft crashed into the sea off Australia has been praised as an excellent pilot who took extensive care.

The Press reported yesterday how newly married Alex Jimmy Rae, 26, from Easingwold, died earlier this week during an aerobatic flight, along with a French passenger. Experts are investigating the accident.

Geoff Stillman, chief pilot with the firm he was flying with, Tiger Moth Joy Rides, has told The Press how Jimmy took to the skies in July, having previously been ground crew.

“He was an excellent pilot who took extensive care in maintaining, cleaning and polishing our aircraft,” he said.

“Flying the Tiger Moth and doing aerobatics over the turquoise water and golden beaches of the Gold Coast was a dream come true for Jimmy.

“Jimmy’s life was one big adventure, he often spoke about his world travels but it was Australia he loved the most. He was fantastic at getting along with everyone, in particular he made a lot of funny remarks which sometimes put nervous passengers at ease before their flights.

“We are shocked and devastated by his loss and that of Taissia, the French tourist on board. We are deeply saddened for Jimmy’s widow, Alice Rae.”