Tailwheel, it certainly was some time ago. Either late 1984 or early 1985. Sorry memory fails me. Aravas had -36's as an option over the -34 of the Bandit. Better hot and high performance. Luckily didn't manage to get the 3 x 50 Cals and 3.75in FFAR (rockets) option. Trying to load live ordinance at Lae next to the civil terminal may have been tragic.
The 300,000kina was ~1984 when Kina was tired to US dollars and stronger than Australian dollar. Not sure that Air Niugini ever got paid but I did see the bill. Probably not.
I was supposed to be up there flying next month but not anymore with COVID. Great place and generally fantastic people. Absolutely never a dull moment.
regards Flickroll