Kimbe-Hoskins airfield PNG

[beantoo]

Hello all. I am looking for any information on Hoskins Airfield in PNG.
Looking to fly in on a coporate charter and would rather park the A/C on site and in a hangar rather then ferry it into Port Morsby.
Does anyone know if there is any availibility or if hangars exist for hire in Hoskins (AYHK)
Any information would be great.

Thanks

[Waghi Warrior]

I haven't been to Hoskins for a few years however the answer would be no. Also the parking area is very small and I doubt that other users would be happy with having something big parked up for a few days. Security at the airport would be also non existant at a guess as well.

Others who have recently operated into Hoskins may be able to give further accurate information.

What kind of aircraft are you operating ? As there is a NOTAM issued in relation the size of aircraft that the strip can handle. I don't think they want anthing larger than a Dash 8 in there due to pavement problems.

[beantoo]

Thanks for your help. we'll be coming in on somethins much smaller than a Dash 8 so size shouldnt matter. Looks like it'll be Port Moresby for parking.
Thanks again for your help.

[Sunfish]

I was at Hoskins a few years ago to join a dive charter.

There is no hangar, but more importantly there is no security. If you leave your pride and joy there overnight, it won't be in flying shape next morning, you cannot possibly leave it unattended.

You will also need to ensure security for your passengers so that they are met and escorted where they need to go. If you aren't taking the aircraft straight back, then you will need security too.

To put it another way, your "arrival hall" is a covered area with welded reinforcing mesh sides, not so much to keep you in, but to keep the locals out. There is a Six foot security guy on the gate to let you out when you are "collected".

[Capt Fathom]

You can also look on Google Earth or Google Maps. Place looks downright civilised (from outer space :E).

I'm sure the runway was made of crushed coral when I was there last!

[Widewoodenwingswork]

One of the scariest landings I've ever been a passenger on. I thought the Fokker was a goner. Have been in and out a few times, there was a MAF(?) 206 parked undercover when I was there last. There's an outfit called Niugini Helicopters who operate out of Kimbe, they might be able to help you with some information and possibly broker a security company to guard your pride and joy(most likely with AK47's and Alsatians). You may find that it would be a surprisingly cheap exercise compared to flying back to Moresby to hangar it.

If that fails, PM me and I will get in touch with a few contacts and see if they can help out. Lukim yu!

[Mainframe]

Beantoo,

No need to go back to Port Moresby, drop your passengers off then head just a little further North to Tokua - AYTK
(the replacement airfield for Rabaul).

It has a good sealed runway, plenty of parking on the apron, a control tower, Jet A1 and Avgas (Interoil).
Never had a problem with security, its not raskol country there yet.

The field is regularly serviced by Air Nuigini F100 jets.

It has a GPS RNAV approach.

By prior arrangement you can clear customs and immigration there if you want to give Port Moresby a miss.

Dont fly near Rabaul, volcanic ash is often still emitted.

For nearby accommodation, you can't beat the Rappopo Plantation Resort, run by a couple of Ozzie expats (Brian and Bev).

They will shuttle you to and from the airport.

Look up Rappopo Plantation Resort on the web.

[Aeromuz]

I operated a C441 out of Hoskins in November and there was no issues with parking if you keep the aircraft to the side of the apron. There is Jet A1 avaliable but no hanger space.

[sundaun]

There is a Missionary group just south of Goroka, with a hangar at GKA and operated a coupla C90s who looked after my C185 when based Hoskins 5 yrs ago for a month. No problems then. I was in the lodge at Kimbe 30k away. There was fuel there. Mind you in those days Airlink provided a sterling service to Tokua, Lae & Moresby. Some Lapun may remember the name of the missho's. I stayed with a German family who had the Kimbe Resort.

[Waghi Warrior]

I agree with Mainframe go up to Tokua,it's not that far away compared to Moresby and there is security there,and yep as mentioned you can clear customs there,you can also clean customs at Gurney as well.

PM me if you want any more info as I would be glad to help out.

[sundaun]

The Misshos are New Tribes Mission, Goroka

[Chimbu chuckles]

I don't think security is much of an issue - NEVER did I see an aircraft vandalised in my years in PNG. The locals have an innate understanding of the importance of aircraft in PNG.

Unless you get a report that that situation has changed from a local operator I would just park the aircraft at Hoskins - obviously well locked/chocked and covers on - and be about your business.

[beantoo]

Thanks everyone.
We wont be heading in for a few months yet but I'll get straight onto looking into all optioins.

Thanks again.

[geeup]

Guard Dog can provide security at Hoskins.
Tokua has a volanic ash problem...