Comments for Papua New Guinea

An airfield built in WWII with still good paved runway surfaces. A lot of history here.

Beware of ash and rocks from the adjacent volcano.

An incredible aviation history here, dating back to the 1930's, when Junkers were used to fly in a complete gold dredging plant.

Always enjoyed flying in here, as it is well maintained. Recommend landing from the sea (RW11) and taking off on RW29.

Always humid here, and the airstrip is subject to occasional flooding.

Still to many rascals

Good evening Sypho - remember when you threw the rubber snake off the first floor of TAL admin in Goroka - it landed in a group of highland labourers about to depart for Madang. Junior was not very happy as he lost his payload!! Send me a text with your email address 0404111247. Great days and dogfights along the Wahgi Valley.

Best regards, John R

Understand that one John Rutter is still in the land of the living. Haven'y heard of him since C185 days in 1966. Any way that I can contact him?

Spent a lot of time flying in and out of Mendi. 1966-1995. Many scares, lots of memories (some sad - as Jim Millar).

Sypho

Syphers G C & L A(07) 5445 7968

268 Obi Obi Rd

Mapleton QLD 4560

Although I do not know Graham, I understand he is retired somewhere on the Sunshine Coast (Queensland).

Reply to @Ozguy: Greetings - I lived there in about 1966 - agree with you. Wonder where Graham Syphers is these days. Wonderful memories - cheers, John Rutter. TAL Trainee.

Thanks, Paul. I've confirmed that in the ICAO pub and removed the code from this airport. It does not seem to have an ICAO code (at least not under this name).

There are two airports with the ICAO ID "AYBK" - this one and Buka Airport. DAFIF says that the other one is the correct owner of AYBK.

Just by Mt Sugarloaf.

Not as much fun to fly into as the original Rabaul airport. Had 2 wonderful years there.

I spent 18 months here flying a 206 in the 70's. Best flying I ever did. Miss it a lot.

A good airport, but too many rascals.

A truly beautiful spot.

Loved the few months I spent here.

Don't bother stopping.

Gateway to West New Britain.

Lots of interesting WWII wrecks around the airport.

Birthplace of Talair.

Take a good book to read, because there is not much to do.

Flew Bandeirantes in and out of here. Exciting at times.

The adjacent Buka passage is very picturesque.

A pity the airport has not received the maintenance it needs.

I flew Twin Otters out of here in the early 80's. What an idyllic lifestyle!

A pity the old Lae city airport was closed.

Built by the SeaBees in WWII, and still going strong.

Capital of beautiful Milne Bay Province.

Good airport, but avoid the city.