An avid Dubbo pilot who was killed in a gyrocopter crash on the weekend was pursuing a career in the safety industry.
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Bus driver and ex-air force member Keith Comensoli studied occupational health and safety (OH and S) and recently resigned to change career paths.
Former boss Dubbo Buslines manager Jeff Neill yesterday paid tribute to Mr Comensoli’s work ethic and remembered his love of flying.
Police and the Australian Sport and Rotorcraft Association are investigating the fatal gyrocopter crash near Coonamble on Saturday.
Police believe the ultra-light gyrocopter crashed into a paddock and burst into flames.
Mr Comensoli, 49, was the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft and he was treated at the scene by paramedics but died later in Coonamble Hospital.
Mr Comensoli spent 20 years serving his country as a Royal Australian Air Force photographer.
He worked for Dubbo Buslines for five years as both a school bus and town service driver.
During that time he started studying a diploma in OH and S, which prompted his resignation.
“He was a flight sergeant and quite a good photographer,” Mr Neill said.
“He showed me some of his work early this year.”
The air force experience made him a valuable staff member.
“He was dedicated, being an ex-military man he was exceptionally well-groomed and turned up to work on time,” Mr Neill said. “As a manager I appreciated his effort because he was reliable and I could trust him.”
Work talk between the two men was peppered with hobbies and goals.
“He loved his flying, he often spoke about it,” Mr Neill said.
“(With his interest in the safety industry career) I encouraged him to continue to seek things that would work for him.”