Lihir Gold.
 

I believe that Lihir Gold are about to award the LNV-CNS-LNV contract. Me thinks that Air Niugini have got a fair chance of getting this. I have also heard that someone has bidded for the contract using BAE 146's,I figure it would have to be NJS. The idea aircraft for this operation would be a Dash 8 200 with long range tanks,well thats my view ! :ok:

Hi Cocky Jester
 

I had some dealings with Wasantha and his engineering chap Patrick,

I have to say (as this is an anymous forum) that especially Wasantha you could do a lot worse than this chap. One of the most honest honourable gentleman that I have the pleasure to o business with. It was a little disappointing about the outcome on the 767 purchase from RBA, but that wasnt PX's fault really they were just looking for the best deal for the Airline and I think that this is most important point!

Remember I coming from an objective view here, I can only give great reviews about this chap as he is not interested in putting his snout in the trough. He is interested in the good of the Airline, I can honestly say that this is my view, he is a good guy!

I think that Wasantha and Patrick know who I am as I am based in Singapore.

BRGDS

Orangputi, there are those that do not agree with your observations based on closer involvement.

146 To Lnv?
 

146 to Lihir!! From memory,1200m gravel (coral) 1 point something slope & "very damp" most of the time.Unless they plan to lengthen & seal it,"Tell him he's dreamin' son.

Ok, so if PX is using the B757, -FII on the POM-KL route, two questions;
1. Is this plane ETOPS approved by PNG DCA since it has not been operated by PX for 12 months as required by the regs.
2. B757-200s will not have the fuel endurance to do direct route anyway, so how are they doing this legally... ?

Mach.85
 

B757-200 range is 3900NM, POM-KUL is approx 2900NM...Am i missing something??


NZ2.

LGL has plans to expend Lihir by 200m to 1400m to fit NJS 146 next year.
Then APNG to run a Dash 8 around the rest of the runs.
Work has not yet started.:eek:

Lihir 146
 

I like the 146 aircraft but I wonder about the economics of the sector into Lihir from Cairns with how many passengers? It certainly will be tight getting in and out.

PX have a DHC-8-315 with long range tanks than seems a little too much lift for the run, but at least 1200 meters is comfortable for this aircraft.

My memory is not that clear, but is Lihir an (ICAO standard) designated international airport.

I do not mean like the PNG Government think (claim) Tokua or Momote are international standard. Lets not mention Jacksons either.:confused:

tipsy:ok:

Speaking of ICAO standards, what happened to the audit of PNG?

Tipsy2 A/PNG have been flying to Lihir direct from Cairns for a year now. Lihir has customs and quarantine paid for by the mine. ICAO approval or not has nothing to do with whether a company can fly to a place internationally, the regulatory authorities in PNG decide what are designated International ports.
Runway extension will not be done for ages land owners and compensation will hold it up.
Contract encompasses CS-LHR-CS operation, PY-LHR-PYand the big one LHR to all ports that the mine decides are neccessay, for it's FIFO operation.
It's a biggy. 3 Dash 8's. 146 maybe one day? The mine has big plans for expansion, it will need the 146 then.
The current A/PNG Dash (CS-LHR-CS) operates in 12 seat executive config, so money is not a problem. After all it"s a GOLD mine you know.
The decision date for the preferred operator is December.
Thems the facts jack

Silly me, I always understood PNG international designated airports were declared on the whim of the minister at some press conference on EMTV or other.

If the following quote is infact correct then I submit that the PNG authorities have been operating contrary to international law and convention. I'm sure that would come as no surprise to many of us.

tipsy:ok:

The Bae 146 never did get properly approved in gravel kitted form. To my knowledge, only one ever operated on gravel - in private category for a Saudi Prince. Where anything goes. There was a gravel kit for the B732, but with 1200 m that aeroplane can't go near LNV either. So, unless they seal the runway, and do a lot of work to widen the side strip areas, it's a Dash 8 or similar for the foreseeable future.

NZ 2.

757 - 767.

Why cross train when I understood that both aircraft are on the same pilot's type-rating!

Better still why dont they have two 767's instead of 757 & a 767?

Hmm, didn't know that sharpie - interesting.

Well why NOT have a 757 and a 767 Skystar?


NZ2.

Well having one of each would certainly increasing operating costs, by having too of the same type means decreased costs

757-767
 

Actually the operating costs are fixed since they are damp leased and engines, block checks etc are all accounted for in the lease rate.
Fuel flow is an issue and the 757 is a good aircraft to substitute on lighter runs which would be not so economical with a 767.

Therefore the 757 and 767 combination is less expensive than a pair of 767, and have more lift than a pair of 757.

The common type rating is helpful but only for pilots and not engineers.

Mach E Avelli
I think 146-100's can operate into gravel runways with high floation gear.
Not totally sure though.

There's more to the gravel kit than just the high float gear. The belly must have a fibreglass protection strip and I am not sure whether the nose gear must have a deflector or special chined tyres to stop debris going up into the engines. In any case, although much of the development work was done when the Poms were trying to drum up interest for the aircraft in developing areas, it never got certified as far as I am aware. Probably because they needed a minimum order of 10 to pay for the approvals and most countries in the market for such a beast could only afford to buy one or two at the most.
Not to say someone couldn't pick it up and run with it, as all the design work and initial performance data has to be out there somewhere. But dealing with the PNG CAA or CASA to get it approved for commercial operations? Good luck!
Pity, because the Avro RJ would make a great semi-STOL dirt runway jet in a specialised application. But, expensive to operate, so it would take a Lihir Gold to afford it.