Lou Yang SAF Merit Scholarship Holder 2009 - Singapore Youth ...

Lou Yang SAF Merit
Scholarship Holder 2009
F16
Familiarisation
Flights
03
SYFC Langkawi
Land Expedition
2009
08
Malacca
Trip
04
9
09
th Singapore Youth Flying Club
Inter-Schools Aeromodelling
Competitions 2009
Pearce
December 09
05
SYFC Aviators’
Programme
10
March 2010 Issue
MICA(P) 115/09/2009
Since 1971

Foreword
Another fruitful year has passed
and SYFC is very pleased to
achieve another accident-free
work year in 2009, contributing to
38 years of accident-free record.
FY 10/11 will be an exciting year
for SYFC. The Club is evaluating
new trainers to replace our aging fleet of Piper
Warrior II. Students can look forward to flying
a new trainer equipped with glass cockpit and
modern avionics.
To encourage more youths to join our flying
programme, the Club is pleased to offer PPL
accelerated programme to JC students willing to
participate in full-time training during end-year
holidays. We hope this would make it easier for
JC students to experience the joy of flying and
achieve the Private Pilot Licence.
The Club would like to congratulate Ms Lou Yang,
an ex-SYFC student, in obtaining the prestigious
SAF Merit Scholarship and joining RSAF as a
pilot trainee. We wish her success in her quest
to be a qualified pilot and a satisfying career in
RSAF. We hope many aspiring flying enthusiasts
would follow her footsteps in reaching for the sky
and explore the many thrilling and memorable
experiences in military flying.
Warmest Regards.
COL (NS) Andy Tan
General Manager
Singapore Youth Flying Club
March 2010
Contents
AviAtor
02 SAF Merit Scholarship Holder 2009
03 F16 Familiarisation Flights
04 Malacca Trip
05 Pearce December 09
06 Welcome New Pilot Trainees
• 172BFC and 173BFC
• PAC01 and PAC02
07 New Soloist & PPL Graduands
AeromodelliNG
08 SYFC Langkawi Land Expedition 2009
09 9th Singapore Youth Flying Club Inter-Schools
Aeromodelling Competitions 2009
10 • SYFC Aviators’ Programme
• NCC Camp Pinnacle
RecRuitment • publicity • otheRs
11 • New Members of the SYFC Board of Governors
• RSAF Career Talk
12 • Parents’ Day
• Competitors from the Singapore Amazing
Flying Machine visited SYFC
13 Spot the planes contest
Editorial Committee
Advisor : COL (NS) Andy Tan, General Manager
Editors : Ms Lucy Chua, Administrative Manager
Mr Jason Ong, Assistant Editor
Members : Mr S Beber, CCA Manager
Mr Gary Leong, President SYFC PPL Alumni Committee
Mr Preetwant Singh, Ground School Instructor
Take Off is the official newsletter of the Singapore Youth Flying Club. While every effort
is made to ensure accuracy, neither the Editor, the Club or its Committee can 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
transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the Singapore Youth
Flying Club. Copyright 2001 by Singapore Youth Flying Club. All rights reserved.
Singapore Youth Flying Club 515 West Camp Road, Singapore 797695.
Tel: 6483 5621 Website: www.syfc.sg Email: info@syfc.sg
Designed by Equity Communications Pte Ltd. Printed by Hock Cheong Printing Pte Ltd.

02 AVIATOR / SYFC NEWSLETTER / MARCH 10
SAF Merit
Scholarship
Holder 2009
I
grew up in a very
traditional family
where I was
expected to abide
by the standards
of true femininity.
In trying to mould
me into the ideal lady, my
parents would send me for
piano classes, dance lessons,
Chinese calligraphy sessions
and the list goes on. Looking at
who I am today, I did not deviate
drastically from the expectations
of my parents, but I have become
a young lady who has found
the motivation and courage to
venture into the world full of
zest and challenges.
Unlike most of the flyboys who aspire to become
pilots at a very young age, I developed the interest
for aviation only in my late teens. Even right up till
my first few sorties, I only had a vague idea of what
aviation really meant to me and why I even chose to
take up flying as a CCA. However, that uncertainty
was soon dissolved as my instructor TAN SK took
me through the many memorable sorties. Till now,
I could still vividly remember the sense of awe that
swept over me as I saw what rain looked like from
the above; I could still remember the small mountain
top that TAN SK told me to use as the reference
point for my straight and level sortie; I could still
feel the adrenaline rush when I first landed the
Lou Yang, 143BFC, RGS/RJC
SAF Merit Scholarship (Women) Recipient
Pursing an Engineering Degree
at Duke University, USA
aircraft. These little achievements and discoveries
along the way and words of encouragement from
other instructors are the very fabric that harnessed
my nascent and unwavering love for flying.
For the longest time, being part of the Basic Flying
Course 143 at the SYFC was one of the proudest
commitments in my life. Not only has SYFC
provided me with the basic skills of aviation and
the knowledge of possible career opportunities
that await an aspiring pilot, it has also galvanised
me to scale greater heights in terms of my academic
achievements and other endeavours in life. SYFC
has given me a pair of wings to soar through the
skies and experience things that girls at my age may
not have experienced; more importantly, I have
developed the mental resilience that is required of
a pilot and of many other pursuits in life.
Today, as a pilot trainee of the RSAF on the SAF
Merit Scholarship (SMS), I would dedicate much
of my gratitude to the SYFC. It opened the
doors to the myriad of opportunities that was
presented to me. With the support of the RSAF,
I am now pursuing a degree in Engineering at
Duke University (USA).
I entered the gates of SYFC at a tender age of 17, as
a schoolgirl who was full of curiosity and energy.
Now, I am entering a new stage of my life, laying
down the foundation of a promising and exciting
piloting career. To me, it is SYFC that has given
me the motivation and courage to take each step
along the way and pursue my very own dream.

F16 Familiarisation Flights
I
ANg WeN JuN edWIN
got to interact with pilots on F16 conversion
course and also the F16 instructors. Through the
conversation with them, I got to know more about
the training to become an operational pilot and what
to expect in a fighter pilot’s career.
Besides that, I learnt more
about the F16 and how
some of the trainings are
carried out. Dumb bombs
are usually carried and
bombing exercises are
conducted at Pulau Pawai.
When waiting at the
taxiway, we got to get up
close to four F16s going on
a bombing exercise. I heard
from other pilots how powerful the
afterburner is, but it was not until I personally
experienced it before I was convinced.
During takeoff, I was completely blown off
by the power of the afterburner and I was glued
to the back of the seat due to the acceleration.
My Captain, tactical call-sign “Twister” also showed
me the power of the afterburner in the training area
by accelerating the aircraft from 240 knots to the
speed of sound within 30 seconds.
During departure and recovery, we flew in
formation with the other F16s. The feeling of having
another F16 flying some 20m away was awesome.
I realised how deadly the aircraft could be and learnt
to appreciate the beauty of the aircraft.
The most exciting thing about this joyride has to be
the pulling of g. The once in a lifetime experience
of experiencing 4-6 ‘g’ was unforgettable. Just after
take-off, we had to perform a 3 ‘g’ manoeuvre to
the left to avoid infringing Malaysia airspace. Once
established in the training area, we broke off the
formation and did a 5 ‘g’ turn. Subsequently, we did
another 2-3 manoeuvres of more than 5 ‘g’. I was
given control of the aircraft for a few minutes, and
I got to get a feel of the aircraft and I realised that the
control stick is very sensitive, unlike what I imagined.
During which, I got to do a loop, which turned out to
be the worst loop my captain had ever seen.
I would like to thank SYFC and RSAF for making this
enjoyable joyride possible.
MARCH 10 / SYFC NEWSLETTER / AVIATOR
ISSAC HO
Children at the National Day parade eagerly
point to the F16 exclaiming that they want
to be a fighter pilot when they grow up.
Just like any other fighter pilot wannabe, I was
enthralled when I was given this opportunity for a
joyride on the F16. Like a kid on his maiden voyage
flight, I was all excited and smiling as Major “Magic”
thrusted the throttle to full afterburner on take-off.
The sensation induced on full AB was like nothing
else experienced on earth! It did not stop there
as high ‘g’ turns and other aerobatic manoeuvres
ensued for the rest of the flight. They were harsh on
the body, but sure they were fun!
“Centreline, aim point, aspect, speed,” chanted
“Magic”. It all seemed like a flight too short but
we had actually flown for an hour!
This experience isn’t something that I take for
granted. Edwin and I would like to sincerely thank
the pilots, “Magic” and “Twister”, the ground crew,
SYFC, liason officer CPT Ken Chew and “Fraggle” for
all their efforts and professionalism.
03

04 AVIATOR / SYFC NEWSLETTER / MARCH 10
Malacca Trip
10 Dec 09
It was 10 Dec 09, leveling off at 1500ft, heading
North, two yellowish aircraft entered the
Malaysian airspace, manoeuvering to avoid
entering clouds. They are the Piper Warriors from SYFC.
Before this, I had never traveled into Malaysia by
air. It is a very rare experience for us. Earlier, our
Operations Manager asked, tongue in cheek,
“What shall we have for lunch? Let’s fly to Malacca
for lunch!” showed that few would have such a
golden opportunity. When we touched down
smoothly at Malacca Batu Berendam Airport, we’ve
got to do everything by ourselves such as post
flight checks, putting chocks, placing aluminum
contributed by Lu Chang Ji, 167BFC, JJC
foils in the canopies. After the flight, we went
to a Chinese restaurant for our meal. It was very
delicious. It included dishes like curry fish heads
and yam, which I had never tasted before. Also, we
spent around half an hour shopping, purchasing
gifts for those who did not come with us. Finally,
we returned to our planes and readied for our
trip back to Seletar, though many hope to stay
longer. The weather during the flight was bad.
Rain squalls are often observed. However, after
1 hour of flight, we landed nicely back at Seletar.
It was a very memorable trip and definitely,
we learned a lot about cross-country flights!

PeARCe DECEMBER 09
The December 09 trip
to Pearce has been a
series of eye-openers
and bonding opportunities.
It would be deathly boring
to give a blow-by-blow
rundown of our timetable,
so here is a summary of what
we have taken away and the
memories that this trip has
given us.
Over the course of the week, we experienced the
life of a pilot trainee - from attending morning
briefs and end of day debriefs, to sampling the
food at their mess and mingling with the pilot
trainees. Our accommodation was shared with
the trainees from 143 BWC and with the many
opportunities for interaction, we managed to
clear our doubts and gain refreshing insights
from the accommodating and friendly trainees.
The trainer being used over there is the PC - 21.
It has a power rating of 1600HP, which is 10 times
that of the PiperWarrior that we fly. Being capable
of aerobatics such as barrel roll, loop, vertical
roll and more, it is definitely more than capable
of feeding us the adrenaline that we all craved.
Although not everyone had the opportunity for
a joyride, the rest were well compensated by the
simulator experience where we did aerobatics
and landings on the Pilatus trainer.
Through this trip, we witnessed the military
regimentation and responsibilities that a pilot
trainee had to undertake. Although jarring at
first, we soon warmed up to it and came to
terms that life there was not so bad after all and
definitely worth it as you come out a better and
more mature person. We too realized that in
order to survive the demanding and arduous
training of a military pilot, the onus was upon us
MARCH 10 / SYFC NEWSLETTER / AVIATOR
contributed by Jacintha Cheng, SAJC, 161BFC & Jacqueline Yeo, SAJC, 159BFC.
to embrace a positive attitude.
After all, it’s not how good you
are, but rather, how bad you want it. One thing for
certain is that, the heavy demands and onerous
duties come cheek by jowl with strong friendship
and camaraderie among the trainees. The obvious
camaraderie and patriotism the trainees shared was
certainly heartwarming and definitely made the air
force life more vibrant and enriching.
Aside from the technical portion of the trip, we
thoroughly enjoyed the shopping at warehouse
prices, although admittedly the girls enjoyed more
than the guys. CPT Ken Chew was the instructor
who came along with us and he, being an instructor
at Pearce previously, knew Perth like the back of
his palm. Thus, we have him to thank for all the
scrumptious dinners from Chinese to Vietnamese
cuisine and also the picturesque scenic places that
we were brought too. All the photo opportunities
added up to a total of over a 1000 pictures taken
on that trip alone!
In summation, the trip was indeed a privilege for
us. It succeeded in providing an avenue for us to
understand the expectations of a pilot trainee while
maintaining a fair balance of recreational activities.
Flying for the Air force can be rather challenging
and rigorous but it is certainly rewarding and
worth all the hard work. Undoubtedly, this trip has
reinforced and reaffirmed our decisions to join the
Air Force, as a pilot is truly, above all.
05

06 AVIATOR / SYFC NEWSLETTER / MARCH 10
Welcome
New Pilot Trainees!
NeW BFC
172BFC
NeW PPL ACCeLeRATed COuRSeS
PAC01
173BFC
PAC02

MARCH 10 / SYFC NEWSLETTER / AVIATOR
NeW Soloists & PPL graduands
SOLOISTS
Name School Course
Lu Chang Ji JJC 167BFC
Wong Wen Yu Nigel SAJC 167BFC
Tan Ming Wei Jeremy ACS(I) 167BFC
Koh You Jia NP 168BFC
Zhang Yuwei Rayson NJC 167BFC
Koh Wei Liang Janzen PJC 167BFC
See Yu Lin Johnathan SAJC 168BFC
Wang Andai HCI 168BFC
Wong Jun Long Glenn RJC 169BFC
Tan Tian Hao Terance NP 169BFC
Low Jian Xiong Leonard RJC 169BFC
Phan Jun Wen Hector SP 169BFC
Tay Wei Bin Kenneth TP 170BFC
Leow Ewing Keith YJC 169BFC
Lim Weiquan Gabriel SP 169BFC
Lee Jun Kang TP 170BFC
Tan Jun Guan NP 170BFC
Salimah Binte Alias Hassan VJC 168BFC
Lee Jia Wei Shawn SP 169BFC
Ho Jit Kiat Eugene SP 168BFC
Han Qiguang Eric NP 170BFC
Quak Jun Lin Justin NJC 167BFC
Lim Li Ting Daphne NYJC 169BFC
Ang Zi Yuan NP 170BFC
Yee Chern Hwee RGS 170BFC
PPL gRAduANdS
Name School Course
Ong Tiong Hou Damien CJC 161BFC
Qiao Xing Yu RP 163BFC
Sherhan Ferouz Bin Zainudin SP 158BFC
Nyang Bing Ru TP 162BFC
Chan Ke Shuang Elizabeth RJC 160BFC
Mok Teck Kian NP 163BFC
Chia Di Qing Steven SP 163BFC
Tan Wei Yang SP 163BFC
Sitting there in the plane by myself,
waiting for clearance to takeoff, I had
this new found sense of confidence.
As I got airborne, everything around
me seemed so quiet and peaceful, the
experience of controlling an aircraft by yourself is
second to none. As I touched down, first solo was
over, and I have embarked on a new beginning.
Koh WL Janzen, 167BFC
Being in SYFC has been the greatest
experience of my life. My dream is to be
a fighter pilot and this is just the first step
of my career and passion for flying. Flying
my first solo was an opportunity of a
lifetime not everyone can experience. I really enjoyed
the freedom of being in total control of my aircraft.
My Instructors had guided me all the way to my first
solo. I have learned many skills from them. However
there is still much to learn. I love flying and I want to be
a pilot. I am looking forward to the PPL course.
Gabriel Lim WQ, 169BFC
In my opinion, the thoughts I have for the
PPL course are beyond words. You have
to experience it to believe it. It’s not just
abouttheflying,it’saboutthepreparation
and the friends you make. In the simplest
of words, I can only say“wow”.
Nyang Bing Ru, 162BFC
I am very thankful for the opportunities
SYFC has given me and the effort they
have put in for me to finally achieve my
wings. I have learnt a lot more than flying
during my time in SYFC. I would like to
thank all the instructors who have helped
me throughout this journey, especially Mr Micky Liew,
who has been very patient with me. Sherhan, 158BFC
07

08 AeROMOdeLLINg / SYFC NEWSLETTER / MARCH 10
SYFC Langkawi
Land expedition
2009
3 to 6 Dec 09
A
group of 22 SYFC CCA Students from various
school YFCs and 2 trainers went on a 4-day
land trekking exercise in Langkawi, Kedah
from 3 to 6 Dec 09. Besides displaying resilience,
navigation planning and teamwork in moving
through meandering tracks on the island, the
students also had an opportunity to
observe the Langkawi Airshow aerial
displays daily from the various camp sites.
Mawardy Bin Ahmad from Northview
Secondary School commented “it was a
memorable experience where observing
the various aircraft flying low level, we also
had an excellent opportunity to improve
on our leadership and organizational
qualities, bonding with students from the
other schools”. From Choo Chin Ming from
Hua Yi Secondary School “the trip was very
enlightening as I improved my aviation knowledge not only
on aircraft but also on the airfield environment. I loved the
fresh air, sound of aircraft landing and taking off and being
waken up by the sound of water buffaloes in the mornings!
I will go back and pass my experience to my juniors and am
looking forward to sign up for the SYFC flying course”.
contributed by CCA Department

MARCH 10 / SYFC NEWSLETTER / AeROMOdeLLINg
9 th Singapore Youth
Flying Club Inter-Schools
Aeromodelling
Competitions 2009
31 Oct to 7 Nov 09
The 9 th SYFC Inter-Schools Aeromodelling Competitions was held from
31 Oct to 7 Nov 09 in SYFC Flying Complex. Two new events were included in
these competitions for the first time, namely In-Door Radio Control Electric
Helicopter Pylon Racing and In-door Radio Control Electric Fixed Wing Pylon
Racing events.
A total of 400 students participated in the competitions. All the events were run with
the CCA students holding appointments as timekeepers, scorers and safety marshals
with minimum supervision from the adult aeromodellers. They displayed enthusiasm
and carried out their tasks very well.
The closing ceremony was held on the morning of Saturday, 7 Nov 09 with
Mr Chung Wen Chee, Member of the SYFC Management Committee and Deputy Principal
of Hwa Chong Institution as the Guest-of-Honour.
Mr Chung graciously gave away the competition prizes to the winners.
The ceremony ended with a reception in SYFC building.
The SYFC Inter-Schools Aeromodelling Challenge Trophy for 2009 was
won by Hai Sing Catholic School, with NUS (High) and Woodgrove
Secondary Schools coming in 1 st and 2 nd runners-up respectively.
contributed by CCA Department
09

10 AeROMOdeLLINg / SYFC NEWSLETTER / MARCH 10
SYFC Aviators’Programme
SYFC conducted 2 Aviators’ Programmes during the November
School holidays for National Junior College and NCC students.
Ryan Yue from ACS (I) commented that “the course gave me a very
good foundation on how aeroplanes fly and the flying in the Piper
Warrior was very memorable. Having just completed my ‘O’ levels,
I will be signing up for the basic flying course shortly.”
“It allowed us to experience hands-on flying both during the flying
in the Piper Warrior and also in the simulators. I am eagerly waiting
for my chance to apply for the flying course,” said Nicholas Fung
from SJI.
NCC Camp Pinnacle
2 Dec 09
Three hundred NCC cadets from Camp
Pinnacle visited SYFC on 2 Dec 09. They were
given a brief on the operations of SYFC and
the opportunity for them to obtain a Pilot’s Licence.
The group toured the clubhouse and had a chance
to see the aircraft close-up together with a group
of SYFC Flying Alumni.

MARCH 10 / SYFC NEWSLETTER / recruitment•Publicity•others
WELCOME Bg Ng and COL CHee!
NEW MEMBERS OF THE SYFC BOARD OF GOVERNORS
BG Ng Chee Meng, Chief
Air Force, RSAF took over
from MG Ng Chee Khern
as Deputy Chairman of the
SYFC Board of Governors on
10 Dec 2009.
BG Ng Chee Meng, joined the Singapore Armed
Forces (SAF) in December 1986. He holds a
Bachelor of Science (Electrical Engineering) from
the US Air Force Academy, USA, and a Master of
Arts (International Relations) from the Fletcher
School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University,
USA. His previous appointments in the SAF include
Deputy Chief of Air Force, Commanding Officer
of the RSAF's 144 th Squadron; Head of Air Plans
Department; Commander of Changi Air Base and
Director of Joint Operations.
RSAF Career Talk
5 Dec 09
CPT Ben Lee, the Staff Officer for Pilot
Recruitment from the Air Force Recruitment
Centre presented a career guidance talk to
graduating BFC students on 5 Dec 09. Two fighter
pilots joined him to share their experience with
the audience.
COL Chee Wai Mun, Head
Air Manpower, RSAF was
appointed to the SYFC
Board of Governors on 1 Oct 09
and sits in the SYFC Management
Committee as an Observer.
COL Chee joined the RSAF
in 1987 as an ADA Officer.
In 1988, he was awarded the SAF Local Training
Award to pursue a degree in Engineering in NTU.
He obtained a SAF Postgraduate Scholarship
(Gen Devmt) in 2006 and a Master in Public
Administration, NUS in 2007.
11

12 recruitment•Publicity•others / SYFC NEWSLETTER / MARCH 10
Parents’ day
Parents’ Day is organised to provide the opportunity for parents
to better understand the workings of the Club. All of them had
a chance to speak to the General Manager of SYFC during the
dialogue sessions to clear their doubts on flight training. They also
flew joyrides and toured the Club’s facilities to see its up-to-date
training systems.
Competitors from the
Singapore Amazing Flying
Machine visited SYFC
24 Nov 09
Competitors from the Singapore Amazing Flying Machines were
shown the modern training facilities of the SYFC when they
paid a visit on 24 Nov 09.

What are the names of the aircraft shown in the above pictures?
a. b.
c. d.
Name & NRIC No:
SYFC Membership No:
School:
Class: Age:
Address:
MARCH 10 / SYFC nEWSLETTER / recruitment•Publicity•others
SPOT the PLANES CONTEST Prizes: 10 book vouchers worth $20 each.
A
Tel:
Precision. sPeed. AudAcity.
B
C
Please submit this photocopy of this completed form to the CCA
Manager, SYFC, 515 West Camp Road, Singapore 797695 to
reach us by 31 May 2010. Each person is only entitled to one entry
and students in Primary/Secondary Schools may participate.
The decision for winners by SYFC is final. Results will be published in the
next newsletter.
SPOT the Planes Contest Winners October 2009
1 Edwin Shaji
Hillgrove Sec Sch
2 Ng Jia Jun
Hillgrove Sec Sch
3 Ang Kai
Woodgrove Sec Sch
4 Leon Loh
Hai Sing Catholic School
Aerobatics is one of the most demanding
disciplines, offering some of the
most fascinating performances. The
embodiment of technology, mastery
and style.
To enable a wider public to experience its passion
for aerobatics, Breitling has created the Breitling
Jet Team, the world’s first professional civilian
flight team performing on jets. With its fast and powerful aircraft, piloted
by top-notch professionals, this flight team unique in its kind is the perfect
illustration of the values dear to Breitling: performance, precision, aesthetic
sophistication and innovation.
Each appearance of the Breitling Jet Team is a breathtaking vision.
A meticulously coordinated ballet in which the planes sometimes fly within
less than 3 metres of each other, at speeds of over 650 km/h. A succession of
figures that are perfectly calculated, mastered, synchronised and fine-tuned
down to the slightest details. Like a Breitling chronometer movement.
www.breitling-jet-team.com
5 Nikhil Kurthik Ryan
NUS High Sch
6 See Yin Yu
Hillgrove Sec Sch
7 Juan Loh
Hillgrove Sec Sch
For more information please visit SYFC website at www.syfc.sg now!
D
13