Pilot Richie Axon was in Vanimo one Friday when he was approached by some education board officials who were in a bit of a predicament.

The Year 10 exam papers had been late in coming to Vanimo from Port Moresby, and they had no way of getting them to 2 bush High Schools (at Lumi and Nuku) in time.

Unlike the western world, not everyone here has the opportunity to continue with their education. Only the top 50% of students will be able to continue with their schooling, making them very important exams to those sitting them.  

There were only three days before the exams were scheduled to start (on Wednesday). With the commissioning of the aircraft, P2-MEW scheduled for the following Monday, things were going to be tight.

The aircraft arrived back in Wewak from it’s commissioning on Tuesday at 12.30pm, leaving just enough time for these flights.  

With the GA8 Airvan able to carry 400kg of cargo and enough fuel for the flight, the exam papers were delivered on the Tuesday afternoon and the exams were sat the following day!

We are thankful to have such a capable aircraft to serve and support communities in PNG as they work to gain an education for their young people.