Students from Port Moresby Technical College (POMTECH) had the opportunity to visit the No. 35 Squadron detachment and tour a RAAF C-27J Spartan deployed to PNG under the Defence Pacific Air Program (DPAP). PNG Defence Force Air Transport Wing (ATW) personnel also provided tours of their new PAC P-750 aircraft. According to a statement, the students had the unique opportunity to observe the inner workings of the C-27J while Royal Australian Air Force technicians explained the electrical and mechanical operation of the C-27J. Detachment Commander, flight Lieutenant, Ben Howlett said that the intent of the visit was to give the POMTECH students an experience of what the end of their training could look like, if they chose to continue in the aviation world, or work with engines. “We’re hoping at the end of today, they’ll have a greater appreciation of our aircraft and they’ll be motivated to finish their education.” The engagement was a fantastic opportunity for students to talk to pilots, loadmasters, and aircraft technicians from both Defence Forces. Head of POMTECH Mechanical Department, Mr Aquila Kasu explained that it was good exposure for the students, looking at avionics, aircraft engineering, and airframes. “This is a good introduction for courses we are running in the future.” Both mechanical and electrical students participated, such as Miss Shantelle Treloggen who is currently studying Maintenance, Fitting and Machining (MFM). “It’s a great opportunity for us to come out here and to have this practical experience; as MFM students, by looking at aircraft engineering we can be confident in the parts of the plane,” Treloggen said. “It has always been my dream to work in aviation, after MFM I can become an aircraft engineer later on so I’m very excited to be here.” The PNG Defence Force ATW and 35th Squadron have a special partnership as sister squadrons, working side by side under the Flights for Excellence Program and Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program in PNG. Furthermore, Commanding Officer of ATW, Lieutenant Colonel Doug Vavar said it’s important to conduct this visit as those students interested in avionics and aviation trade will potentially find themselves working at ATW alongside 35 Squadron. “It’s a different dimension when they come here and talk to the military personnel, they get to see two militaries together, the PNGDF and RAAF.” “We have a long history with POMTECH, we had a previous Commanding Officer who was a former student of the college, so it’s good information for the students to have something to work towards.” Meanwhile DPAP is part of an Australian Whole-of-Government effort to increase presence and capacity in the South West Pacific and will initially focus on airlift operations in Papua New Guinea.