Douglas Airways PNG - Past Crew
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Douglas Airways PNG - Past Crew
Im researching history of GA in PNG during the 1970's to 1990's and know of Talair and Douglas Airways.
Una to find any info on Douglas Airways on the net except accident reports.
Would like to hear from past crew or others in the know who could tell me the following
The year of commencement of operations
year operations terminated
Reason the company ceased operating
Names of Management over the years
How many accidents and fatalities the company suffered
Experiences of being an employee
Operational Mindset etc.
Thanks
Afterburn
Una to find any info on Douglas Airways on the net except accident reports.
Would like to hear from past crew or others in the know who could tell me the following
The year of commencement of operations
year operations terminated
Reason the company ceased operating
Names of Management over the years
How many accidents and fatalities the company suffered
Experiences of being an employee
Operational Mindset etc.
Thanks
Afterburn
Read Jim Simclair's Balus trilogy, probably about Volume II or Volume III. Should answer all your questions. No point in even commencing research into post war PNG aviation until you read all Jim's aviation books, including his pre war book Wings of Gold.
Douglas Airways/DZ started as Aerial Tours in the late 1960's from memory. I think the founders were Dave Robertson, Heli Tschuchnigg and others. It was bought out by Dennis (Biscuit Ears - or simply "Bikkies") Douglas in the 1970's. Bikkies passed away a few years ago, but his brother, Trevor, is still in aviation somewhere, possibly in Perth.
They operated in the southern (Papuan) half of PNG, plus Wewak and Vanimo from the late 1960's to late 1980's. At one stage Air Niugini were a significant share holder (in the airline - not the properties - smart move, Bikkies!
).
They operated BN Islanders (including the winner of the 1968 London to Sydney Air Race[?] - although it's got me beat how an Islander could win any race), two Partenavias, two or three Nomads and I think, at least one Queenair.
There are a number of ex Douglas pilots who haunt this site who could possibly give you further details.
Douglas Airways/DZ started as Aerial Tours in the late 1960's from memory. I think the founders were Dave Robertson, Heli Tschuchnigg and others. It was bought out by Dennis (Biscuit Ears - or simply "Bikkies") Douglas in the 1970's. Bikkies passed away a few years ago, but his brother, Trevor, is still in aviation somewhere, possibly in Perth.
They operated in the southern (Papuan) half of PNG, plus Wewak and Vanimo from the late 1960's to late 1980's. At one stage Air Niugini were a significant share holder (in the airline - not the properties - smart move, Bikkies!
). They operated BN Islanders (including the winner of the 1968 London to Sydney Air Race[?] - although it's got me beat how an Islander could win any race), two Partenavias, two or three Nomads and I think, at least one Queenair.
There are a number of ex Douglas pilots who haunt this site who could possibly give you further details.
Retired Tiger pilot
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Club Morocco. Subic Bay. Philippines
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ahhhh. Torres. You are nearly right. reminds me of Alzheimers of which there are three positive sympyoms. The first is memory loss and I'm ******ed if I can recall t'other two!
Sharpie me Ol' Wantok. At least you are old enough to remember......... I was trying to think who else was involved in Aerial Tours in the early days - maybe some guy "Joe" who became GM?
Alzheimers is reputed to be a side effect of too many SP Brownies and too many LBFM's. I think ..... memory is failing.......
Simbu Meri, think I heard that's where Trevor is. Memory isn't as good as it used to be........
Incidentally, was at Longreach and Winton late last week. The B747-200 at Longreach was "Officially Opened" last Saturday. Pity we didn't have the crew there to christen it.
Alzheimers is reputed to be a side effect of too many SP Brownies and too many LBFM's. I think ..... memory is failing.......
Simbu Meri, think I heard that's where Trevor is. Memory isn't as good as it used to be........
Incidentally, was at Longreach and Winton late last week. The B747-200 at Longreach was "Officially Opened" last Saturday. Pity we didn't have the crew there to christen it.
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Twyford, UK
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ah mein freund Hanoi....don't forget also the C206 Floatplane, and the Partenavia. Plenty of ex Douglear*se Airways Pilots around, all of whom have been personally fired by Biccie.
I even know of one gentleman who was fired by Dennis personally in the dero club, on the spot, who never even worked for him.!!!! Such is the influence of alcihole. Right Wida.?
I even know of one gentleman who was fired by Dennis personally in the dero club, on the spot, who never even worked for him.!!!! Such is the influence of alcihole. Right Wida.?
Ah yes, those three Trislanders! Two are in Australia, one in Victoria, the other in West Australia. The third was rumoured to be derelict in Port Morbid. Ex Bush Pilots Airlines.
Whereas a Bongo Van is worth around 8 cents per kilo for conversion to pots, pans and beer cans, I won't comment on the significantly less value of a Triple Bongo Van!
Whereas a Bongo Van is worth around 8 cents per kilo for conversion to pots, pans and beer cans, I won't comment on the significantly less value of a Triple Bongo Van!
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: To your left
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Torres
I read somewhere the other day that they were seriously considering a restart on the Trislander production line.
Two questions spring to mind................
1. What have those Bembridge folk been smoking?
2. Can I have some?
I think the value of "pots, pans and beer cans" just went south.
I read somewhere the other day that they were seriously considering a restart on the Trislander production line.
Two questions spring to mind................
1. What have those Bembridge folk been smoking?
2. Can I have some?
I think the value of "pots, pans and beer cans" just went south.
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ah yes,good old Douglas Airways.
There are alot of ex Douglas guys/girls plying the skies with QF,CX,DJ,BA and elsewhere around the globe.
Did my mandatory 'stint' with Douglas many yonks ago and had to say as much as I appreciated getting a job I was also glad to be leaving.
Old aircraft,poorly equipped,clapped out and dirty,dodgy accomodation mostly and less pay than the opposition - but geez it was fun!!
Douglas had some real characters to boot including one guy that bit another pilots ear off,one that had a rather novel way of dealing with pubic lice without the use of a pharmacy and one guy that ran up a horrendous phone bill and got picked up by the police whilst in customs and forced to pay his bill on the spot.
And they were the tame ones!!!
Got to agree about reading the Balus trilogy,they have it all covered pretty well.
There are alot of ex Douglas guys/girls plying the skies with QF,CX,DJ,BA and elsewhere around the globe.
Did my mandatory 'stint' with Douglas many yonks ago and had to say as much as I appreciated getting a job I was also glad to be leaving.
Old aircraft,poorly equipped,clapped out and dirty,dodgy accomodation mostly and less pay than the opposition - but geez it was fun!!
Douglas had some real characters to boot including one guy that bit another pilots ear off,one that had a rather novel way of dealing with pubic lice without the use of a pharmacy and one guy that ran up a horrendous phone bill and got picked up by the police whilst in customs and forced to pay his bill on the spot.
And they were the tame ones!!!
Got to agree about reading the Balus trilogy,they have it all covered pretty well.
TIMMEEE Are you referring to the pilot who reputedly used cigarette lighter fluid and a match to resolve a little matter of personal binatangs? I heard the rumour but never believed it to be true.
The frightening part, Travelling Toolbox, is that there are reputedly twelve new Tri Bongo Vans in boxes, somewhere in Australia. One can only hope they now reside in a Simms metal recycling yard!
Mind you, Bikkies deserved those attrrocious aircraft, especially affter he threatened to build GAF Nomads in PNG!!!
The frightening part, Travelling Toolbox, is that there are reputedly twelve new Tri Bongo Vans in boxes, somewhere in Australia. One can only hope they now reside in a Simms metal recycling yard!
Mind you, Bikkies deserved those attrrocious aircraft, especially affter he threatened to build GAF Nomads in PNG!!!
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Torres, I dont know about the lighter fluid thing (wouldnt surprise me about this supposed individual) but I can tell you for a fact that there is supposedly a pilot in Australia working for a rather large carrier with part of an ear missing as a result so they say.
Another pilot apparently is doing the rounds of aviation in northern OZ and owes alot of money to alot of people and has left more than a few hotels with staggering bills.
Wonder who that may be??
After it was all said and done we all enjoyed Douglas and apart from a scrape or two mentioned had a good time and enjoyed the camaraderie.
Almost forgot the chief pilot who was presented a pillow case with two eye-holes cut out for his birthday!
Lets not go there!!
Another pilot apparently is doing the rounds of aviation in northern OZ and owes alot of money to alot of people and has left more than a few hotels with staggering bills.
Wonder who that may be??
After it was all said and done we all enjoyed Douglas and apart from a scrape or two mentioned had a good time and enjoyed the camaraderie.
Almost forgot the chief pilot who was presented a pillow case with two eye-holes cut out for his birthday!
Lets not go there!!
PPRuNeaholic
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Cairns FNQ
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Seem to recall that the prime prerequisite for joining Talair was that you had to have been sacked from DJ... but, o' course, this i really just a rumour network after all... 
The day of my "go finish" from PNGAS, I put something like K150 across the bar at The Temple and duly rang the bell. The money didn't last too long (and this was in the days when a Kina went a helluva long way at the bar!). Anyway, just as I was dipping into me pocket for more money, Bikkie, who'd been there for a while at that stage, shoved another hundred onto the bar.
He reckoned that my departure from PNGAS heralded the end of that particular company and he seemed quite happy about that! Of course, he'd had to buy out the old Circus Air, which was partly owned by the owners of PNGAS, to get sole operating rights around the Goilala. That cost him a lot, one way and another, so I reckon his pleasure at me go-finish party was understandable!
The day of my "go finish" from PNGAS, I put something like K150 across the bar at The Temple and duly rang the bell. The money didn't last too long (and this was in the days when a Kina went a helluva long way at the bar!). Anyway, just as I was dipping into me pocket for more money, Bikkie, who'd been there for a while at that stage, shoved another hundred onto the bar.
He reckoned that my departure from PNGAS heralded the end of that particular company and he seemed quite happy about that! Of course, he'd had to buy out the old Circus Air, which was partly owned by the owners of PNGAS, to get sole operating rights around the Goilala. That cost him a lot, one way and another, so I reckon his pleasure at me go-finish party was understandable!
TIMMEEE. Talking of half an ear, I remember a very senior executive of a the largest PNG bank (who had a sudden departure after the Placer share scandal) who had an ear deformity resulting in only half an ear on one side.
We called him Eighteen Months - an 'ear an' a half!
Ozexpat. You cheap skate! Only K150 for a Go Pinis P!$$ Up? The day Bikkies put his hand in his pocket should have been captured on film for posterity! Whatever happened to Bikkies Flying School building, opposite the old Douglas office? Last I saw it was a trolley dolley training school with an F28 cabin mock up, but thats well over a decade ago.
We called him Eighteen Months - an 'ear an' a half!
Ozexpat. You cheap skate! Only K150 for a Go Pinis P!$$ Up? The day Bikkies put his hand in his pocket should have been captured on film for posterity! Whatever happened to Bikkies Flying School building, opposite the old Douglas office? Last I saw it was a trolley dolley training school with an F28 cabin mock up, but thats well over a decade ago.
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OzExpat, I'm not sure what you're talking about with regard to the sacking of ex Douglas pilots making a prerequisite for introduction into Talair.
I think you may find it was the other way around.
As you're aware the PNG aviation scene was very small and anyone not up to par or with a bad reputation was not taken on by the opposition.
One exception I know of was one guy sacked from GV and given a job with Douglas.
Did you ever work for either Douglas or GV Ozexpat?
I cant find any reference to PNGAS in any of Jim Sinclair's books.
As for Dennis handing money over the bar.....what did they put into SP in those days??
I agree its hard to believe or Dennis had a momentary lapse of insanity!
I think you may find it was the other way around.
As you're aware the PNG aviation scene was very small and anyone not up to par or with a bad reputation was not taken on by the opposition.
One exception I know of was one guy sacked from GV and given a job with Douglas.
Did you ever work for either Douglas or GV Ozexpat?
I cant find any reference to PNGAS in any of Jim Sinclair's books.
As for Dennis handing money over the bar.....what did they put into SP in those days??
I agree its hard to believe or Dennis had a momentary lapse of insanity!
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i gotta do it...
ive told these two stories after a few beers to close mates who thought it was amusing, realistic and gritty deatils included....
i had a liklik personal binatang problem having gone feral once too often in PNG...
before i knew i had em I had these lil scabby bits down below, was enroute 'sumwhere' with nothing else to do...one thing led to another and one of these lil scabby bits ended up in my mouth...(filthy habit but hey we've all eaten booger or snot before!)...anyways F#%K ME! it was crunchier than usual so i got me another one and had a closer look...yip...it was moving!!!
back at home...out with the razor to prepare the surface before application...now i was thinkin...wot to use...probably eggies under the skin surface so i gotta burn that top layer off, in a flash of brilliance i remembered that my long since departed silver belly had left sum nail polish remover behind...that'll do it i thought...
anyways F#%K ME it burnt like a mother f#%ker.... but it worked...
the other one was when i was a 'guest' at a compound 'sumwhere' after a hard nite at a club 'sumwhere'
i had a couple of Janet Jackson look a likes in tow that i fully intended to get medieval on...
a bit of lube was needed for entertainment value...you know a bit of wrestling sorta thing...
so i remembered the cooking oil in the kitchen...unfortunatley only half the bottle was used...all sounds good so far aye???
on the monday the Hash Run was held from this 'compound'
when the barbie was broken out for hash kai it needed sum oil to stop the meat sticking...
no worries boys...half a bottle of cooking oil left...
but im not hungry
ive told these two stories after a few beers to close mates who thought it was amusing, realistic and gritty deatils included....
i had a liklik personal binatang problem having gone feral once too often in PNG...
before i knew i had em I had these lil scabby bits down below, was enroute 'sumwhere' with nothing else to do...one thing led to another and one of these lil scabby bits ended up in my mouth...(filthy habit but hey we've all eaten booger or snot before!)...anyways F#%K ME! it was crunchier than usual so i got me another one and had a closer look...yip...it was moving!!!
back at home...out with the razor to prepare the surface before application...now i was thinkin...wot to use...probably eggies under the skin surface so i gotta burn that top layer off, in a flash of brilliance i remembered that my long since departed silver belly had left sum nail polish remover behind...that'll do it i thought...
anyways F#%K ME it burnt like a mother f#%ker.... but it worked...
the other one was when i was a 'guest' at a compound 'sumwhere' after a hard nite at a club 'sumwhere'
i had a couple of Janet Jackson look a likes in tow that i fully intended to get medieval on...
a bit of lube was needed for entertainment value...you know a bit of wrestling sorta thing...
so i remembered the cooking oil in the kitchen...unfortunatley only half the bottle was used...all sounds good so far aye???
on the monday the Hash Run was held from this 'compound'
when the barbie was broken out for hash kai it needed sum oil to stop the meat sticking...
no worries boys...half a bottle of cooking oil left...
but im not hungry
PPRuNeaholic
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Cairns FNQ
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was ready to put up more money Torres but Bikkie beat me to it. In the event, I put another K100 up after Bikkie's hundred was, rapidly, exhausted! I think there were a lot who took advantage of Bikkie's somewhat uncustomary generosity, but there were an awful lot of major hangovers the next day!
You wouldn't recognise it now... or maybe ya would! But the whole area was transformed into PX's training facility for all sorts of courses. I even did a DG course there.
TIMMEEEE... my memory is probably suffering much the same as Torres and Sharpie but I can assure you that Bikkie happily parted with K100 on that occasion. I've never worked for Douglas or Talair, but knew lots who did and it always seemed like I was seeing blokes working for Talair within just a few months of being sacked from Douglas!
I'm not surprised that you can't find a reference to PNGAS in any of the Balus books.
Whatever happened to Bikkies Flying School building, opposite the old Douglas office? Last I saw it was a trolley dolley training school with an F28 cabin mock up, but thats well over a decade ago.
But the whole area was transformed into PX's training facility for all sorts of courses. I even did a DG course there.TIMMEEEE... my memory is probably suffering much the same as Torres and Sharpie
but I can assure you that Bikkie happily parted with K100 on that occasion. I've never worked for Douglas or Talair, but knew lots who did and it always seemed like I was seeing blokes working for Talair within just a few months of being sacked from Douglas! I'm not surprised that you can't find a reference to PNGAS in any of the Balus books.
Man Bilong Balus long PNG
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Looking forward to returning to Japan soon but in the meantime continuing the never ending search for a bad bottle of Red!
Age: 69
Posts: 2,976
Received 104 Likes
on
59 Posts
That does it!! That absobl***ylutely does it!!!!
Now I am absolutely convinced that I got to PNG far too late and indeed missed out on all the fun!
Afterburn; I will have to consult my logbook to get the date but I will be able to tell you when Douglas shut down as I flew the very last flight, Port Morbid to Kerema and return. I was actually supposed to go to Daru but...........
I'll pm you with the details in due course.
I think that somewhere in all the stuff I've stored away is a copy of Wantok concerning the Douglas shutdown. Had a copy of the Post Courier as well but think it was used to clean the BBQ out at the Waikerie Gliding Club ages ago.
You only live twice. Once when
you're born. Once when
you've looked death in the face.
Now I am absolutely convinced that I got to PNG far too late and indeed missed out on all the fun!
Afterburn; I will have to consult my logbook to get the date but I will be able to tell you when Douglas shut down as I flew the very last flight, Port Morbid to Kerema and return. I was actually supposed to go to Daru but...........
I'll pm you with the details in due course.I think that somewhere in all the stuff I've stored away is a copy of Wantok concerning the Douglas shutdown. Had a copy of the Post Courier as well but think it was used to clean the BBQ out at the Waikerie Gliding Club ages ago.
You only live twice. Once when
you're born. Once when
you've looked death in the face.
My mouth is watering just reading these posts.Maybe time for a PNG Tales thread. Nothing to do with Douglas (I too was sacked before joining)but my favourite answer to THAT problem, was the Mortein Surface spray!!!
Retired Tiger pilot
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Club Morocco. Subic Bay. Philippines
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ahhhh Ozexpat. my little effort at the temple the other Sunday cost me well over K2, 000 across the bar, plus whatever for 300 sausages and rolls. By golly how times have changed with inflation rampant.Bikkie ears! Yes. remember when his pilots went on strike, using sandwidge boards to advertise the fact, marching up and down the road outside the hangar?
Do you remember at the same time, Bikkie taking handfulls of tranquilisers at the compulsory Labour Department Arbitration hearing(he lost) Do you remember his Manager Ted Bill, accusing Sharpie of trying to murder his kids when he found a 6 foot croc in the backyard swimming pool?
Bikkie got his own back by going to see the 'BOSS' of the day and had the decision overturned. All was forgiven over the years and in my own opinion, there have been a lot worse characters than Bikkie in PNG( self included)