My particular area of aviation interest is the "PNG scene".

I arrived in PNG in May 1982, and have flown all over the country with three different Companies.

The planes I have flown here are Cessna 206, Cessna 185, Cessna 402, Baron, Twin Otter, Bandeirante, Dornier 228, Beech 1900D and Dash 8 aircraft.

Currently I am a Captain on the Dash 8 of which our Company has two. These two belong to MBA (Airlines of PNG).

PNG is renowned for its high mountain ranges which extend the whole length of the country and are found on many of its islands. Being an equatorial country the accompanying weather can sometimes make operations challenging.

Many Australian and NZ pilots have launched their flying careers in PNG, because of the numerous small aircraft servicing the remote areas. Within PNG itself the opportunities for promotion have led from Cessna 170s up to the Airbus 310 and Boeing 767. Many have left at various points along this progression to join international companies including Ansett, Qantas, Virgin Blue and Cathay Pacific.

Over recent years, Air Niugini has encountered some setbacks. The country's weak economy has led to severe rationalisation of equipment and routes. Quite a few expatriate pilots have left for more secure employment, unhappy with new Contract terms. A National Aircraft Engineers' strike caused considerable unrest, and a new VAT and fares increase has made travel unaffordable by many people.

Many companies have operated in PNG over the years. From the early goldrush days of the thirties Junkers planes were used to perform extraordinary feats. Qantas, Sepik Airways, Mandated, Ansett, Co-Air, Morobe Airways, Provincial Air Services and numerous mission operations are among those that are just memories. In the Jobs section there is a list of most of the companies operating today. The Mission operators today are Mission Aviation Fellowship, SIL (Wycliffe Translators, aka JAARS), New Tribes Mission and the Seventh Day Adventists. The "Balus" trilogy of books by Ian Sinclair are among the best accounts of PNG's aviation history.

PNG's rugged terrain and limited roads will ensure aviation is a key transport provider for many years to come. The wealth generated by the extensive oil and mineral resources will help provide the fares.