TAA Cessna 180's in PNG
Tekin Airstrip
Located 135 nm and bearing 215 from Wewak, Tekin approx 22/04 was at 5000' AMSL and was at one stage much shorter, until an extension made life a little easier. This was one of the regular strips that the MAF 185's went into. It had a 10% slope and surface varied along its length. There were 3 wind socks and it was common to have them all pointing different directions. On take-off, the bottom sock was out of view and pilots would find out later that it was a downwind lift off and departure, fully loaded.
Turbulence was a major issue from the terrain nearby and pilots were committed by short final to land, no go around. Left or right hand approach was possible but all overflew the strip to check it was clear, a football match was in progress on one pilots pass. "The C185 was certainly the most enjoyable type to fly, though the most user unfriendly", one MAF pilot suggested.
Turbulence was a major issue from the terrain nearby and pilots were committed by short final to land, no go around. Left or right hand approach was possible but all overflew the strip to check it was clear, a football match was in progress on one pilots pass. "The C185 was certainly the most enjoyable type to fly, though the most user unfriendly", one MAF pilot suggested.
Last edited by Skywagon1915; 23rd Jan 2014 at 08:26.
Final approach - Tekin
C185E P2-MFU on finals for one way airstrip at Tekin PNG, 5000' AMSL with no go round option. After a full days flying up there, in this type of weather and those sort of airstrips, I can only imagine how wrung out local pilots would feel ... behind the innocent looking cumulus cloud bank is a sheer vertical cliff !
Last edited by Skywagon1915; 24th Jan 2014 at 20:24.
Ok Om Bip Min
Tin, do you have any photo's of those airstrips ?
Dig a few out !
What was the worse that you took a C185 into ?
Dig a few out !
What was the worse that you took a C185 into ?
Last edited by Skywagon1915; 3rd Sep 2013 at 11:31.
Return to Wewak
When she's flying again, I'm planning to take her back to Wewak PNG for a visit. There will be some differences like the 3-Blade and new avionics. Interior will be modern as well, not the MAF type used in the 70's and 80's.
I was aiming at first flight March 2014 but that is optimistic now I think.
I was aiming at first flight March 2014 but that is optimistic now I think.
MFU update
Amongst the bits and pieces, Cessna 185 MFU is taking shape. Next is running the electrical, hydraulics and rivet the floor back in place etc. Wings are ready to bolt back on. Need to start deciding on final config and layout for panel.
...Need to start deciding on final config and layout for panel.
DH RAY
This Tiger went on it's back recently. It's at Aero Enterprise in Lismore. Was waiting for insurance approval to proceed with repairs. Rest of it looks in very nice order. Hangar pic's are always interesting for what you see in the background !
Life was'nt meant to be easy - MFW mishap
A photo of P2-MFW at Mendi during it's days in PNG with MAF, came across it in my chase for info on MFU. Picture of damaged MFW is from cac_sabre at Lae in the second photo.
Last edited by Skywagon1915; 23rd Jan 2014 at 18:23.
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Thanks Skywagon 1915.
Much appreciated.
Most of the major repairs are done thankfully. It was damaged in a ground incident in PNG and hasn't flown since having some repairs done to ferry back to base, then disassembled and shipped back to Aus.
Over the years it has had bits and pieces done. Now it's up to me to return it to flying status.
The journey begins !!
Much appreciated.
Most of the major repairs are done thankfully. It was damaged in a ground incident in PNG and hasn't flown since having some repairs done to ferry back to base, then disassembled and shipped back to Aus.
Over the years it has had bits and pieces done. Now it's up to me to return it to flying status.
The journey begins !!
P2-MFX
Have found this photograph of MAF C185 P2-MFX (185-2146) at Port Moresby. It was one of the later F Models. Wonder where it is today ?
Last edited by Skywagon1915; 18th Oct 2014 at 16:11.
If it is the one I'm thinking of, I last saw it in a million bits in the Government Flying Unit hangar in POM.
Can't recall now, but I think it belonged to an expat engineer who planned to rebuild it, but then seemed to lose interest.
Can't recall now, but I think it belonged to an expat engineer who planned to rebuild it, but then seemed to lose interest.
mfx
I think MFX is now parked outside the aeroclub in a red colour scheme and reg DCX i think. It appeared out there one day about a year ago. MFX is no longer in the govt flying unit hangar and the panel inside looks like the one i remember. So most likely it is the same aircraft rebuilt and re registered. The only other one remaining is the old 260 ex talair operated out of wau which is still about somewhere
