From bush pilot to tourism pioneer: Sir Bob Bates’ life story launched in new book

Veteran aviator and tourism pioneer Sir Bob Bates says his newly released book “Wings Over Wild” tells the full story of his life and decades of contribution to Papua New Guinea.

The book, written by his close friend and fellow aviator Barry Payne, was officially launched in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province, with Prime Minister James Marape attending the event.

Sir Bob described the book as a complete record of his journey, saying it shares his life experiences in aviation and tourism across Papua New Guinea.

“I have no more secrets. He’s told my life story. Everything’s in the book,” Sir Bob said.

He praised the author for capturing his experiences well.

“He’s done a wonderful job of writing the book. It is well written… the description of certain events that’s taken place is well written. In fact, it’s outstanding,” he said.

The launch was also a special moment for Sir Bob, with his two sisters, who traveled from Australia to witness the occasion.

“I have my two sisters here. They’re both in their eighties. They’ve come up from Australia to witness the launch of the book,” he said.

Author Barry Payne said he felt Sir Bob’s long service to Papua New Guinea deserved to be documented for future generations.

“I thought Sir Bob Bates… what he’s contributed to Papua New Guinea was worthy of being written,” Barry said.

Mr Payne said he had encouraged Sir Bob for years to write his own story, but when that did not happen, he decided to do it himself.

“Over the years, I said to Bob on a number of occasions, ‘Bob, you should write your story.’ Well, that never happened. And one day my wife said to me, ‘You need to write Bob’s story.’ And the book Wings Over Wild is the result,” he said.

Mr Payne described Sir Bob as one of the most experienced pilots in the country and said his aviation and tourism work helped bring visitors to Papua New Guinea.

“Without Sir Bob, a lot of people would not have had that privilege and opportunity to set foot in this country and see it with their own eyes,” Barry said.

Sir Bob also spoke about the challenges of developing tourism in remote parts of PNG, saying aviation played a critical role.

“One of the biggest problems is the logistics… power, the telephone system, the road network, supplies,” Sir Bob said.

“A lot of our lodges are located in remote areas. They don’t have road access. They only have air access… we need the aeroplane to make it work,” he said.

He added that aviation has been central to the country’s development.

“Papua New Guinea was built by the aeroplane,” he said.

Sir Bob also used the occasion to encourage young Papua New Guineans to pursue their dreams.

“If Papua New Guineans want it to be or want to do, they should go ahead and do it… whether it be an airline pilot, whether it be a doctor, whether it be a photographer journalist… they should set their heart and just go ahead and do it,” he said.

In the book’s foreword, Prime Minister James Marape commended Sir Bob for his lifelong contribution to the country.

“Sir Bob Bates’ contribution to Papua New Guinea reaches far beyond aviation. His vision, integrity, and lifelong commitment helped connect communities, build opportunity, and share our country with the world,” the Prime Minister said.