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PNG Frequently
Asked Questions
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via Papua New Guinea
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via Papua New Guinea
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Please note -- Whilst all care has been taken in preparing and maintaining the FAQ's about Papua New Guinea it is not possible to be able verify every answer. The information is provided 'as is' and I can not accept responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from the use of this information.
Please verify the information for yourself from a government source, travel agent or other similar organisation.
This database does not contain information about other countries. It is only about Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Transportation - Aviation List of Categories
Do you have a possible inclusion for the PNG aviation category of these FAQ? If you do then please let me know.
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- How do I become a cadet pilot?
- what are the prefix registration letters of png aircraft?
- papua new guinea aeroplanes are called balus meaning bird why do you think this is?
- P2-SHA?
- When did the Regional Aviation Academy open?
- When was the new Bulolo Airport opened?
- baggage allowance?
- HOW TO GET TO POPONDETA?
- How many landing strips are there in PNG?
- How many airstrips are sealed and what are the lengths??
- How many airstrips are unsealed and what are the lengths??
- How many PNG based airlines are there??
- Are there any heliports in PNG?
- Who was the first PNG National to finance his own flying lessons?
- Who was the first PNG National flying instructor?
- Who were the first PNG National's to gain a Commercial Pilot's Licence?
- Who was the first PNG National to gain a pilot's licence?
- Can you please give me the list of helicopter companies in PNG
- Where can I find a register of PNG aircraft?
- what are the prefix registration letters of png aircraft?
- What are the technical specifications of the DC3?
- Where is Tufi Airport?
- Why was the airport at Milne Bay named Gurney?
- What is the name of the airstrip that serves the D'Entrecasteaux Group of islands?
- What are some of the old time names for the warstrips around Alotau?
- why is port moresby airport called Jacksons Field?
- milne bay airways?
- What was Emelia Earhart's last port of call before disappearing for ever?
- Hello,
Could you please let me know if flight crew visas are obtainable upon arrival or needed in advance?
- What aircraft were operated by Douglas Airways?
- Where can I find out information about P2-DNW?
- What is the swamp ghost?
- Where can I find out more about the "Swamp Ghost"?
- In what year did the A300 Airbus replace the Boeing B707 aircraft?
- Who were the initial shareholders of Air Niugini?
- How many aircraft were in the original Air Niugini fleet?
- What aircraft performed the inaugural flight from Port Moresby to Lae (PX100)?
- What was the first airline painted in the initial Air Niugini colours?
- When did the first Air Niugini leased Fokker F100 arrive in PNG?
- What was the name of the port of call for the TAA Catalina's that used to land on the Fly River?
- What was the plane attributed to be the first mail plane in PNG?
- Who set up the first airline in PNG?
- What was the first DC3 aircraft to be painted in the original Air Niugini colours?
- Who built Air Niugini House (Haus) at seven-mile?
- What year was VH-SBW mounted on a pole at Jackson's Field?
- Who was Sir Dennis Buchanan?
- When did MAF first start flying in PNG?
- What is the main work done by MAF in PNG?
- Where can I find images of planes flown in PNG?
- flight schedules / timetables
- Do you have any information regarding the present location of the three BN2A trislanders P2-DNN, DNP and DNX?
- How can I contact the Civil Aviation Authority? (CAA)?
- What is the length, slope and height above sea level of Oksapmin airstrip in the Western Highlands.
Thank you.
- What can you tell me about the Douglas C-47 Dakota / DC3 / R4D / Gooney Bird flown extensively in PNG after the Second World War?
- I hold a canadian ICAO licence,will that be okay to convert to a PNG licence with the law exam? many thanks
chris
- Where are the ex Air Niguni B707 aircraft now?
- as a general aviation pilot can I hire a plane and fly it in PNG?
- What type of aircraft is pictured on the air mail stamps of the 1930s, flying over the Bulolo Gold Mine?
- How long is the Ononge airstrip in the higher part of Central Province in PNG?
- Where is the airport for Manus?
- How do I become a cadet pilot?
If you are writing from overseas then I would say it would be virtually impossible to become a cadet pilot in PNG.
If you are a citizen of PNG then I suggest contacting the airlines such as Air Niugini and Airlines of PNG and MAF - Missionary Aviation Fellowship.
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- what are the prefix registration letters of png aircraft?
P2 - see -- for a partial list of PNG registered planes.
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- papua new guinea aeroplanes are called balus meaning bird why do you think this is?
When introducing new things it is always best to describe it as something that a person already knows especially when it is not possible to show a sample of what you are describing. Common sense really.
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- P2-SHA?
Check out the Balus Section of Michie.NET.
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- When did the Regional Aviation Academy open?
Officially recognised by the National Training Council the Regional Aviaition Academy began its operations in 2001. It offers aircraft maintenance courses and imparts training through lessons where students sit for Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)-prepared examinations.
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- When was the new Bulolo Airport opened?
With the arrival of an Airlines of PNG Dash 8 aircraft on the 13th of February 2008 the new Bulolo Airport was officially opened. The airport runway has been upgraded to 1,500 metres.
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- baggage allowance?
Generally this is 20 Kg on International Flights and 16 Kg on domestic services. See also -- http://tinyurl.com/28ukh8
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- HOW TO GET TO POPONDETA?
Since this is in the Aviation FAQ's I assume you want to know how to fly to PNP - Popondetta
Air Niugini flies daily to PNP and I believe that Airlines of PNG may have flights from Alotau (GUR) to PNP
It is probably best if you talk to a travel agent or check the www.airniugini.com.pg and apng.com web sites for online information.
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- How many landing strips are there in PNG?
There are approximately 492 airstrips in PNG. Some of these may be closed due to lack of financial resources to keep them maintained in an airworthy condition.
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- How many airstrips are sealed and what are the lengths??
A total of 20 are sealed
2,438 - 3,047 metres - 2
1,524 - 2,437 metres - 13
914 - 1,523 metres - 4
Under 914 metres - 1
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- How many airstrips are unsealed and what are the lengths??
A total of 472
1,524 - 2,437 metres - 13
914 - 1,523 metres - 57
under 914 metres - 402
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- How many PNG based airlines are there??
Not sure but according to the -- PNGBD website
1. Air Niugini
2. Islands Nationair
3. Airlines of PNG (MBA)
4. Regional Air
5. Northcoast Aviation
6. MAF
7. Southwest Air
8. Heli Niugini
9. Hevi Lift
10. Island Airways
11. Kiunga Aviation
12. Moresby Aviation
13. Trans Air
14. Pacific Helicopters
15. Tropicair
16. Fubilan Air
Airlink stopped operating in 2007.
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- Are there any heliports in PNG?
Yes, PNG has two recognised heliports and many other unclassified landing areas for helicopters.
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- Who was the first PNG National to finance his own flying lessons?
A bakery salesman, Harry Bukka was the first to finance his own flying lessons.
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- Who was the first PNG National flying instructor?
In February 1972 Barry Awui became the first PNG National to become a flying instructor.
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- Who were the first PNG National's to gain a Commercial Pilot's Licence?
In July 1969, Aria Bouraga and Minson Peni became the first PNG National's to successfully complete their commercial pilot's licences (cpl).
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- Who was the first PNG National to gain a pilot's licence?
Napoleon Onzem, from a small village called Watunou in Milne Bay Province, passed his private pilot's licence at the first sitting.
I have been informed by Henry Onzem that his father passed away in 1995 following a stroke. He is survived by 6 sons, one of whom has taken after his father and is a pilot. The oldest has a commercial pilot's licence (cpl) as well.
Henry was also kind enough to help me fix some spelling mistakes - not only had I spelt his surname wrong but had also mispelt the village name.
If anyone else finds mistakes in these pages then I really do appreciate being told. faq.addition@michie.net
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- Can you please give me the list of helicopter companies in PNG
Hevilift PNG -- Head Office PO Box 49 Mt Hagen ph +675 545 1240 and Fax +675 545 1261
Heli Niugini -- admin@heliniugini.com.pg
http://www.heliniugini.com.pg
Helifix Investments -- helifix@daltron.com.pg -- http://www.helifix.com.pg
Pacific Helicopters -- opsman@pachel.com.pg
Columbia Helicopters -- +675 325 2274 FX +675 325 2395
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- Where can I find a register of PNG aircraft?
A register (not complete) can be found at Balus Info
If you can add to the list please send email to balus.update@michie.net
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- what are the prefix registration letters of png aircraft?
All aircraft registered in PNG carry the P2 prefix. Military aircraft follow this with numbers, all other aircraft use letters (usually 3)
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- What are the technical specifications of the DC3?
Crew 3 -- Pilot, co-pilot, radio operator
Engines 2 x 1,200 horsepower Pratt and Whitney R-1830-90D
Span 95'
Length 64'4"
Height 16'10"
Max. Speed 230 mph
Range 2,000 miles
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- Where is Tufi Airport?
It is in Oro Province
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- Why was the airport at Milne Bay named Gurney?
Gurney is named in honour of Charles Raymond (Bob) Gurney who, as an early aviator, started flying for Guinea Airways in 1929. He was killed in action in 1942 whilst flying for the Royal Australian Airforce.
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- What is the name of the airstrip that serves the D'Entrecasteaux Group of islands?
A small World War 2 airstrip called Vivigani (Viv-i-ga-nee). It is on Goodenough Island in Milne Bay Province.
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- What are some of the old time names for the warstrips around Alotau?
The one that is still in use today was known as No. 1 Strip or Gurney. There was also No. 2 and No. 3 strips. No.3 was also known as Turnbull.
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- why is port moresby airport called Jacksons Field?
The strip was named in honor of RAAF pilot John Jackson shot down and killed in action April 28, 1942 flying P-40E A29-8. To Americans, it was know as 7 Mile.
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- milne bay airways?
MBA or Milne Bay Air is now called Airlines of PNG. They have a web site at -- http://www.apng.com
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- What was Emelia Earhart's last port of call before disappearing for ever?
Lae was the last place the famous pioneering American aviator Emelia Earhart took off from on one of the final legs of her round the world flight before disappearing without a trace.
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- Hello,
Could you please let me know if flight crew visas are obtainable upon arrival or needed in advance?
PNG entry visas may be obtained on arrival, however if your crew are arriving during periods where there are no other international arrivals then I suggest advance notice of your operation is provided to Customs / Immigration authorities.
Alternatively you could apply in advance for issuance of entry visa prior to your operation.
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- What aircraft were operated by Douglas Airways?
Most of the Douglas fleet were registereed as P2-DN? Try dong a search by Registration and enter DN at http://michie.net/cgi-bin/plnsrch.pl
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- Where can I find out information about P2-DNW?
Do you mean the Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander operated by Douglas Airways that crashed near Kokoda Airport (KKD) on the 30th of August 1985? -- Sorry I can not help you.
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- What is the swamp ghost?
"Swamp Ghost" is the nickname wreck hunters have given to a remarkably well preserved B-17 wreck in Agaiambo swamp (Oro Province - Papua New Guinea).
The plane is nearly impossible to locate, even from the air due to the high kunai grass around it. Very few visitors and no kunai grass fires have kept the plane in excellent condition.
The Swamp Ghost was moved in May 2006 to the wharf at Lae for shipping to USA but the PNG government stepped in and stopped the shipment.
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- Where can I find out more about the "Swamp Ghost"?
Try the excellent Pacific Wrecks Website at http://www.pacificwrecks.com/provinces/png_agaiambo.html
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- In what year did the A300 Airbus replace the Boeing B707 aircraft?
Air Niugini replaced the Boeing 707 aircraft with an Airbus A300 in 1984. The A300 was painted with a full length Raggiana Bird of Paradise on its side.
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- Who were the initial shareholders of Air Niugini?
The Airline was formed in 1973 as the National Airline of Papua New Guinea. The initial shareholders were the PNG Government (60%), Qantas (12%), Ansett (16%), and TAA (12%). In 1976 the Government bought out the Qantas and TAA holdings, and in 1981 acquired the Ansett shares.
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- How many aircraft were in the original Air Niugini fleet?
Air Niugini commenced its operations with a remarkable fleet of twenty aircraft comprising of twelve DC3's and eight Fokker F27's (more popularly known as the Fokker Friendship). The DC3's were purchased directly from Australian airlines Ansett and TAA for the very favourable price of $15,000 each, which also included a large inventory of spares.
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- What aircraft performed the inaugural flight from Port Moresby to Lae (PX100)?
The inaugural service, flight PX100, was performed by a Fokker F27 after a ribbon cutting ceremony at Jackson's Airport on the 1st of November 1973
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- What was the first airline painted in the initial Air Niugini colours?
The first aircraft to appear in these colours was Douglas DC3, VH-SSB, a former charge of TAA and one of twelve DC3's purchased by the airline.
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- When did the first Air Niugini leased Fokker F100 arrive in PNG?
It arrived on the 28th of June 2004 and went into service on the 30th of June.
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- What was the name of the port of call for the TAA Catalina's that used to land on the Fly River?
The Catalina's used to land at d'Albertis Junction!
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- What was the plane attributed to be the first mail plane in PNG?
The first mail plane was captained by Mr. Ray "Battler" Parer and it was a Fokker tri-motor. It landed at Kila airstip in Port Moresby circa 1930 with the first air mail from Australia.
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- Who set up the first airline in PNG?
It is said that Ray "Battler" Parker and P.J. McDonald set up Morelae Airlines. It was called Morelae becuase the service went from Port Moresby to Lae.
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- What was the first DC3 aircraft to be painted in the original Air Niugini colours?
It was Sierra Bravo Bravo. (VH-SBB)
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- Who built Air Niugini House (Haus) at seven-mile?
Watkin Ltd built the four storey building (1976-1977). Even though it is four storeys it has three ground-levels due to the lay of the land.
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- What year was VH-SBW mounted on a pole at Jackson's Field?
The Air Niugini DC3 / C47 plane previously registered as VH-SBW (P2-SBW, P2-ANQ, 43-49849, KN241, G-AMZH) was hoisted onto three poles outside the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby on the 21st of February 1979. The Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation (Paias Wingti) unveiled a plaque on the plane on the 23rd of February, 1979.
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- Who was Sir Dennis Buchanan?
Sorry the PNG FAQ's doesn't cover this but have a look at -- http://www.pngair.com/?q=node/1330 -- Also try a search for Territory Airlines (TAL) and Talair (Tourist Airlines of Niugini) to find out more.
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- When did MAF first start flying in PNG?
The first MAF (Missionary Aviation Fellowship) aircraft went to PNG in 1951.
In 2004 there are now 20 aircraft operating from 13 bases, supported by a staff of about 45 expatriates and over 115 PNG workers.
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- What is the main work done by MAF in PNG?
Most of MAF's major daily work is to provide an air service to communities in PNG's remotest areas. Through the flights, the people in the remote areas obtain health, education and other essential services which otherwise would not be available to them. MAF is often the only aircraft operator willing and able to provide a service to these remote areas.
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- Where can I find images of planes flown in PNG?
Try http://michie.net/cgi-bin/pf1.cgi and http://michie.net/misc/pxplanes.html. There are many more as well.
- http://www.michie.net/trevor/vh-udy(1).html
- http://www.michie.net/trevor/vh-uou(1).html
- http://www.michie.net/trevor/vh-abj(1).html
- DC3 photographs
- You can also search for planes at http://www.michie.net/balus
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- flight schedules / timetables
Try either or
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- Do you have any information regarding the present location of the three BN2A trislanders P2-DNN, DNP and DNX?
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- How can I contact the Civil Aviation Authority? (CAA)?
The main telephone numbers listed for CAA is 325 4398 and 324 4536.
The address is PO Box 684, Boroko, NCD, PNG.
If you are after information on the Civil Aviation Authority Rules and Regulations then try looking at -- http://www.balus.gov.pg
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- What is the length, slope and height above sea level of Oksapmin airstrip in the Western Highlands.
Thank you.
Sorry, I do not know the immediate answer to that question.
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- What can you tell me about the Douglas C-47 Dakota / DC3 / R4D / Gooney Bird flown extensively in PNG after the Second World War?
Few aircraft are as well known or were so widely used for so long as the C-47 "Dakota", "Skytrain" or "Gooney Bird" as it was affectionately nicknamed. The aircraft was adapted from the DC-3 commercial airliner which appeared in 1936.
The first C-47s were ordered in 1940 and by the end of WW II, 9,348 were built. They carried personnel and cargo, and in a combat role, towed troop-carrying gliders and dropped paratroops. In U.S Navy service, the aircraft went by the designation of R4D.
It is believd that there are still over 300 DC3/C47's flying. (2003)
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- I hold a canadian ICAO licence,will that be okay to convert to a PNG licence with the law exam? many thanks
chris
It may be best to contact the airlines for further info. Air Niugini offers a bit of advice at -- http://www.airniugini.com.pg
PNG CAA is a member of ICAO.
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- Where are the ex Air Niguni B707 aircraft now?
Not sure where they are but this may help you track them down.
P2-ANH -- I belive it is currently 93-0597 -- Previously VH-EBU, P2-ANH, N707MB, 9Q-CDA, N707HW, OB-T-1264, B-2426, G-EOCO, 67-30053
P2-ANB -- Maybe currently 90-0175 (USAF) -- Previously VH-EAA, OO-YCK, P2-ANB, TF-AEB, 5Y-AXA, N733Q, N526SJ
P2-ANA -- Maybe currently 92-3289 (USAF) -- Previously VH-EAB, OO-YCL, P2-ANA, TF-AEC, SU-DAE, ST-ALL, 5B-DAY, N4131G
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- as a general aviation pilot can I hire a plane and fly it in PNG?
Firstly I have been informed that unless you have a PNG Licence then you could not fly a PNG registered plane.
I am not sure if you could hire a plane and a pilot from the South Pacific Aero Club or not -
Phone-- +675 325 4885
Fax---- +675 321 4863
This club is situated at 7 mile down the hill from the Airways Motel and adjacent to the runway.
If you follow the road down past Islands Nationair and Hevi Lift etc to the end of the road you will reach the club.
I have also forwaded your FAQ to a couple of pilots. They should be able to provide a better answer than me.
The answer from several pilots is NO. "You would have to check with CAA but as they understand it you need a PNG Licence to drive a PNG plane."
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- What type of aircraft is pictured on the air mail stamps of the 1930s, flying over the Bulolo Gold Mine?
I am not sure. Do you have a scanned image of the stamp so I can ask around?
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- How long is the Ononge airstrip in the higher part of Central Province in PNG?
It's about 450 metres long and is nearly 6,000 ft in elevation.
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- Where is the airport for Manus?
The airport is at Momote on Los Negros Island. A good road connects Los Negros to the main town of Lorengau on Manus Island.
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Please note that this is not "Ask Jeeves" — you cannot type a whole sentence as your query. Enter a word, a phrase, or several words and press search.
Please remember that this is a FAQ database about Papua New Guinea.
Doing a search for PNG or New Guinea or even P.N.G will probably not return much. Keep the search simple. i.e. if you want to find out the population simply enter "population" without the quotes. There is no need to have PNG / P.N.G or whatever in the search string.
