Goroka airstrip checks

I recently spent three weeks in Goroka, being checked to as many new airstrips in the area as possible, in preparation for going there for four weeks in July to cover operations while two of the pilots are on home assignment. The two remaining pilots (a) both hold senior management positions, and (b) will be tag-teaming on leave during that time.

I flew with Glenys, and we were able to go to 23 different airstrips in just 5 days! Having done my advanced airstrip training (AAT) course there in April 2023, I was already familiar with many of them, which meant that it was a mixture of refresher training along with 'completely new'. In the process, Glenys was able to see how I dealt with the situation of going to an airstrip for the first time, and was happy to recommend me for a MAF country-wide authorisation - the last restriction remaining on my record.

On the ground at Bomai airstrip - the first on our (long) list

In flight discussion

After the five days of flying together, we had a sixth day where she did my annual proficiency line check. Then I flew on my own for four more days to consolidate the experience.

Here's the full list of the new airstrips I can now go to:

Karimui area (south-west of Goroka)

- Nomane (D, 501 m, 7.7%)
- Aibai (D, 458 m, 11%)
- Guwasa (C, 515 m, 8.5%)
- Maimafu (D, 460 m, 13%)
- Karimui (C, 900 m, 2.1%)
- Pinero (B, 565 m, 0.4%)
- Sorita (C, 720 m, 4.4%)
- Negabo (D, 530 m, 9%)
- Bomai (C, 550 m, 4.7%)
- Haia (C, 640 m, 2.2%)
- Herowana (C, 580 m, 3.3%)
- Wabo (A, 825 m, 0.9%)

Marawaka area (south-east of Goroka)

- Owena (D, 384 m, 12.5%)
- Wuyabo (D, 562 m, 2.8%)
- Gema (D, 470 m, 12.2%)
- Simogu (C, 505 m, 7.6%)
- Norambi (C, 763 m, 1.7%)
- Simbari (D, 480 m, 10.3%)
- Andakombe (C, 500 m, 9%)
- Boikoa (D, 527 m, 13%)
- Sindeni (D, 560 m, 6.5%)
- Ande (D, 482 m, 8%)
- Usarumpia (D, 500 m, 10.5%)
- Marawaka (C, 919 m, 4%)