Flight West -SOLD-
Retired Tiger pilot
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Club Morocco. Subic Bay. Philippines
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Torres. Thanks for the info.. .I spoke to Bobby and he is wrapped to think that his name will continue on in PNG Aviation.. .. .Bobby and Jean are prepared to visit Port Moresby once again when the champers is dribbled down the nose of the F28. Maybe Bobby will be permitted(as last time) to take a few good swigs before christening 'his aircraft'.. .. .The DC3 was originally named after C B Grey but later changed to 'Larry Blackman'.. .. .I have not been in the cabin since 1977 but the aircraft was recently polished up a little and the rudder replaced.. .Regards.. .. .Sharpie.. .. . <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" />
Sharpie, I am really pleased Bobby has been so honoured. He was a true battling pioneer of post war PNG aviation and a top guy to boot.. .. .For those who didn't have the great privilege to know Bobby, he started Gibbes Sepik Airways around 1949 with Austers - and his Wewak cargo boi, Dennis 'Junior' Buchanan. He eventually acquired Norseman and Junkers JU52/3m's. In the finest style he managed to wage a successful running battle with then DCA for over 10 years.. .. .He sold Gibbes Sepik Airways to Ansett in 1960 but continued to manage his plantation, 'Tremearne' and also his hotel interests, including the Bird of Paradise Hotel in Goroka. . .. .He briefly returned to PNG flying in 1976 which sadly ended with a tragic accident in Cessna 402 VH-GKF (I think?) around 1976 at Brugam in the West Sepik.. .. .Bobby deserves the honour of having his name carried on the F-28. But Sharpie, watch that bottle of champers - there's a fair chance it will be empty by the time Bobby gets to christen the balus! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Cairns, Qld, Australia
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Captain V- I bought a good second hand copy of "Sepik Pilot" for a reasonable price from <a href="http://www.Bookfinder.com" target="_blank">www.Bookfinder.com</a> (I was even able to get it signed by Bobby Gibbes and James Sinclair, the author).. .. .Cheers. .P40. . . . <small>[ 25 March 2002, 09:11: Message edited by: P40 ]</small>
Talking of Gibbes Sepik Airways, readers of this thread who don't think it has been hijacked might really enjoy this photo:. .. . <a href="http://www.adastron.com/vault/vhbuv.htm" target="_blank">GSA Aeroplane</a>
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Brisbane
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OpsWitch,. .. .Hadn't heard that one about resigning/reapplying. If you're still within the fortress, do you think maybe someone is feeding your paranoia? If you're not, could be the start of a good rumour!. .. .Cheers
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Brisbane
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32bit. .. .I hope its a nasty rumour - BUT - considering the info came from a 1/2 doz crew in TSV who were given the info that day - I doubt it. Perhaps they misunderstood the conversation. I would like the think the staff will be rewarded for their hard work, dedication to the Company and assistance in getting the airline back in the air. Only time will tell.
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Is it ever going to be announced if FWA is sold, being sold, or otherwise 
. I too thought that the announcement was to be on Wednesday just gone. Or has the deal fallen through.
Anybody.........................?
. I too thought that the announcement was to be on Wednesday just gone. Or has the deal fallen through.Anybody.........................?
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Brisbane
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Flight West sale must be completed today, Friday the 5th of April. If it is not the the administrators must call another creditors meeting. The last things to be cleaned up are the AWA contracts for the pilots and flight attendants [ pay cuts for all concerned, what a suprise!] and the negotiations with Brisbane Airports corporation.