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Into a Rising Storm

A few snaps of the flights to Gusap and Jacquinot Bay. Fairly routine flying.

First, a view of the twists and turns of the grand Sepik River, a landmark now so very familiar to SWPAC pilots.

SWPAC2_GSP_Sepik.jpg


Then the required quick climb out to surmount the cloudy peaks of the Finisterre Range.

SWPAC2_JCB_Finisterre.jpg


A shot of the beautiful afternoon light over New Britain.

SWPAC2_JCB_New_Britain.jpg


Then a quick turn into finals at Jacquinot Bay (JCB).

SWPAC2_JCB_Finals.jpg
 
Into AYTK with a stiff breeze to catch the pilot's attention. The volcanoes of the Rabaul caldera sit in the distance as a reminder of Mother Nature's power. (The 1994 eruptions destroyed the city and moved the airport to Tokua. Even today, the new airport can be closed due to the occasional ashfall.)

SWPAC2_AYTK_Crabbing.jpg
 
En route from Rabaul to the Feni Islands and Malekolon, the sun sparkles off the sea below.

SWPAC2_MKO_Sparkling_Sea.jpg


Then, turning for Buka, the familiar Green Islands appear between the clouds. When the Allies captured the Green Islands, the Japanese on Rabaul knew that their position was no longer defensible.

SWPAC2_AYBK_Green_Islands.jpg


Here, on finals to Buka, the 20 knots quartering crosswind makes for a visually interesting approach. A quick right rudder and a short stop kept the ground-loop demons at bay. Happily, I have no co-pilot – so there was no need to scrape him off the wall.

SWPAC2_AYBK_Finals_Drama.jpg


On touching down, it is apparent that the local authorities have decided to save money. They are using orange-painted logs in lieu of windsocks.

SWPAC2_AYBK_Windsock_Touchdown.jpg
 
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