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Old 14th Dec 2023, 23:31
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tail wheel
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Join Date: Jan 1996
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I have a stark memory from many decades ago watching Britain's revenge on the Empire, a 260 HP BN2 Islander, taking off on Fua'amotu RW 17/35 (1,509 meters, grass) with a pilot plus nine Tongans. The passengers could have picked a few coconuts as they disappeared off the south east end of the runway.

The grass RW 17/35 had a hump where the road crossed the strip. Hitting the hump was an excellent aid to transiting from the runway to ground effect. It appears RW 17/35 and the old wooden hangar may have disappeared?

There was also an old Piper Aztec (or was it an Islander??) in the hangar which one of the Cargo Boys from a previous operator thought he could fry - so as you do - so he gave it a go! Seems the would be pilot and the Aztec (or was it an Islander?) survived the ordeal, although the aircraft had significant damage which could not be buffed out!

Tonga, the land where time began. From Australia set your watch forward two hours and back 100 years!
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