Chief pilot killed in NSW plane crash

An 80-year-old pilot killed in a light plane crash in the NSW Blue Mountains has been remembered as a skilled chief flight instructor.

Rod Hay was the chief pilot at Katoomba Airfield, from where he took off on Saturday.

The experienced airman carried out circuits around the Katoomba area and was last seen heading east, but was reported missing after failing to return by 6pm.

The wreckage of his Jabiru aircraft and his body were found on Sunday morning.

Past students and colleagues led the tributes, remembering his patience and skills as an instructor and his leadership in the aviation community.

"The tight-knit Katoomba Airfield aviation family are in deep mourning at the loss of their chief pilot, instructor, mentor, and friend," reads a tribute on the airfield's Facebook page.

"Rod will be sorely missed by everyone - young and old."

Blue Sky Helicopters owner Mark Fitzsimmons also took to social media to mourn a "dear friend" who was always up for a laugh and a chat with passengers.

"You will be terribly missed by us all. Going to the airfield will never be the same as Rod was part of the experience," he said.

Questions have been raised about whether the elderly pilot was safe to fly.

But the Recreational Aviation Authority says checks are in place to ensure pilots at all ages are fit to fly.

"It's perfectly safe for an 80-year-old to be flying. There are many 80-year-old pilots across the country," RAA chief executive Michael Linke told AAP.

"Once somebody turns 75 they are required to have an annual medical appointment with their doctor and they need to get signed off as medically sound and fit to continue to fly."

Before that age pilots are required to undergo medical checks every two years.

Two RAA investigators are still at the scene of the crash, about 200 metres from Katoomba Airfield, helping police determine the cause.

"It's way too early to speculate at this stage as to the cause of the accident," Mr Linke said.

An initial finding is expected in the coming weeks but it could be several months before a final report is given to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.