Nigel: This is intriguing as I never knew that an FH1100 had operated in PNG. Hiller 12's yes, I believe there had been a handful in the early days and I recall that the SIL mission had one at their Eastern Highlands base located in the unlikely sounding village of Ukarumpa! Was the craft on the PNG register?
What was the 1100 like to fly (handling wise)? I am supposing it was similar to the 206? Yes I remember your previous comments about the tragedy of your former instructor. Very sad.
.. the engine compartment boasted a neat 'pull-down' platform for servicing & working tools.
Condor Helicopters Fairchild-Hiller FH1100 N379FH (cn 115) at Oxnard Airport, Oxnard, California, in November 1975 (Photo: Doug Duncan)
The pull-down platform referred to by Denissimo being visible in the above photo.
The 1100 engine bay is certainly something to behold compared say to the 500 - you've basically got this tiny Allison sitting in the middle of 'nowhere' - fascinating!
The FH1100's spacious engine bay