Fugitive
I dont wish to labor the point,but once you cross the ranges you do not have the performance to get back to Port Moresby.
Depending on the type,you must be within 60 minutes of an adequate airport,single engine,still air.
The airport must be adequate and suitable for time of landing.In the Airlink case,there were no available airports.
POM was the only suitable airport,but not available due to performance restrictions.
Holding is not an option.When you depart,the alternate must be available,in this case it wasn`t due to first light at suitable airports
Not only this,but in the event of a fire,then you need to put down where and when you can.
Should he been able to land by first light ,then yes,but this wasn`t the case and according to the reports,if they are correct,he had to land and holding wasn`t an option.
I am not trying to start an argument on this,but at the end of the day,if you have an emergency irrespective of the Reg`s,you must have an option.Maybe Patrick didn`t,but we will nnever know.