This Saturday we’ll be exploring a series of challenging airstrips in the Huon Peninsula, northern Papua New Guinea. Our trip will take in five large valleys on the northern side of the Saruwaged mountain range. Starting at IDN Indagen in the Kwama valley, we follow the river downstream and then take a sharp left to stop in at KBM Kabwum. We’ll then make a steep climb (circling might be needed in some aircraft) to cut across the ridge and land at AYDE Derim, high in the Timbe valley - this can be a tricky approach!
From there it’s an easy descent before another left turn into AYYE Yalumet - a beautiful spot. We’ll make another strong climb to get to the Urawa valley, where the first stop is AYYW Yawan - very challenging, with a tight turning approach. From there, we’ll run back downriver, stopping at AYSP Sapmanga, and climb up to AYUT Bunguwat, nestled next to a steep rise - don’t approach too low, or you might not be able to see the strip. We then work up-valley and south to AYDT Dinangat, a fairly tight approach to a lovely setting. Departing Dinangat, we’ll make another steep climb up and over into the Yupna valley, with two of the highest elevation airstrips in PNG - AYTP Tep Tep at 7019 feet, and AYIS Isan (6987 feet) on a spectacular ridge which can be tricky to judge on approach.
From there we’ll run downriver to the ocean, and back in to another narrow valley, climbing right back up to the high ridge leading to the final valley of today’s journey, the Nankina River valley. Here we’ll finish up at a strip with another quite challenging approach: AYBC Bambu. This area of PNG is full of interesting airstrips and spectacular terrain - today’s trip is just a taster to encourage you to explore more! (from Wantok) There will be a fair bit of climbing involved in the flight, so bring something with a bit of power: Wilgas to PC-6, as long as you can comfortably maintain ~100 kts.
9 landings in total - 148 nm. Highest point will be at ~9000 feet.
Server - Southeast Asia Starting at IDN Recommended cruise speed: ~100 knots (or try to)
To join: just turn up at the starting airport in a suitable aircraft, MSFS multiplayer on, name tags on, and join the Discord “The Bush Divers Invitational” voice channel. You can load the flight plan if you like, or just follow the group.
To join our Discord click here
Flight Plans:
BDI - PNG Huon Peninsula.pln (26.4 KB)
BDI - PNG Huon Peninsula.lnmpln (15.3 KB)