WIX Archives
Exporting Airframes From PNG
Posted by Dave Sutton on Tue Mar 26, 2002 12:46:21 PM
In reply top null posted by null on null
At the risk of stirring up a hornets nest, I was wondering if anyone knows exactly why the PNG government seem so keen to stop the export of airframes and parts from their country.
I know from previous articles and postings that the long term fate of these aircraft is not at all secure. The process of degeneration continues in the jungles and the locals are understandably keen to generate additional income from any "scrap" they may find.
I read of one airframe whose export was blocked, only to sit on the dock-side for months, slowly being dismantled by souvenir hunters. I only hope that the government shows more concern for the latest P-38 in similar circumstances.
I agree that these airframes represent the cultural heritage of the island but PNG already have a number of good P-38 relics to represent the type. Some may say that the airframes could be used to generate revenues through tourism. I agree with this to a limited extent, but many of the airframes are either buried or deep in inaccessible areas of jungle which will never be practical for more than a handful of experienced explorers to reach and view.
I also agree with the argument that controls are required to prevent wrecks from being removed before they can be investigated and documented by the historians, not to mention the presence of human remains. However, I feel that the best way to honor those men who gave their lives is to rescue and restore these great machines and display them to as many people as possible. Only since a visit to Duxford has my young son taken an interest in the events and sacrifices of 60 years ago.
I would have thought that the controlled sale of export licenses to responsible parties would provide a valuable source of foreign revenue for PNG. They could select airframes to preserve themselves and offer the others to the world's restorers for preservation. I don't agree with the view that restorers are greedy individuals, just out to make a killing out of the restoration and sale of these precious artifacts. In fact, in many cases it is a labour of love which consumes far more cash than the finished project is worth.
Meanwhile, it seems the scrapping operations continue. Has anyone on the board any ideas for action that we can take to get the current course of events changed?
It is not my intention to criticise anyone...just hopefully stimulate some healthy debate on the issues and understand the reasons for the way things are in PNG.
I'm putting on my flak jacket!!