In aviation "enroute" is the phase between take-off and landing. To prevent traffic conflicts pilots make regular position reports over the radio. This blog has the same goal: a position report in regards to where-we're-at and where-we're-going on our flight with Mission Aviation Fellowship.
November 24, 2019
November 18, 2019
Goodbye, Twin Otter
Last Saturday the last Twin Otter was farewelled in Telefomin. A lot of the houses with a tin roof in this area were built because this aircraft flew the necessary materials. Water tanks and saw mills were other specialities this aircraft could carry into any bush airstrip.
Because of this history of helping the remote communities it was with a sad heart that most of the people gathered to celebrate the last flight back to Mt Hagen. Some tied the plane with robes to symbolise that they would rather it stayed. Others painted themselves with mud, a cultural sign of mourning.
The the people of Telefomin are worried about their future needs in air-transportation are understandable, though unfounded. MAF does not plan to leave the village in the mountains. And by substituting the twin engine plane with two Cessna Caravans the capacity is even increased by about one forth. Moreover, having two planes will make our services more reliable as maintenance on the plane and sick pilots will not render the whole fleet useless. However, it might take a while until these facts sink in and people start realising that they are in effect better off. Like everywhere, change is only accepted unwillingly.
Because of this history of helping the remote communities it was with a sad heart that most of the people gathered to celebrate the last flight back to Mt Hagen. Some tied the plane with robes to symbolise that they would rather it stayed. Others painted themselves with mud, a cultural sign of mourning.
The the people of Telefomin are worried about their future needs in air-transportation are understandable, though unfounded. MAF does not plan to leave the village in the mountains. And by substituting the twin engine plane with two Cessna Caravans the capacity is even increased by about one forth. Moreover, having two planes will make our services more reliable as maintenance on the plane and sick pilots will not render the whole fleet useless. However, it might take a while until these facts sink in and people start realising that they are in effect better off. Like everywhere, change is only accepted unwillingly.
Thank you MAF Twin Otter, for bringing light into our unreached world |
Speeches from different organisations |
Women's Fellowship sings a farewell song |
Mourning the loss ... |
... and welcoming the replacement: Cessna Caravan C208 |
November 06, 2019
October 02, 2019
The Red Bird Takes its First Flight
Thursday, 22 August marked the day when our new Cessna Caravan simulator spread its wings for the first training session. Hansjörg Schlatter MAF International Fleet Training Captain for the Caravan taught the first two MAF PNG instructor pilots how to use the Redbird CRV for pilot training. Read the full story in the MAF press release below.
Click here to read the story as PDF |
July 27, 2019
Redbird Flight Simulator
With the change to an all Cessna Caravan fleet MAF will be operating nine of these aircraft in PNG. In addition we also try to get approval for transporting passengers in these single engine aircraft while flying IFR. In order to minimise training costs we bought a Caravan specific flight simulator from Redbird.
Mid July Markus went to Hagen as a technician from Redbird came to assemble what is called an Advanced Aviation Training Device. It took two days and three people, but then we were flying circuits in Tari with severe turbulence and 20 knots cross-wind.
Mid July Markus went to Hagen as a technician from Redbird came to assemble what is called an Advanced Aviation Training Device. It took two days and three people, but then we were flying circuits in Tari with severe turbulence and 20 knots cross-wind.
July 01, 2019
Knitting, Women's Conference, and Rumginae
These three events were the highlights of last month:
- Madeleine finished her second knitting course for the women in Telefomin. Five women learned different patterns in order to knit simple items they can sell at the local market.
Showing how it's done |
Concentration is paramount |
- Markus picked up several airplane loads of ladies in the surrounding villages. The Baptist Union held a Women's Conference in nearby Tifalmin (5 min flight from Telefomin, 2 days walk).
Celebration in Tifalmin |
- Currently there is no pilot stationed at Rumginae. Therefore, we as a family had the chance of revisiting our old home. Especially the kids were all exited. Unfortunately, the weather did not play along and so it was only on Sunday that we could go for a short swim in rather cold water. Towards the end of our stay we were joined by a new pilot couple from Switzerland, who will be living in Rumginae for the next six weeks.
Where there used to be an Airvan there is now a Caravan |
With the Romingers in front of our old house |
June 03, 2019
Totally Linked
This last week I have been to Rumginae for three days of flying. It is so encouraging to come back to where we have served for six years and to realise, that people not only recognise me, but are actually excited to see me. So, I thought I'll post a MAF article that shows how different parties in Rumginae link together to help the isolated communities of the Western Province.
Click here to read the story as PDF |
April 20, 2019
Last Days as First Officer
Last week I had my first full operational day on the Cessna Caravan. This, after almost 4 months of interrupted training, marks they end of my flying days as a First Officer on the Twin Otter. Though that last flight took place 18 January already I would like to give a quick reflection on the last two month of flying this truly remarkable airplane.
First, we flew a lot of building material into a community called Wobagen. It is only about a 30-minute flight (50nm) from the next bigger town, but the terrain makes it impossible to reach any other way. The building material was bought to build a new church, as the old one is falling apart it being build (as is usually done with houses in the bush) out of material found in the surrounding countryside.
Second, we flew charters for an organisation called Rotarians Against Malaria, who distributes mosquito nets to remote communities and educates them on how malaria can be prevented. Load after load of bundled up nets were brought to places where malaria is prevalent, together with workers who were to supervise the distribution and run the workshops.
And thirdly, we had some medical evacuations that showed the hand of God guiding where we were unable to control. Find below an article published by MAF PNG and written by Richie Axon, my fellow pilot in Telefomin.
First, we flew a lot of building material into a community called Wobagen. It is only about a 30-minute flight (50nm) from the next bigger town, but the terrain makes it impossible to reach any other way. The building material was bought to build a new church, as the old one is falling apart it being build (as is usually done with houses in the bush) out of material found in the surrounding countryside.
Old church built from bush materials ... |
... and new structure with milled timber and tin roof. |
Plywood for flooring and inside walls |
Second, we flew charters for an organisation called Rotarians Against Malaria, who distributes mosquito nets to remote communities and educates them on how malaria can be prevented. Load after load of bundled up nets were brought to places where malaria is prevalent, together with workers who were to supervise the distribution and run the workshops.
Bundles of mosquito nets for Edwaki |
And thirdly, we had some medical evacuations that showed the hand of God guiding where we were unable to control. Find below an article published by MAF PNG and written by Richie Axon, my fellow pilot in Telefomin.
Click here to read the story as PDF |
March 18, 2019
A Holiday to Remember
It is always encouraging to welcome visitors from Switzerland. We have realised that it is hard for most people to really understand how life in Papua New Guinea is, despite our efforts to explain. Once somebody actually sets foot on PNG soil, things are quite different than they imagined – but suddenly it all makes sense.
Because of that, we were pleased to have Madeleine's mother and her two sisters visit at the beginning of February. So, they had the chance to experience first hand what it means to live in Telefomin. And our kids had the chance to see their grandmother, aunts, and godparents in person. Obviously, we used this unique opportunity to do some special things, and then added some holidays at the sea.
Following some pictures:
Because of that, we were pleased to have Madeleine's mother and her two sisters visit at the beginning of February. So, they had the chance to experience first hand what it means to live in Telefomin. And our kids had the chance to see their grandmother, aunts, and godparents in person. Obviously, we used this unique opportunity to do some special things, and then added some holidays at the sea.
Following some pictures:
Hiking in Telefomin |
Training to become a selfie pro |
Moser sisters with our local guide |
Jungle as far as you can see |
Destination: Wara Sol |
Well earned rest |
... and back through the jungle again |
Travelling is easier this way: flying to Wewak |
Wewak: view from our holiday home |
Wewak town black |
Waiting for the big wave |
Holiday treat: coffee smoothy |
Wewak Boutique Hotel: soaking in the pool |
Travelling in the 9-seater pickup |
Reading, reading, reading, ... |
Relaxation pur |
On the way back home: transfer in Tari |
February 23, 2019
Caravan Training Revisited
February saw Irwin Hodder returning to Telefomin to continue with my Caravan Training. Irwin is an ex MAF, Qantas, and Australian Airforce Pilot and it goes without saying that I could learn a lot from him. We started with airstrips in the Western Province, so I had a chance to return to Rumginae for several days and meet up with a lot of MAF agents at the different strips. It is encouraging to see that they are excited to see me still flying in their area. And kinda weird if you get greeted with your name in the middle of the jungle.
Now I have finished the first phase of the in-country training, with me being checked to line and theoretically ready to go on my own. However, there is first a time of supervised consolidation of what I have learned, before I am allowed to truly fly on my own. But before we get started with that we are enjoying a family holiday at the beaches of Wewak.
Now I have finished the first phase of the in-country training, with me being checked to line and theoretically ready to go on my own. However, there is first a time of supervised consolidation of what I have learned, before I am allowed to truly fly on my own. But before we get started with that we are enjoying a family holiday at the beaches of Wewak.
With Irwin in the cockpit of the Caravan MAF |
Caravan MAH after our flight to Wewak for family holidays |
February 13, 2019
Mike Alpha India
In July we told you about the big move to a single aircraft type for MAF PNG. This has now started with the arrival of MAI (Mike Alpha India) the first new Cessna Caravan out of six. And yes, we are excited. Read following article published by MAF PNG of the plane's ferry flight, it's dedication, and it's first operational day.
Click here to read the story as PDF |
January 10, 2019
A New King
In Switzerland we celebrate Epiphany, the day the three wise men (or Kings in Switzerland) visited Baby Jesus. It is on the 6th of January and marks the day when we as a family put our Christmas decoration away. After that the Christmas season is officially over.
On Epiphany Swiss bake or buy a bread made of sweet dough that is formed from small pieces stuck together in a circle. In one of those pieces hides a small King or Queen and whoever gets that piece is crowned King/Queen for the day. Well, this time Markus was elevated to the position of monarch in the Bischoff family, though his powers remained very limited.
On Epiphany Swiss bake or buy a bread made of sweet dough that is formed from small pieces stuck together in a circle. In one of those pieces hides a small King or Queen and whoever gets that piece is crowned King/Queen for the day. Well, this time Markus was elevated to the position of monarch in the Bischoff family, though his powers remained very limited.
Kings' Cake with self-made crown from 2015 |
It is hard to look dignified, despite an elaborate crown from Joelle |
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