Performance Flying @ PNG Standard
Good post Cowbay, I'm always interested in new stories ex PNG.
For those of us who were there in the 'taim bipoa' there were some positive factors offsetting the optimistic loadings, density, slope, weather, and tired old C180/185's, and they included:
(1) The ANO 28.1 Route & Strip Endorsing System
While everyone griped about it, the fact is that it did work reasonably well. Sure, there was a bit of shortcutting done on the easier strips and routes, but I beleive it was the one and only way to teach new CPL's. The mentor-pupil system has always worked.
(2) The Presence of Law & Order
At most strips in PNG, there used to be either a kiap,(Patrol Officer), or at least senior national police staff. The strips might not have been great, but they were usually well mown, (by a gang of calaboos wielding sareps), and there was often a radiod strip report by 8AM.
Aircraft and their activities had absolute priority, and you or the aircraft were never in the slightest danger from non-aviation events.
But, it's still a place where you can gain different, but valuable flying skills. If young pilots can handle the security issues, you really owe it to yourself to try for a job there.
cheers,