Take to the skies!
11 May 2022
Students, do you dream of flying a plane and want to learn for free? Yes you can, with the Singapore Youth Flying Club (SYFC)! From building aeromodel airplanes, to experiencing rides on RSAF aircraft, and learning to manoeuvre a plane by yourself, find out what it takes to earn your wings!
Fun fact 1: The excitement starts at 13…
Learn more about aviation through SYFC’s CCA programme for secondary school students. You will get to build and fly aeromodel airplanes, experience flying PC-based flight simulators and even experience rides on the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) transport aircraft and helicopters. Plenty of hands-on experiences await!
Note: SYFC’s CCA programme is available in 17 secondary schools, while students from other schools can join an Open Unit at SYFC. More details here.
SYFC’s CCA programmes include building launch gliders, flying different types of aeromodel aircraft and flying the PC flight simulators.
…and you could be flying at 16!
A student from SYFC’s Basic Flying Course preparing to start-up the aircraft engine.
Want to learn how to fly an actual aircraft? Join SYFC’s flight training programme for junior college and polytechnic students when you’re at least 16 years old.
This programme comprises the Basic Flying Course where you learn the basics of take-off and landing an aircraft, in the company of an instructor. You’ll also get to make your first solo flight if you show competency in these areas.
Beyond that, outstanding students may advance to the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Course. This involves studying a range of aviation-related subjects that include navigation, meteorology, and aviation law. Pass seven ground examinations, and a Final Handling Test (or Flight Test), and the licence is yours!
Note: Singaporean students are eligible for free flying lessons.
Fun Fact 2: You can virtually be a Black Knight (wink, wink)
The SYFC Virtual Black Knights flying in formation.
Did you know that SYFC boasts of their very own virtual aerobatics team? Meet the SYFC Virtual Black Knights (VBK)!
The VBK consists of students from SYFC’s CCA programme and flying courses. In 2018, a group of students got together to fly in formation virtually for fun using their own computers. In 2020, SYFC officially brought the team together to form the SYFC VBK. They were equipped with state-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) goggles available on campus, allowing them to feel as if they were flying an actual aircraft!
It was a proud moment for them when the VBK had its debut performance at the RSAF Open House in 2021.
(Not so) Fun fact 3: It can be hard work before you earn your wings
Finian (right) with his flight instructor, Mr Raman.
For newly minted pilot Finian Lee, the road to attaining his PPL was long and arduous. He had to juggle both his schoolwork and the PPL Course, which includes hours of studying aviation-related subjects, and practising for his Flight Test.
When he did not pass the ground examinations, he persisted with regular encouragement and advice from his primary flight instructor Mr S. Raman, who knew how much the licence meant to Finian. He eventually passed all the ground examinations and the Final Handling Test.
“Mr Raman, my family and I never gave up on my dream. Fight till the journey ends and never give up!” said Finian.
Fun fact 4: It’s a first step to a career in flying!
Cheri gained extensive flying experience from her time at SYFC, which gave her the confidence to pursue a career with the RSAF.
Once you have obtained your PPL, which is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), you’ll be able to fly a single engine propeller aircraft on your own. That’s no mean feat, and this achievement gives some SYFC graduates a boost of inspiration and confidence to pursue a career as a pilot.
RSAF pilot trainee Cheri Teo is one such graduate who credits her exciting days at SYFC for developing her love for aviation and a desire to join the RSAF. Cheri notes that her prior flying experience made onboarding for her new career less jarring. In particular, the flight training with SYFC – from learning to make safe and sound decisions to demonstrating competency in manoeuvres –prepared her mentally and physically for the rigours of the RSAF’s extensive flight training.
Interested to pick up flying and explore a career in aviation? Find out more about pre-requisites and programmes offered from the Singapore Youth Flying Club website at https://www.syfc.sg/.