Papua New Guinea

[Rhumb Line]

I know that this subject has been done to death but I cant seem to get anything on previous posts. Am currently a JAA Frozen ATPL and am seriously considering flying in PNG. I remember sitting in the High Flyer pub at Bankstown listening in awe to a seasoned veteran of PNG and looking in amazement of his photos. What are the possibilities in places like Lae for either single or multi engine piston work. The Aussies used to say you needed about 1000 hour total time for insurance purposes. Are the stories of flying in valleys covered in cloud and airfields 6000 ft PA true. If so I am there as it sure beats instructing out of Redhill waiting for the UK wx to clear. Also two further questions:- How is the living situation. I would be going as a single bloke, but am more concerned by the violence to Westerners, especially with a greater intolerance of Westerners in recent times. Secondly as well as my JAA CPL/IR I also hold an Aussie CPL with Night Rating dangerous goods etc. i wonder if this would be of any help.

Many thanks guys.

[Torres]

From memory, highest airfield Kegsugl around 7,500 AMSL. Steepest airfield Omkalai (now closed) at 13%. Hills rise to 15,100 ft (Mt Wilhelm). Estimated 2,000 aircraft wrecks 1921 to date (including WWII).

Search the many PNG threads in PPRuNe.

[the wizard of auz]

Surely you would have to subtract the ones that were shot down to give a true indication. Although having just done some flying in the Philippines, Indonesia and Timor I certainly have a new outlook on flying in PNG........all very character building I would think.

[cleatus]

If your chasing work in PNG, you may need around 1000hrs TT, I think you should have no trouble converting your licence over once you get here. Companies such as North Coast would look at you with around 1000TT, & I think 100 M/E. Airlink require 1500 TT, & at times 500 M/E, some guys have got a start with 100 M/E. You would have to wait for a visa to come through, from the company that employs you, this can take 6 weeks to 4 months.
In regard to safety, this is a issue. The economy here is still very weak, there is very high unemployment, in the main cities of Lae & Port Moresby up to 80 %. Therefore crime is fairly high, Ive been in country for over a year & have been held up at gun point, & have got through another hold up, all on the way to or from work. This situation will not improve as the number of poor increases. If you can it is best that you come out & view the place & where companies fly to for your self & go from there. The flying is good, hairy at times, but the best you will ever do(apart from chasing cows in the Northern Territory).
Good luck.

[TIMMEEEE]

Reminds me of the story of a fellow ex PNG pilot and present colleague that was driving a truck from somewhere around Goroka down to Lae via the Highlands Highway.

Turned a corner and found a tree had been cut down across the road.
At the same time he was presented with a sawn off shotgun to his head, removed violently at gunpoint and told to hand over his valuables.
He handed over a wallet with very little cash as well as his watch, but this was not to the satisfaction of the robbers.
They liked his new jeans and T shirt and demanded those at gunpoint which were dutifully provided.

But wait........there's more!
After proceeding a further 20 miles on the same thing happened again but with different robbers.
With nothing to provide his new assailants they demanded his underwear as these guys will steal anything and needed to produce a result!

Once again dutifully providing the goods (you are an exhibitionist afterall Mikey!) said individual rocks up in Lae in the nude, minus his watch,wallet and jocks but with a bloody good story to tell!

Just hope you left the lads a skidmark or two as gratitude!

Rhumb Line - the money is crap, the conditions not too flash but the flying is second to none and the most fun you can have with your pants on!

[the wizard of auz]

or off it seems. :D

[OzExpat]

Most unwise to get naked in this country for any other reason than a robbery! :eek: :D

[Rhumb Line]

Thanks all. I appreciate the info.