Originally my furlough in Australia was planned for ten weeks. There was two factors in deciding when to return to Australia. Being back in Sydney for a wedding or be in Sydney for a PT6 gas turbine course. I was only able to attend one of them with the time I had, so I chose the wedding. I was due back to PNG on the 12th of May.
1. Maips encountering a shark
Come the week before leaving, my work permit had still not been issued. My Engineering Manager considered the possibility for me staying on for the course, despite what would happen with my work permit. I was disappointed, as I was really wanting to get back to PNG, especially after seven weeks in Australia. But come a few days before due to leaving I was given permission to attend the PT6 course in Sydney for two weeks, starting 31st of May. A type course which covers all models of the PT6 and is required to be passed as part of the requirements of attaining a PT6 engine license. The engine that is used on MAF PNG’s Twin Otter’s and Cessna Caravan.
2. Supporting the Eels at the Grand Final rematch
Attending the course would also allow Maipson to come to Sydney for the first time to attend the course. The extra three weeks before the course started, allowed me to finish everything I needed to get done before leaving for PNG again. The first time I have ever been able to get everything done before leaving. With Maipson arriving on a Saturday and departing in two weeks time, meant outside of the course we wouldn’t have too much free time. From the afternoon he arrived we were off into the city.
3. Ferry to Circular Quay, first via Darling Harbour
The course itself was very saturation in information and things we needed to know. It had been almost six to seven years since I had done my gas turbine theory, so I was a bit rusty. But most of the PT6 stuff was new for me. After the first week I felt like my brain could not absorb any more information. After the course each day Maips and I would spend time studying at a library. It was a busy time, but was good to get back into a routine. It was great for both of us to get through the course and pass both exams. It was a lot of work.
4. Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon lookout
Some of the things we were able to do during Maips two weeks in Sydney were two trips into the city, one via train and the other via ferry. Which included Sydney Aquarium, walking from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay, the Opera House, visit my home sending Church, Thursday night shopping at Parra Westfield, seeing the Parramatta vs Storm game, going up Centre point tower, Sydney wildlife world, Sydney Harbour Pylon lookout, Manly ferry, dinner at Manly, visit a church to raise support, lunch at Dee Why and catch up with the Paix’s (former long term MAF pilot/Engineer couple).
5. Graduates
It was a really busy two weeks and very tiring, especially following on from the previous weeks. But really gratefully for the opportunity God gave me to do the PT6 course, something that I thought would not be possible when attending JJ & Soona’s wedding as well. Making the possibility of attaining that license before the end of my second term. I really take away a lot from the course. But also to be able to do it with Maips and for him to come to Sydney and stay with my parents, to see where I am from. Something that I never expected to happen, especially after spending time with his family in his village. The first of my PNG family to come to Sydney was my highlight for the two weeks.
