Travel by private or charter airplane is the most reliable and safest way to get around Congo. But it is not always possible because most villages have an airstrip. Eventhe airstrip at Bulape is not kept in the best condition.
To prevent overloading, the pilot carry a large bathroom type scales. Each package, piece of luggage, and each person is weighed. The total weight balanced against the aircraft payload specifications.
During one trip by a chartered airplane, I witnessed first hand this unique loading procedure. Congolese watched in amazement when the pilot notified us that the plane carrying weight had been reached. The Congolese could not understand. There were empty spaces and seats on the airplane.
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