Into a Rising Storm

[MM]

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.)

[MM]

On to Malekolon (AYTK-MKO).

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Quick milk run.
http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...NIMpPtvzfutNdM

[MM]

Followed by the leg to Buka. (MKO-AYBK)

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Into Buka safely enough.
http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...NzCYlB1QWEcHxs

[MM]

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



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.



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.



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.

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Next, Ballalae. (AYBK-AGGE)

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Beautiful day over Bouganville for a delightful joy ride. (AYBK-AGGE)
http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...2ykPYBrpFEn5A0

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And Munda (AGGE-AGGM).

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Typical thunderstorms along the way made for interruptions in the sight-seeing. Slightly misjudged the location of Munda and had to circle to land...but all was well.
http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...Ma6PglAYu38jpE

[jt_dub]

Someone is pretty busy today.

[MM]

Next is Rekata Bay (now Suavanau). AGGM-AGGV.

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Rocky lightning storms along the way, but safely into the airstrip.
http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...C5qHkeWKEaFtQM

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Heading down Santa Isabel to AGGF.

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More loud stormy weather. Safe into AGGF.
http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...56sYQBnkXYKI3A

[MM]

First, the climb out of Munda into the building cloud formations had that eerie feeling when the young couple, on a dark and stormy night, decide to stop for help at the old decrepit mansion. The ancient wooden door creaks open and …



The loud rumbling ride across to Rekata Bay proved to be uneventful. But the constant thunderclaps gave pause. The low pass and circle to land produced a normal fighter landing, save for the now common crosswind challenge.



On the flight to AGGF, the lightning and thunder increased to a strobing pitch.
Then, suddenly, the Zero got caught in the bright lights!



Truth be told, the entire trip along Santa Isabel Island was an electrifying experience.

[MM]

Over to Auki on Malaita. Nearing the finish...

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Quick hop safely executed. Gonna miss these crosswinds.
http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...o66a4IKkwt8iY4

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And finally, to Santa Anna. (AGGA-AGGT)

[spokes2112]

Good Hunting sir.

[MM]

Pretty flight in the late afternoon sun.
http://fs-duenna.com/flights/ShowFli...NgMqqZ3Uiz0PaM

[PRB]

Great run with the Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter!

[MM]

From Meringe to Auki to Santa Anna. The first quick leg produced some ominous cumulus clouds which proved more benign than anticipated. No storms today.



Then into and out of Auki to cruise peacefully over the island of Malaita. The spectacular views encouraged this pilot to appreciate the natural beauty of the Solomons. Then a glance to the south, toward Tulagi and Guadalcanal, brought to mind the intense and deadly air battles around here in 1942-1943.



Finally, a steep descent over Makira (San Cristobal) Island as the late afternoon sun casts its luminescent glow on the ocean's surface.



And safely into Santa Anna to complete the final leg. The AM6 Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter turned out to be a delightful aircraft – living up to its legendary status. Thanks to Aeroplane Heaven for their artistry and, of course, to Jiro Horikoshi.



Lots of fun in this event. Thanks to Paul for his great organizational efforts.

[spokes2112]

Excellent run Mike. We never crossed paths in which ..... :-)

[Ron Attwood]

A magnificent display of intestinal fortitude. You're a better man than I, Gunga Din.