Minister for Civil Aviation

Cockpit Voice Recorder retrieved from PX 073

Minister for Civil Aviation, Alfred Manase, announced this recently.

The CVR is a vital device for investigators as they aim to find out the circumstances behind the crash landing of PX Flight 073 in the Chuuk Lagoon in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

The Minister said the CVR was retrieved at 1:40pm on Friday 5th October by US Navy divers.

The CVR preserves the recent history of the sounds in and around the cockpit, including communication between the aircraft and air traffic control and the conversations of the pilots.

AIC investigation team in Chuuk

Minister for Civil Aviation, Alfred Manase, said two investigators arrived in Chuuk 22 hours following the incident and immediately commenced assisting the FSM investigation team.

Minister Manase said as per the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 Standards, the FSM have allowed for the PNG AIC Investigation team to participate in the investigation.

He said the two member team arrived in Chuuk on Saturday 29th September at 8 am and immediately began investigation with FSM officials.

Infrastructure development vital for future

This was remarked Prime Minister Peter O'Neil during the official opening of the improved Girua Airport.

O'Neil said this morning's occasion is a testament to the government's vision to modernize all institutional asserts nationwide.

O'Neil further stated the Girua Airport is one of successful results of the external loans acquired by the government.

The K43 million rehabilitated Girua Airport boasts new pavements, runway, water and sewage systems and upgraded interior of the terminal.

Minister explains Kundiawa Airport delay

Minister for Civil Aviation Alfred Manase revealed this in parliament yesterday after Member for Karamui-Nomane, Geoffrey Kama, asked to know why the ground work on the airport runway was completed two years ago, but operations have yet to commence.

“Two years ago construction was completed but the airport has not opened yet. Can the Minister tell us why?

“It has become uneconomical for the people of Simbu to travel to Mt Hagen and Goroka to catch a flight,” Kama said.