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LEG 16 — GOROKA → LAE
PNG Highland Bush Flying — Full‑Stop Landings Only
Cruise: 10,500 ft Break: 15 min at AYWO (Wonenara) Sim Time: 08:00 AM Aircraft: Kodiak 100 / C208 Caravan Total Distance: ≈ 201 NM Estimated Duration: ≈ 1h 45m–1h 55m (including break)
Overview
Leg 16 marks the final chapter of our PNG Highlands arc, taking us from Goroka through a dense chain of ridge‑top and valley strips before descending toward the Huon Gulf and finishing at Lae.
This is a high‑engagement leg: short hops, constant terrain management, and full‑stop landings at every strip. The 15‑minute break at Wonenara provides a natural midpoint before the terrain begins to open up on the approach to Lae.
Aircraft
Kodiak 100 / C208 Caravan
- Ideal for 10,500 ft ridge crossings
- Excellent short‑field performance
- Stable in turbulence and mountain winds
- Perfect for rapid‑fire bush‑strip operations
Route (Full‑Stop Landings at Every Strip)
AYGA → AYNY → TBQ → AWAY → AYUO → AYOD → AYWW → AYQM → AYGM → AYLA → AYWO (Break) → AYHN → AYII → AYYR → AYLP → AYZZ → AYLO → BWJ → AYNZ
Waypoint Descriptions
AYGA — Goroka (Departure)
Highlands hub. Clean departure into rising terrain.
AYNY — Nambaiyufa
Short hop. Narrow valley approach.
TBQ — Tabibuga
Ridge‑top strip with a sloped surface.
AWAY — Awar
Short runway, surrounded by dense vegetation.
AYUO — Umba
Tight valley funnel. Expect downdrafts.
AYOD — Ononge
One‑way‑in approach. Commit early.
AYWW — Wanuma
Short, sloped strip with limited maneuvering room.
AYQM — Simbai
Iconic highlands strip. Scenic and challenging.
AYGM — Gumine
Short hop. Ridge turbulence likely.
AYLA — Lablab
Transition strip before the break.
AYWO — Wonenara (15‑min Break)
Wide valley, good apron space, and a natural midpoint. Perfect regroup location before the final descent phase.
AYHN — Honinabi
Short, narrow strip. Maintain spacing.
AYII — Ialibu
Valley approach with rising terrain on departure.
AYYR — Yaramanda
Short hop. Expect crosswinds.
AYLP — Lapalama
Steep, sloped runway. No go‑around.
AYZZ — Zaka
Remote strip with a tight circuit.
AYLO — Leron Plains
Terrain begins to open up. Transition toward coastal flying.
BWJ — Bawan
Final bush strip before Lae. Good visibility.
AYNZ — Lae Nadzab (Finale)
Long runway and coastal air. Symbolic end to the Highlands arc.
Flight Notes
- Cruise altitude: 10,500 ft
- Full‑stop landings at every strip
- Expect ridge turbulence, downdrafts, and variable visibility
- Maintain spacing — many strips have no safe go‑around
- Terrain awareness essential — follow valleys, avoid direct ridge crossings
- Engagement level: High — short hops and constant activity
Scenic Highlights
- Morning departure from Goroka
- Ridge‑top strips at Tabibuga and Ononge
- Valley funnels near Simbai and Gumine
- Break at Wonenara
- Terrain opening toward the Huon Gulf
- Final descent into Lae
Suggested Screenshot Moments
- Climb‑out from Goroka
- Ridge crossing into Simbai
- Group lineup at Wonenara
- Sloped approach into Lapalama
- Descent into the coastal basin approaching Lae
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PLEASE NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS FOR FLIGHT SIMULATION USE ONLY.
Regards, Paul