The border aviation community is in mourning following the deaths of two pilots.
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The pair, who were inspecting power lines, had links to Albury-based Oberon Aviation Services and Hazair.
Hazair operations manager Adam I'Anson said the men were "great young blokes and great young pilots".
He said the incident had rocked the tight-knight aviation community.
"They're going to be sorely missed," Mr I'Anson said.
"We're all in massive shock still.
"It's just devastating.
"We've lost two great young pilots who were great people.
"It's going to take a long time for people to get over it sadly."
Mr Bruce's partner, Megan Kaisner, wrote on social media that the news had left her heart split in two.
"Words can't begin to describe how I'm feeling, or how I will navigate the rest of my life without my sidekick and companion by my side," she said.
"You were my best friend, my life partner, and I'm so glad that we were able to spend the last of your life living and loving life together.
"Rest easy Hayd.
"I will love and miss you always."
His father Stephen Death also took to social media, stating that the family were "totally and utterly devastated".
"Our hearts just might break, but we know that the love and support of our friends and family will get us through," he wrote.
Mr Bruce had been around planes for most of his life and had family ties to the industry through his father and two brothers.
He had a commercial licence and had been flying since he was young.
Mr Sheather had only finished high school at Corryong College last year.
Like Mr Bruce, he had a strong passion for flying.
He received an award after achieving an ATAR score of 86.05 and got a score of 40 in English.
His family property was extensively burnt during the Upper Murray bushfires in early 2020.
Mr Sheather had fought the blaze with his father and two brothers, and friends, with about 80 to 90 per cent of the property burnt.
A counsellor attended Oberon Aviation Services yesterday to support staff.
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