A 09 2015 Issue MCI(P)014/09/2015 2015 FLYING EXPERIENCE FOR CCA STUDENTS FLYING NOVEMBER 08 INTER-SCHOOL AEROMODELLING COMPETITION 2015 04

SYFC VISITS 145 SQN

AT PEARCE AIR BASE AT EXPERIENCING PC-21 EXPERIENCING TAKE- 0FF TAKE- FOREWORD CONTENTS

AVIATOR

01 Experiencing PC-21 at Pearce Air Base 04 PPL Students Visit 145 SQN 06 New Basic Flying Courses 07 Students’ Views

The Singapore Youth Flying Club is pleased to achieve its SQC AEROMODELLING re-certification in Oct 15. The SQC journey had enabled our staff to focus their efforts in the important functional areas and to make substantive improvements in our core processes towards 08 15th Inter-school Aeromodelling Competition 2015 the achievement of the Club’s objectives. I thank the SQC core team and the staff for your commitment, teamwork and good 09 Enhancing Aviation Experience efforts in the journey towards achieving business excellence in what we do. RECRUITMENT • PUBLICITY • OTHERS The Club is also pleased to see more students applying to participate in our flying programmes leading to the attainment of a Private Pilot Licence (PPL). Their enthusiasm and dedication 11 Adieus to a Pioneer Pilot to achieve the PPL during their Junior College and Polytechnic Welcoming a New Instructor studies are indeed commendable and heart warming. We strive 12 Singapore Quality Class to enhance and strengthen their knowledge and experience in Senior Teachers Visit SYFC flying through visits to RSAF’s flying squadrons. We hope that 13 Canberra CC Visits SYFC these visits will energise and prepare them well to be successful Spot The Planes Contest as a military pilot.

I would like to thank the parents and the teachers for their strong support in our programmes. We will do our very best to not only impart flying skills and knowledge to the students, but also strengthen their life skills in terms of discipline, responsibility, time management and decision making. This is our commitment!

COL (RET) Andy Tan General Manager Singapore Youth Flying Club November 2015

Take-Off is the official newsletter of the Singapore Youth Flying Club. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the Editor, the Club and its Committee do not accept liability for any damage, personal or material, arising whether directly or indirectly from any matter published in this newsletter. Views or opinions expressed here are entirely the contributors’ and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Club or members of the Editorial Committee.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or Editorial Advisor : COL (RET) Andy Tan, General Manager transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, Editors : Ms Lucy Chua, Administrative Manager recording or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the Singapore Mr Jason Ong, Executive Officer Youth Flying Club. Copyright 2001 by Singapore Youth Flying Club. All rights Members : Mr S Beber, CCA Manager reserved. Joshua Chia, President SYFC Alumni Mr Preetwant Singh, Ground School Instructor Singapore Youth Flying Club 515 West Camp Road, Singapore 797695. Tel: 6483 5621 Website: www.syfc.sg Email: [email protected]

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The most experiential takeaway from the Pearce’s the Pearce’s The most experiential takeaway from were pilots. We visit was my interaction with the cadet themselves as professionals by how they carried inspired 130SQN was organised. the entire and how efficient By giving us their personal insights into their the cadet training in the squadron, able to clear many pilots were doubts about the BWC. Some cadets even took time off the to show us around airbase which included their accommodations and the PC-21 flight got simulators. We into a 4-ship dogfight with the cadets at which the simulator, truly made our stay very enjoyable. I am very grateful to be given the chance to participate in this trip. The PC-21 simulator in Airbase supports the Pearce the trainees training by preparing for their upcoming sortie and ensure

AIRBASE PEARCE AT EXPERIENCING PC-21 PC-21 EXPERIENCING 130 SQN is located in the Royal Australian Air Force’s 130 SQN is located in the Royal Australian Air Force’s Air Base, situated 35km north of Perth. Pilot Pearce trainees for the Basic Wing Course (BWC) stay here for 10 months. After this phase, trainees will be types based on aircraft into their respective streamed who are Trainees their performance and suitability. for another 3 selected for fighters will stay in Pearce training, whereas months for the advanced manoeuvre will selected for transport and rotary those who are who for further training. Trainees return to Singapore do exceptionally well have a chance to go to the Pilot Training USA for the Specialised Undergraduate or Canada or Italy for the NATO programme, Flying Training. Our visit to the Republic of Singapore Air Force Flying Air Force Our visit to the Republic of Singapore Air Base was held at Pearce Institute 130 Squadron with Flight Instructor 7 to 13 Jun 15. Together from given opportunities to Mr Chee PS, the 9 of us were experience first-hand the life of the trainees in the interaction with a number of the Through squadron. able to get a better insight we were trainees there, activities and life as a pilot trainee. into the culture, planned for us included Some of the programmes flight simulator sessions orientation of the squadron, and–the highlight of the trip–the experience on the PC-21, a single engine truboprop. that they make minimum mistakes in the air. The dome The dome the air. that they make minimum mistakes in image a 360-degree shaped simulator can project flying environment. realistic a very coverage, providing aircraft, Flying at twice the speed of the Diamond to fast and react trainees have to work extremely Guided by an instructor, situational changes very quickly. like barrel manoeuvres able to do exciting we were We were low level flying. loops, wing over and rolls, simulators. The machines to 4 small network introduced able to do formation flying connected and we were were We also got to meet and dog-fight on these 4 stations. batch of SYFC Mr Kevin Meta Dudley who was the first back then in trainees. He won the best trainee award and flying the 1970s. He is now imparting his knowledge in Peace Airbase. skills to the young cadets here

02 The most anticipated part of the trip to Pearce Airbase Our last two days were spent out of Pearce Airbase, was the chance to sit in the back seat of the Pilatus we went sightseeing around Perth City. We visited PC-21 aircraft. The Pilatus PC-21 is manufactured in the zoo, Perth Aviation Museum and played paintball. Switzerland. It is a single-engine-turboprop with low Weather was perfect with cool breezy days and glorious swept wings and tandem cockpit. Suited in our G-suits, sunset to greet us in the evening. Looking back, I would the instructors showed us the capabilities of this aircraft, definitely go back again in a heartbeat, not just for the doing loops, barrel rolls and wingover before pulling a sights and sounds of Australia, but for the flying journey 5-G turn. that awaits me in the few short months ahead. It was also a great opportunity to build strong bonds between the flyboys.

Contributed by Joseph Chuan 03 The visit to 145 Squadron was an enriching and eye- The visit to 145 Squadron opening experience for me. It was my first time seeing the F16D+ in person and I learned a lot about the F16D+ I also learnedthat I never knew about before. about the advanced systems and weaponry that the fleet of 20 F16D+ is equipped with. Seeing what goes on behind the scenes of one sortie was definitely an elevating as was interesting squadron the experience. Touring of the pre-flight able to have a walk through we were each flight before that the pilots go through preparations that at SYFC. from which is vastly different Singapore’s This visit has also helped me appreciate plays in that the Air Force and the role sovereignty to be honoured I am extremely defending our country. trip The opportunity to visit 145 squadron. given this rare in my decision to join the Air Force has also reinforced Virtute Alisque! the future. 212BFC Samantha Ong JW, countless insights into a in the RSAF pilot career which included many fun- filled activities with each staff provided me with provided staff other as well as the many talking to the pilot and ground tasks all pilots had ground the aircraft. In addition, the aircraft. to carry out. Overall, this trip a first-hand experience with was very comprehensive and was very comprehensive performance as well as having memorable and has definitely were shown its capabilities and were pushed me closer towards a career a career pushed me closer towards the F16D+ was the best as we in the Air Force!

with the F16D+. I felt that the walk around with the F16D+. I felt that the walk around

Matthew Chia YM, 212BFC

the fast-paced, high-octane combat scenarios

VISIT 145 SQN PPL STUDENTS The visit to RSAF’s 145 squadron was surely a was surely 145 squadron The visit to RSAF’s During the wholesome and eye-catching experience. Nest’, many things were time spent in the ‘Hornet’s planning to the meticulous ground with us; from shared

04 05 The fighter squadron’s visit was an absolute eye-opener. eye-opener. visit was an absolute squadron’s The fighter learnedI definitely passion and and it fuelled my a lot the schedule fighter pilot. Though in being a interest due to some to plan completely according did not go visit did not the overall circumstances, unforeseen highlight of the visit was getting to disappoint me. The the F-16D, having a mini tour around see the cockpit of it, and learning about the journey to join the Air Force, pilot or a WSO. I definitely look whether as a fighter visits! squadron fighter’s more to forward 212BFC JM, Riley Yap WELCOME

214BFC

215BFC TP8-15 NEW BASIC FLYING COURSES

06 RP3-15 RI2-15 07 FIRST SOLO After much practice and determination, are I finally completed my first solo. There of hard to success. It is the result no secrets My special thank failures. work and learning from you to my instructor Mr Siva for not giving up on me. TP7-15 Ang Ching Yang, My first solo was definitely one of the most thrilling and memorable flight; being a first step into PPL. I am absolutely grateful to Mr Mahdi, Most importantly, my instructor and my friends for their unwavering support. JM, 212BFC Yap Riley Jeremiah A year ago, I came to SYFC with very little knowledge A year ago, I came getting a PPL not know how hard about aviation and did the PPL stage after my on to would be. As I proceeded a pilot is no easy task as realised that being first solo, I school ground we had to juggle between flying and the are examinations. A lot of dedication and self-discipline my journey in SYFC was made smoother needed. Luckily, the instructors. with the help of my flying peers and all for I am ready for, Now that I have achieved what I came the next stage, the Air Force. Goh Rui Cheng Calvin, 209BFC, SP My PPL journey with the SYFC has been a very enriching a young age one. It has always been my ambition from of such a pilotto be a pilot. After knowing the existence up, and I havetraining course, I did not hesitate to sign this decision at all. Being a JC student, never regretted challenging, butjuggling flying and my studies has been anyone to join this course as it has recommend I really beneficial course. This course trains me to been a really and I feel I havebe disciplined and inculcated other values Instructors do their utmost best in the process. up grown and techniques, I understand certain procedures to ensure for their assistanceand I am very thankful for my instructors this recommend I would really my journey. throughout in flying. to any teenager interested programme 207BFC, HCI Joel Lye, Flying has been the most exhilarating thing I’ve done in nothing quite like it. It requires really my life. There’s the gumption, courage and determination to on and never falter to succeed. Flying press has truly been a privilege. I would not for the exchange my experiences here is one that I will world. My time here of my life. bring with me for the rest Sheikh Izzat, RI1-14

My journey a challenging yet in SYFC was definitely SYFC, I not only realised one. Through rewarding extremely of knowing how to fly a plane, but also gained my dream as self-discipline important values such as responsibility, well as confidence to take on challenges. I am thankful for the setbacks and obstacles I faced during my PPL journey person. because they shaped me to be a better and stronger so, I am very thankful to the instructors who were Even more for ensuring my to help, as well as the staff always there journey It has been a privilege was as smooth as possible. and an honour to able to be a part of SYFC. Chong Si Qing, 208BFC Throughout the journey of completing my PPL course, Throughout I have picked up valuable skills that I would have never Flying itself is a luxury and I was been able to elsewhere. lucky to be able to develop my passion. Flying and SYFC opportunities to conquer some of have given me great the fears and uncertainties about myself and to face them many circumstances are there with courage. In the air, skills and the ability fast decision-making which require it is when you to apply them. But at the end of the day, that you have the world beneath your feet that the realise accomplishment of being a pilot becomes a reality. Seah SX, 206BFC Achieving my PPL is a dream come true. To me, flying has come true. To Achieving my PPL is a dream doing things always been about challenging my limits, myself in the I never thought I’d be able to do, and enjoying The PPL course has been a most meaningful yet process. it was the challenges challenging experience. Interestingly, fulfilling. experience so much more which made the entire SL and Mr S Raman Many thanks to my instructors Ms Tan aviation. for their patient instruction in the art of Ong Chuen Kai, 206BFC PPL

VIEWS STUDENTS' STUDENTS'

FREE FLIGHT FLIGHT SENIOR SENIOR RUNNER UP RUNNER UP RUNNER UP RUNNER UP Lim Rui Min CHAMPION CHAMPION ST ND ST ND Goh Yew Leng Goh Yew FIXED WING Hai Sing Catholic 1 2 Reuben Thomas 1 2 Evergreen Sec Sch Evergreen Evergreen Sec Sch Evergreen Evergreen Sec Sch Evergreen CONTROL LINE Ling Zhi Wei, Jake Ling Zhi Wei, Northbrooks Sec Sch Northbrooks Lim Jun Leng Clarence Lim Jun Leng Clarence RAT RACE ELECTRIC RACE ELECTRIC RAT Singapore Science & Technology Science & Technology Singapore Mohamed Haris B Mohamed Yusri Mohamed Haris B Mohamed Yusri

The annual Inter-School Aeromodelling Competition 2015 Aeromodelling The annual Inter-School Sept 15 with COL (RET) Frank 08 to 12 was conducted from in the RSAF and a member of the Singam, a pioneer fighter gracing the closing Team, 1st RSAF Black Knights on 12 Sept 15. ceremony 8 events, with A total of 560 students participated in the as the winner of the School emerging Secondary Evergreen for 2015. Challenge Trophy Aeromodelling SYFC Inter-School 1st and and Bukit View Secondary Schools were Northbrooks respectively. 2nd runner-ups FLIGHT FLIGHT JUNIOR RUNNER UP RUNNER UP RUNNER UP RUNNER UP RUNNER UP RUNNER UP Tan Zhi Xin Tan CHAMPION CHAMPION CHAMPION Chester Koh Too Zhan Yue Zhan Yue Too ST ST ST ND ND ND Yuying Sec Sch Yuying Xinmin Sec Sch Xinmin Sec Sch Goh Yew Leng Goh Yew Hillgrove Sec Sch Hillgrove 1 1 1 2 2 2 Faris Chong Han SENIOR RADIO SENIOR Evergreen Sec Sch Evergreen Evergreen Sec Sch Evergreen CONTROL LINE Westwood Sec Sch Westwood PYLON RACING PYLON FLYING SENIOR SENIOR FLYING Woodgrove Sec Sch Woodgrove Yio Chu Kang Sec Sch Yio Haikel Azhar B Sadali Viknavel S/O Krishnan Ethan Jian-Hui Maniam RAT RACE ELECTRIC RACE ELECTRIC RAT Leong Hoi Ming, Joshua CONTROL FIXED WING SIMULATOR PRECISION SIMULATOR

FLIGHT FLIGHT Bryan Oh RUNNER UP RUNNER UP RUNNER UP RUNNER UP RUNNER UP CHAMPION CHAMPION CHAMPION Lai Guan Yu Lai Guan Yu Gerric Chew Yu Jing Xuan Yu Wong Jun Kit Wong ST ST ST ND ND Tey Zhi Sheng Tey Goh Yew Leng Goh Yew Hillgrove Sec Sch Hillgrove 1 1 1 Edgefield Sec Sch 2 2 Evergreen Sec Sch Evergreen Evergreen Sec Sch Evergreen Evergreen Sec Sch Evergreen JUNIOR RADIO Bukit View Sec Sch Bukit View Sec Sch PYLON RACING PYLON FLYING JUNIOR FLYING RAT RACE OPEN RAT CONTROL LINE – Tok Jun Hui Nicholas Tok

CONTROL FIXED WING SIMULATOR PRECISION SIMULATOR CLASS A GAS POWERED Sch of Science and Technology Sch of Science and Technology

The overall results for the competitions were: The overall results

2015 COMPETITION COMPETITION AEROMODELLING AEROMODELLING INTER-SCHOOL INTER-SCHOOL 15TH

08 ENHANCING AVIATION EXPERIENCE

VISIT TO PARTICIPATION SINGAPORE TECHNOLOGIES IN GLIDERFEST AEROSPACE

A group of 100 students from Northbrooks Secondary A total of 600 students from the various school YFCs visited ST Aerospace in Seletar Airport to enhance their participated in the annual “GliderFest@RP’, aviation knowledge and learn about various career co-organised by Republic Polytechnic, DSO National opportunities the industry offers. They visited the Laboratories and Singapore Science Centre held at hangar as well as the flight simulator and learned about the Republic Polytechnic on 28 Oct 15. Our students performed very well and won several prizes. SYFC’s the dynamic work environment in the aviation industry students were shown around the Polytechnic Campus first-hand. including a hangar which houses the Learjet, A-320 Flight simulator and a wind tunnel. Aiden Koh commented, “I want to work in the Aviation Industry as I enjoy the application of physics in Neo Chun Wei from Bukit View Secondary School Aerospace.” commented, “I learned about how to work together with my friends to build and trim the glider. I also Comment from Gavriel Tan: “The flight simulation was had a close-up look of the static Learjet aircraft really interesting. It lets us feel what it is like when the and its engine. It was a valuable learning trip to the aeroplane is moving while being in the cockpit and you Polytechnic. I aspire to take-up flying as a career when can see how the pilots control the plane.” I complete my studies.”

Bhori Haider said, “I learned about the different kinds of plans and processes that they do before they can deliver the aircraft, overhauling of an aircraft and the different jobs offered in the Aviation Industry.” 09 SYFC CCA STUDENTS’ FLYING EXPERIENCE IN THE DA40 AIRCRAFT

VIKNAVEL S/O KRISHNAN RAFIDAH BANU Ang Mo Kio Secondary School: School YFC Liaison Teacher, Hai Sing Catholic: "The DA40 ride brought whatever “The flight experience was an exciting I’ve learnt from simulator classes to and informative one which started life. Being able to sit beside the pilot from the pre-flight checks till landing. is an experience I will never forget. The view of the ground from the Experiencing the G forces was the aircraft was breathtaking and we most thrilling aspects of it all – much were able to understand first-hand on like a rollercoaster ride. I am looking airmanship and its importance whilst forward to taking up flying training." flying. All in all, the experience further inspired me to encourage my students IVAN PANG to take up flying in SYFC.” Compassvale Secondary School: “I have learnt much during the DA40 TONG KAH JUN joyride. I experienced what it feels Xinmin Secondary School: like to be inside the plane. Before the The Diamond DA40 FEP was amazing. flight, I heard some of the messages It was the first time ever being behind that were spoken before taking off. the controls of a plane. The view from During the flight, I got to experience above was breathtaking. This has the different effects while flying like definitely motivated me to work hard the strong G forces acting on us towards attaining the PPL in whilst turning. It was a unique the future.

10 opportunity to fly in a plane with the pilot beside me.” ADIEUS TO A PIONEER PILOT The Club hosted a small get-together on 11 Nov 15 for Mr Goh Chye Lee, one of its long-serving flying instructors, as he retired from the Club after serving for 9 years from 1 Mar 2006 to 10 Nov 2015. Prior to joining SYFC, Mr Goh was a retired RSAF A4 fighter pilot and had a wide range of operational experience from being a Pilot Attack Instructor (PAI) to holding CO and various other staff appointments in the RSAF. He brought all his varied experience to the Club when he joined as a Flying Instructor. To the students, he was known as a no-nonsense Instructor who demanded high standards.

In his 40 years as a pilot, Chye Lee said that he was happy to have been a pilot and privileged to have flown many types of aircraft and been given such varied experiences. He clocked 6300 plus flying hours and had flown the venerable A4 Skyhawk (A4S and A4SU variants), Strikemaster, and civilian aircraft like the Piper Warrior II and Diamond 40. Chye Lee shared his words of wisdom on working – to be happy doing what one is doing and to work well with others by helping them and getting along.

True to form, Chye Lee does not want to sit idle after retirement. Being still medically fit and mentally active, he will look to serve where his experience is needed and intends to remain engaged with the aviation industry. The Club thanks Chye Lee for his service and wishes him all the best.

WELCOMING A NEW INSTRUCTOR

The Club welcomed CPT Edward Lim into its fold on 9 Jun 2015. CPT Lim is on secondment to lend his RSAF experience to the Club. The “Man in Green” would serve as a visible presence of a RSAF pilot and be a role model to students.

CPT Lim is a RSAF Fokker 50 transport pilot. He joined the RSAF in 2003 and has served tours as an instructor in 130 Squadron and Air Grading Centre for pilot trainees. His passion for instructing and his flying experience stand him in good stead as a SYFC flying instructor as he would be able to share very relevant experiences with SYFC students who aspire to be RSAF pilots. 11 Welcome, Edward! SINGAPORE QUALITY CLASS (SQC)

SYFC is proud to achieve its SQC re-certification in Oct 15. We are committed to business excellence and work to improve our work processes and services to our customers. Kudos to the Club!

SENIOR TEACHERS VISIT SYFC

A group of senior teachers from MOE visited SYFC as part of their learning journey while attending a course at NIE. Mrs Kim who represented the group had this to say: “Thank you so much for hosting us yesterday. We are really appreciative of the efforts of you and your colleagues to share with us the background of SYFC and the tour of your facilities.

Thank you for enlightening us and for answering all our questions, which has helped us understand SYFC and how we can apply some of the ideas in our schools.

Have a great weekend.”

12 Regards, Mrs Kim Cheang 13 4 Westwood Secondary School Westwood Bukit View Secondary School Bukit View Secondary School Xinmin Secondary School Woodgrove Secondary School Woodgrove Secondary School Woodgrove Secondary School Secondary School Bedok Green Secondary School Bedok Green Edgefield Secondary School 3 SPOT the Planes Contest Winners July 2015 1. Goh Chee Kiat 2. Pravin Stalin 3. R. Harikrishna 4. Chester Koh Yun 5. Lee Tai Jia Qing 6. Tan 7. Ryan Lim 8. Lionel Lim 9. Jayden Laury Kai Hoe 10. Keith Soh 2 Age: Tel:

b. d. 1

the CCA Manager, Please submit this photocopy of this completed form to the CCA Manager, us by 797695 to reach Camp Road, Singapore SYFC, 515 West and only 15 January 2016. Each person is only entitled to one entry, secondary school students may participate. The decision for winners by SYFC is final. Results will be published in the next newsletter.

VISITS SYFC CANBERRA CC CC CANBERRA Prizes : 10 book vouchers worth $20 each. Prizes : 10 book vouchers worth Class: Address: Name & NRIC No: School: a. c. What are the names of the aircraft shown in the above pictures? the names of the aircraft What are CONTEST SPOT THE PLANES Members from the Canberra Members from visited SYFC Community Centre briefed were on 3 Oct 15. They operations of on the mission and the around SYFC and did a tour This was part Club premises. to organise effort of the CC’s visits as a bonding session for their members.