The life of a pilot often comes with its fair share of challenges, but for British aviator Matt Dearden, 45, the term "challenging" takes on an entirely new meaning. Matt has made a name for himself by piloting planes onto some of the most treacherous runways in the world, located in the remote, mountainous regions of Papua, Indonesia. The incredible footage he has captured using cockpit and external cameras offers a heart-stopping glimpse into the dangers and complexities of bush flying. From steep gradients that push the limits of aircraft design to airstrips barely visible through dense rainforests, Matt’s work is a testament to skill, precision, and nerves of steel.
One of the most striking aspects of Matt’s job is the extreme terrain he navigates. The airstrips he lands on are not for the faint of heart. For instance, the Wipon airstrip boasts a daunting 19% gradient, while the Bangga airstrip takes the crown with an astronomical 30% incline—one of the steepest in the world. Such gradients demand absolute focus and a deep understanding of the aircraft’s capabilities. Matt explains that even the slightest miscalculation in approach or landing speed could result in catastrophic consequences, such as ripping off the undercarriage or failing to reach the top of the slope. The Bangga airstrip, in particular, requires a pilot to adopt a unique technique: landing while simultaneously preparing for an immediate climb. It’s a maneuver that feels more like flying into a brick wall than a conventional landing.
The aircraft Matt flies, a Swiss-built Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter, is specifically designed for such demanding conditions. Known for its durability, maneuverability, and versatility, the plane is a workhorse in remote aviation, capable of handling the harsh weather and uneven terrain that characterize Matt’s work environment. However, even with the right aircraft, the challenges remain immense. Tropical weather conditions, such as heavy rain and dense fog, can reducing visibility to near zero, and the isolation of these airstrips means there’s little room for error. As Matt puts it, the combination of steep slopes, unpredictable weather, and the sheer remoteness of these landing strips creates a perfect storm of obstacles that demand constant vigilance and expertise.
Matt’s journey into this high-stakes world of bush flying was not one he initially planned. After struggling to find work as a pilot in Europe, he took a position with Susi Air in Indonesia, a company specializing in remote-area flights. What was meant to be a temporary gig to gain experience turned into a seven-year adventure that Matt grew to love deeply. The thrill of bush flying—the freedom, the connection to nature, and the satisfaction of navigating some of the most extreme airstrips on Earth—captivated him in a way he never anticipated. His time in Indonesia not only honed his skills as a pilot but also gave him a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of flying in one of the most inhospitable environments on the planet.
The footage Matt has shared provides an intimate look at his experiences, offering viewers a seat in the cockpit as he navigates these death-defying landings. For those unfamiliar with the world of bush flying, the videos are both awe-inspiring and terrifying. They capture the intense focus of a pilot in his element, the precision required to touch down safely on a runway that seems impossibly short or steep. One airstrip, Salema, is particularly notable for its brevity, requiring an exceptionally precise approach to minimize the landing roll and avoid disaster. As Matt explains, the margin for error is razor-thin, and every decision—from the angle of approach to the application of power—must be made with absolute certainty.
Matt’s story has resonated with many, including former Virgin Atlantic captain Pete the Irish Pilot, who referred to Matt’s landings as a “hairy hillside challenge” that embodies the very essence of seat-of-your-pants flying. For those who find themselves captivated by Matt’s adventures, his book, Flying from Shangri-La: What it was really like in the ‘Worst Place to be a Pilot,’ offers a deeper dive into his experiences. Available on Amazon, the book paints a vivid picture of life as a bush pilot, detailing the highs and lows of working in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth. Through his words and videos, Matt provides a rare glimpse into a world few people ever encounter, and it’s a story that is as inspiring as it is harrowing.
