The day I finally finished my single engine phase. It was a good run. All the experiences gathered is one I would treasure for the rest of my life. It was not all easy, but it was worth the sweat.
My single engine journey began with high enthusiasm. I was very much looking forward into it. And the day I got my first flight in my first aircraft with my first instructor guiding me to my first take off was one I would remember for many years down the road. It was the first 'strand' of feather given to me to shape my 'wings'.
9M-NRE, Diamond DA 40, Capt. Chiam.
Along the way, here began my life's journey in flying ...
My first solo. Released by Capt. Mior. Couldn't thank him more for that.
My first take off.
My first dispersal back to the Apron ( an aircraft's parking area is called an Apron, not the ones you use in the kitchen.) :)
And that first solo kiss..
My first cross country solo flight
Life jacket to be worn as we're flying above the South China Sea.
Pulau Perhentian.
Kuala Terengganu Airport.
My PPL Test
Passed by Capt. Zeenu.
The start of a CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) stage
This is the stage where changes had to be undergone. I changed my aircraft, changed my mentality on flying, my 'fashion sense', as I began flying with a headband and a pair of gloves (No, it's not a fashion choice. It's to prevent sweat from entering my eyes while flying and during engine start. Trust me, juniors.. You might want get one for yourself too as it gets REALLY hot in the afternoon. Once the sweat enters your eyes, you're gonna be in trouble. And that pair of gloves? Well, sweaty palms and hygiene.)
At this stage, I was flying more fearless, higher, and further. I dared to go one step further and explore new things in flying.
First off, a new aircraft, Piper Warrior 3. Bulky it looks, but very stable it is. *photo credits to Nik Hazman of Batch 50A
New Cockpit. Back to basics.
Further routes.
Flying higher at 8000 feet.
Dare to fly with low visibility.
No force landing areas. Kenyir Lake would've been our only hope.
Mutual flying with friends for company and learning new things together.
Night Flying
The experience of night flying was one of the best. Winds were calm. Taking off towards the pitch black sky. And if the sky was clear, we'd be flying together with the moon and stars.
One of our landmarks at night.
And a little album to summarize night flying. Totally different experience.
Completion of single engine.
Final flight on 20.8.2013
Shutting down call sign APAC 4757.
My final single engine.
Take care of your aircraft, and your aircraft will take care of you.
Thanks for the experience. It's been a pleasure flying here in Kota Bharu.
Next up , is a new challenge. I am to enter Simulator flying. A flight simulator is a device that artificially re-creates aircraft flight and the environment in which it flies, for pilot training, design, or other purposes. Its gonna be whole new level of flying experience to gather. Can't wait to start soon!
More updates once I start flying the Sim.
Have a good day everyone!
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” -Leonardo Da Vinci
