Vale Capt John Regan - a PNG Legendary Aviator

[B747_4ever]

It is with deep and personal regret and profound sadness, that I wish to inform you all that we have lost one of the true legends of Aviation in PNG and previously in the Territory of PNG.
John's wife Laurel informed me earlier today 01 November 2023, that John has sadly passed away at the amazing age of 91 years at Bellingen NSW.
John was one of the true Territorians of the former glory days of pre independence in PNG, flying for Ansell MAL, later Ansett Airlines PNG and was Check & Training on DC-3/C-47 aircraft and also introduced the DHC-4 Caribou to PNG operations.
As PNG approached Self Governemnt in 1973, John was one of the very few brave TAA and Ansett PNG Pilots who made a lifechanging decision to stay on in PNG simply due to their love for love for the developing Nation and the challenging but sincerely rewarding satisfaction of day to day flying in this Pilot's Paradise.
John was there on Day One 01 November 1973, when the new National carrier Air Niugini launched officially when VH-TFJ a former TAA FK-27 departed Port Moresby at 0600 am for Lae, and Rabaul.
John along with Capt Dick Glassey, Capt Bill Johns and myself were the pioneers who in 1976 transitioned from the 20 tonne Dog Whistle FK-27 to the Illustrious B707-320 'Simok Balus' when Qantas took on the task of introducing us Territorians to the magical world of International Aviation.
John who could fly the pants off any Qantas Senior Check Captain survived the ordeal and went on to a most impressive career with Air Niugini which had expanded all over Australia, Oceania and the the Middle East in a few short years.
John eventually retired but his love of PNG and the people remained and at the age of 78 he returned to Port Moresby to take up an appointment flying the Dash 8-100 series for Airlines PNG. No mean feat especially considering John's advanced age at the time.
We that remain affectionally salute this very unique and much loved PNG Veteran and Aviator. We have such incredible and indelible memories of you personally and your meritorious achievements.
It is truly ironic that on this day exactly 50 years after the formation of Air Niugini, that we have lost a true legend.

Rest easy John. Blue skies and CAVOK be with you forever our dear loyal friend and thorough Gentleman but most of all we remember you as a Master Aviator that many of us will forever look up to.

[tpng conehead]

It is with deep and personal regret and profound sadness, that I wish to inform you all that we have lost one of the true legends of Aviation in PNG and previously in the Territory of PNG.
John's wife Laurel informed me earlier today 01 November 2023, that John has sadly passed away at the amazing age of 91 years at Bellingen NSW.
John was one of the true Territorians of the former glory days of pre independence in PNG, flying for Ansell MAL, later Ansett Airlines PNG and was Check & Training on DC-3/C-47 aircraft and also introduced the DHC-4 Caribou to PNG operations.
As PNG approached Self Governemnt in 1973, John was one of the very few brave TAA and Ansett PNG Pilots who made a lifechanging decision to stay on in PNG simply due to their love for love for the developing Nation and the challenging but sincerely rewarding satisfaction of day to day flying in this Pilot's Paradise.
John was there on Day One 01 November 1973, when the new National carrier Air Niugini launched officially when VH-TFJ a former TAA FK-27 departed Port Moresby at 0600 am for Lae, and Rabaul.
John along with Capt Dick Glassey, Capt Bill Johns and myself were the pioneers who in 1976 transitioned from the 20 tonne Dog Whistle FK-27 to the Illustrious B707-320 'Simok Balus' when Qantas took on the task of introducing us Territorians to the magical world of International Aviation.
John who could fly the pants off any Qantas Senior Check Captain survived the ordeal and went on to a most impressive career with Air Niugini which had expanded all over Australia, Oceania and the the Middle East in a few short years.
John eventually retired but his love of PNG and the people remained and at the age of 78 he returned to Port Moresby to take up an appointment flying the Dash 8-100 series for Airlines PNG. No mean feat especially considering John's advanced age at the time.
We that remain affectionally salute this very unique and much loved PNG Veteran and Aviator. We have such incredible and indelible memories of you personally and your meritorious achievements.
It is truly ironic that on this day exactly 50 years after the formation of Air Niugini, that we have lost a true legend.

Rest easy John. Blue skies and CAVOK be with you forever our dear loyal friend and thorough Gentleman but most of all we remember you as a Master Aviator that many of us will forever look up to.
Sad news. Met John in Madang with Ansett in 1970.

[Joofhart]

I too am one of the dwindling ranks of those who were in PNG at the time of the formation of Air Niugini. I joined ANG from Talair (then Territory Airlines) a few months later and had my first introduction to the even-then-legendary Captain John Regan. When I met him he was a very senior check and training captain. He was amiable, approachable, and ever-willing to give good advice to budding airline pilots. He did not stand fools lightly and if he thought that you needed a good kick in the arse he was willing to oblige. Having been on the receiving of a few good kicks myself I can honestly say that the discipline along with the advice that came with them stood me in good stead for a relatively long career in ANG.
Despite his legendary status and fearsome reputation, he was always great company partaking of a few gargles in the aero club after work. Even over a few beers, we all picked up many pearls of wisdom dropped lightly during conversations. I remember with great fondness being one of a hapless duo of junior first officers who took a base check on the F-27 one afternoon, during which I'm embarrassed to have to say that neither of us was a shining example of the best that ANG had to offer. After mercilessly tearing strips off both of us and leaving us fearing for our futures in the airline, he brought the briefing and paperwork to an end by saying, "Right chaps, let's go and have a few gargles". After that, we retired with our tails between our legs and followed him to the aero club. The transformation there was nothing short of miraculous. Within a short while he had us both rolling around with laughter regaling events that had transpired during the base checks and yet again pointing out in the nicest possible way how badly we had performed and how much further we had to go to meet his standards. Forever thereafter I looked forward to encounters with John both at work and after work because I knew that he never held grudges or set out deliberately to shatter any of our dreams. He was always available to give advice on ways to improve and good practical steps that should be taken.
John's dedication to aviation was demonstrated ably by the extra time that he stayed on after most of us had folded our wings and put the aircraft in the hangar for the last time. Even after I left ANG I once had occasion to call on him from across the world for assistance with sorting out my PNG licence and getting it recognised by the authorities in the new country that I was starting to fly for. He put in considerable effort on my behalf, simply because I asked him to do so and for absolutely no benefit to him. The world has indeed lost a great aviator and a great bloke.
Vale, Captain John Regan.

[Cravenmorehead]

Sad news regarding John Regan he was a true gentleman who overcame many challenges during his career.
RIP Wantok.

[Duck Pilot]

RIP John, absolute gentleman and an inspiration to fly with.

I like most have heard a lot of good stories about John in his younger years. Obviously the juice didn’t have a negative effect on his life considering that he got to 91. Certainly made a wise choice to give it up when he did.

Certainly a pioneer with regards to the success of Air Niugini, and I’m sure we will be throwing down a few SPs to reflect on John’s contribution to the airline, particularly considering that it’s just turned 50.

I actually thought I heard John call into Macca on Australia All Over a few years.

[zlin77]

When John joined East-West Airlines about 1983 I had the pleasure doing his training in the NSW Air Ambulance, to go from a multi-crew 707 operation to single pilot G.A. position was no mean feat, John applied himself to the task with 100% professionalism to achieve the right result, RIP John, fair skies ahead....

[Botswana O'Hooligan]

Great bloke, RIP John.

[D'pirate]

I remember that great PX advert from the late 70's "Some of Our Chiefs" that had John's mugshot hidden amongst a selection of resplendent chiefs in their wonderful headdresses.

End of an era...

[lucille]

A perfect gentleman. I always enjoyed his company and wisdom. RIP.

[angry ant]

Apinun Wantok,
Sad news indeed, do you know any details for, "Rowdy's" funeral ? John hired me for my F/O position on DC-3 and F-27 in Rabaul, March 1970.
Will tell the story on Pprune soon. Regards,
A very sad Ant, AKA Angry Ant