The Flying Dream Achieved

Exactly 4 years since I joined the airlines, I have finally achieved what I aimed for; to work in an office with the best view in the world. It was really a long and winding road compounded with the unfortunate economic downturn. At times, it was so uncertain that I felt like being trapped in an eternal tunnel of darkness. I came back from my jet training 22 months ago right at the start of the downturn. Had to stay on the ground for a year before I finally start commercial flying as Second Officer. During that year, I had worries everyday not to be retrenched as the situation gets worse. I'm glad the company held out the storm and kept me in the job.

Learning to fly was tough, but learning to fly commercial planes with few hundreds of passengers was even tougher. My Second Officer days were by no means as easy as auto-pilot. Basically a Second Officer is a pilot flying under probation. We were scrutinized down to every last bit of details in terms of knowledge, operation skills and flying finesse. After all, flying with so many lives is a huge responsibility and safety is the top priority. Therefore, the authorities and company made sure only the competent ones are granted the license; not just any button operators. Along the way, some frown and some tried to humiliate newcomers like us. Those are really not so nice people. But I must say I also met many great people and crew members that made my stay-over so enjoyable. I really enjoy traveling to new places with great people as there is never short of joy and laughter.

All my stressful and sleepless nights are now behind me. The last peak was sure a hell of a tough climb. The highest and most treacherous in my entire life. But with a little push from the instructors, my coursemates and my loved ones, I managed to conquer it and checked out as First Officer. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to all those who were behind me through the thick and thin. Happy 4th anniversary to Course 121; a bunch of nobody that went through all odds together to become somebody that everyone envies now. To all my friends, happy flying. Hope to see you someday in the air.









Related links:
Life of a Cadet Pilot, Ultimate Jet Flying
Life of a Cadet Pilot, The Jandakot Story
Life of a Cadet Pilot, Part 1

Flight Simulator

Forget about the Flight Simulator that we used to play on our PC. The 6-legged hydraulic operated simulators in STC are the best. They offer flying simulation experience as close as flying the real plane. They can even simulate acceleration/deceleration g-forces. The cockpit is exactly the same as in a real plane with all buttons/controls functioning.

I was very lucky to be able to experience the A340 and B777 simulators. Waking up at 2am in the morning was a challenge; especially after ATPL exams where everyone was in a holiday mood. But after reaching STC and inside the simulator room, I was so excited and fully awake. It was a great feeling to be sitting in the cockpit and be the pilot in-command. After a brief intro, I was off flying, doing circuits in Changi Airport. The best part in the simulation was the HK Kai Tak Airport approach and landing. Even though the airport is no longer in use, we can simulate it in the simulator to the closest details. The approach was the most challenging of all. Now I know why they need the best pilots in the world to land in that airport. Everything has to be done visually and to the pilot's best judgement. Rolling out from a curved approach, the plane will be 50ft above the runway; so no mistake can be made. Roll out too late or too soon, you'll be landing on the grass/taxiway. Descend too much, you'll be crash landing on the clearway. Descend too little, you'll be going all the way to the end of the runway and crash into the sea.

Apart from the routine take-offs and landings, I also managed to simulate emergencies like the total engine and hydraulic failure. That was one scary sh*t because engine failures left the whole cockpit in the dark with only one screen left operating. From there, I had to go through the checklists trying to relight the engines with the plane descending rapidly. Hydraulic failure left the plane in full pitch up until stalling. The only way to control the plane is to use the rudder and trim tab for the rest of the flight. Other emergencies done were the engine failure after take off, head-on approaching plane and closing terrain.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Cpt McCully and buddy FO Nicholas for making this simulator visit possible. I would also like to thank FO Lorimer for the A340 flying guidance. Not forgetting my buddy pilot Tjun Huong in the second seat during the flying.