The first Papua New Guinean Pilots (Captains)

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Captain Minson L Peni


On the 17th of December 1969 the first 2 Papua New Guineans commercial pilot graduated at the South Pacific Aero Club in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. They were Minson L Peni from Djaul Island in New Ireland Province and Aria Bouraga from Kapa Kapa Village in Central Province, Papua  Guinea.

That occasion opened eyes of many young Papua New Guineans who were longing to become pilots as career professionals in aviation.

minson L Peni and Aria Bouraga had shown to the people of Papua New Guinea that they can fly aeroplanes too,  and that it is not white man's profession alone as many thought during that era.

Minson and Aria were later employed with Ansett Airlines as first officers flying their DC 3s. There employment to Ansett Airlines was recommended and supported by the Chief pilot of Ansett Airlines in Papua New Guinea, the late captain Argyle Arthur Glassy.

After Minson and Aria's achievement, many young Papua New Guineans were inspired to become pilots, so the  department of civil aviation offered scholarships for young Papua New guineans to train as pilots with south Pacific Aero Club in Port Moresby.

Many tried but unsuccessful, they never reached commercial pilot level as Minson and Aria did. Many ended up with private pilot licenses which is a very restricted license, not allowed to carry paying passengers, only can use it as flying hobby, and not as a profession.

Captain Aria Bouraga

And then in 1970, a young lad from wanigela, Oro province graduated as second commercial pilot. His name is Berry Awui. Berry later became the first Papua New Guinean flying instructor at the Pacific Aero Club in Port Moresby.

Minson L Peni and Aria Bouraga flew with Ansett Airlines, and when air niugini was formed in November 1975 they were the first Papua New guineans to join and fly with air niugini.

In February 1974 Minson and Aria were sent to Cessnock in Hunter valley, New South Wales Australia to complete their senior commercial subjects before they can become Captains of commercial airlines.

Minson L Peni was the first Papua New Guinean flying instructor graduated from NASA fly academy in Cessnock. He trained many Papua New Guineans while he was employed by NASA as their flying instructor. Many of those Papua New Guineans are still flying and some passed on.
Minson L Peni become the first Papua New Guinean Captain in December 1979, and then followed by Captain Aria Bouraga in 1980. Then later on many emerged like Captain Lekwa Gure, Captain Paun Nonggor, Captain Granger Narara, Captain Sam Siaguru, late Captain Umake Tavinki, captain Gilmore Lavoro and many more.

So Minson L Peni became the first Papua New Guinean pilot on 17th December 1969, and the first Papua New Guinean Captain in 1979, followed by Aria Bouraga.

You can also watch PNG Vibez YouTube video on this topic here

Other Resources:
Post Courier

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