dmx wrote:
Why doesn't the PNG Governement work out some kind of auction deal where they make available for recovery a number of airframes every year ?
Because they are considering these aircraft as relics of their World War 2 heritage.
The dilemma is that these aircraft are a important part of their past but they don't either have the motivation or the ability to properly take care of the aircraft. Ither by recoverying or restoring the aircraft or structures (enclosed buildings) could be built around the sites to display the aircraft in a closed enviroment as the were found.....away from the elements.
My brother is dealing with a situation similar to this. He noticed a particular 1967 Pontiac Lemans in front of a house, on his route to work. He stopped by to take a closer look. The car is in very poor condition, but is saveble. He rang on the door to talk to the owner and asked if he would consider selling it. The owner stated that the car had once belonged to his now deceased son, who passed 20 years ago and that he would not sell it ever. Now I can understand and respect the feelings associated to this car and in the case of Swamp Ghost. But there comes a point when you have to step back and take look at the situation and ask some hard questions. Is letting these machines deteriorate into nothing, because you don't have the abilities to take care of them, fair to the memories of the people or heritage of your country? Is it better that these aircraft be saved and restored to last for the coming years even though the might leave the country? Or do we continue on our path of neglect and ensure that nothing remains by the time of the next mellinium? In the end the only people at a loss are the future generations.
Shay
____________
Semper Fortis