Worst place to be a pilot.

facthunter · February 8, 2015

There is something 'magic" about New Guinea, but I'm not sure how it will end up. "Paradise Lost" seems a bit appropriate unfortunately. There are/were few roads that would't wash away so the aeroplane was very much a part of "developing" that place "Cumulus Granitus" (Clouds with rocks inside) have taken their toll. The "Biscuit Bombers" Dropping supplies started the Cargo Cult concept that still pervades Politics. Nev

poteroo · February 8, 2015

I especially love the pictures

At laaaaast - an appreciative younger generation pilot. Nev and I feel needed. I've put my 'learning' from the PNG days to good use by training lots of pilots on low level, short strip ops, bad wx flying and tailwheel. Constant battle with CASA Avmed to stay in the game - but winning at moment:victory: Posted a few more for you. Believe it or not, airlines used Electras,DC6B and DC4 off the old Lae airport. The Mt Hagen pic was taken on the day I arrived there in 1961 - strip was in the middle of 'town' and rather short for DC3's @ 5800 amsl. The Patair pic comes from Robyn Keinzles' collection - her dad was the famous Bert Keinzle,(who owned the main rubber plantation at Kokoda), and who organised the entire carrier operation for the Kokoda Track campaign. Without him - Brig Potts would never have survived. Bert was a founding owner of Papuan Airlines, (Patair), and I flew him out of Kokoda to Port Moresby a couple times in the Aztecs we operated. On one occasion reaching 14000 to get over the Owen Stanleys in the afternoon. Sweaty palm stuff! Only when we were younger! happy days,

ayavner · February 8, 2015

Thanks poteroo!

I think that is one of the things I am loving about aviation.. at 45, i'm not "old" but in my current field i am certainly considered a dinosaur around the office. In aviation, i'm still the young upstart and I have people to look up to and fantastic stories to hear. It helps slow down the process of becoming incurably jaded.

facthunter · February 8, 2015

The TAA DC-4s were sold off in 69. TAA pulled out of Sunbird, Coral Air, and aeromedical and their Mineral Survey Activities . Plus whatever I have forgotten. A total of about 69 pilots, and most of the "Interesting" flying .. Nev

farri · February 16, 2015

Just watched the last episode of the 'worst place to be a pilot' and I`m left with a feeling of respect for those guys flying in those areas, they are providing a valuable service to those people.

To all the guys who have flown in those areas, I salute you.

Frank.

Marty_d · February 16, 2015

Bugger, I missed it.

ben87r · February 16, 2015

On YouTube Marty

Geoff13 · February 16, 2015

So I do not watch TV at all. "Unless it is Bathurst." I am however thinking of walking the Kokoda track this Anzac Day. Am I likely to make it home safely. We will be flying from Kokoda to Port Moresby?

Marty_d · February 16, 2015

On YouTube Marty

Thanks Ben87r, trouble is I have the slowest satellite broadband known to man and 4GB/month usage.

farri · February 16, 2015

I am however thinking of walking the Kokoda track this Anzac Day. Am I likely to make it home safely. We will be flying from Kokoda to Port Moresby?

Now! That is a question!!!

Frank.

ben87r · February 16, 2015

Thanks Ben87r, trouble is I have the slowest satellite broadband known to man and 4GB/month usage.

Bugger!!! And I though I was in the sticks!

Marty_d · February 16, 2015

Bugger!!! And I though I was in the sticks!

You don't have to be in the sticks to not get good broadband - I'm 20 minutes drive away from a capital city... (ok, Hobart).

Phil Perry · February 16, 2015

So I do not watch TV at all. "Unless it is Bathurst." I am however thinking of walking the Kokoda track this Anzac Day. Am I likely to make it home safely. We will be flying from Kokoda to Port Moresby?

No Geoff ! bin there,. . .dun that, nearly killed me and I was just 25 and FAAMBATAD. . . well,. . yer might as well have ago, got to be better than bleeding car racing. . .!

Phil

SDQDI · February 16, 2015

Hobbit, is that in NZ Marty?

Phil Perry · February 16, 2015

Hobbit, is that in NZ Marty?

Eh up Lad,. . . . he didn't say. . . A MAJOR. . .capital city. . . . .!

Marty_d · February 16, 2015

Hobbit, is that in NZ Marty?

Could be, there's definitely a few orcs and trolls around the place!

poteroo · February 17, 2015

So I do not watch TV at all. "Unless it is Bathurst." I am however thinking of walking the Kokoda track this Anzac Day. Am I likely to make it home safely. We will be flying from Kokoda to Port Moresby?

Kokoda track has become fairly 'civilised' due the numbers of hikers and so infrastructure has been created. You no longer camp in a grass hut with a dirt floor - from all reports. The trekking companies have it all setup and you don't have to carry too much either. Get in some strenuous walking practice in humid conditions for starters. Be sure your 'boots' are well worn in, and use sufficiently thick socks to avoid chafing - you can't afford to break skin as it becomes infected quickly.

I've spent many days flying into Naoro, Manumu, Efogi, Menari and Kagi - all located on the Kokoda Track, and on the Port Moresby side of the Kokoda Gap. There are 2 old WW2 strips at 6000' amsl in the bed of the Myola Lakes - just on the south side of the Gap - which you should see from the LHS of the aircraft returning to Moresby. From Kokoda to the Gap is a steep climb - even for a Twotter. 1000'amsl up to min 7000 in less than 20nm. Often needs higher to clear the cloud in the Gap, and in which case you fly away from the Owen Stanley ranges - then turn back on climb to clear the Cb that begins from 10am. If you get a seat on the starboard side of the aircraft - you should get a good look to the west and see Mt Victoria, (13500),and others.

A few more pics of the Kokoda area. Take some pics on your way - we'll be looking forward to modern day Kokoda scenery. happy days,