Soaring with Sons at Singapore Youth Flying Club (SYFC)

8th June 2013

Did you know that your children can get their pilot's licence 1 year before they can learn to drive? In addition to that, learning to fly or joining the SYFC is a recognised CCA by MOE! And the best is that they can learn to fly for FREE!With that thrilling thought in mind, 49 parents and boys, along with their families, signed up to find out more. The day started with a interesting and engaging talk by Col Andy Tan, GM of SYFC, who explained in detail about the CCA programme. Students as young as 13 can join the SYFC, starting with building model aeroplanes; and learning to fly when they hit 16. They inadvertently develop leadership qualities and a great sense of independence when they have to be responsible for the aircraft and adhere to the stringent procedures. Unfortunately this offer is not available to the interested dads.

After the talk, we toured the facilities - saw how they build, test and fly model aeroplanes; understand how students progressed from Basic Flying Course to getting their Private Pilot License (PPL); and got up close with the Skylark. Despite the hot day, many boys and their parents climbed into the cockpit to get a feel of what it's like to be a pilot behind the complicated looking cockpit.

Everyone had a chance to fly the flight simulators and compete in the Red Bull circuit. Many crashed or flew into trees as they tried to get used to the sensitive joystick. It was a lot of fun and I guessed many dads realised why computer games can be addictive.

We are grateful to the SYFC team for organising this interesting day for us, and to their students and alumnus for taking care of us and being great guides. Many thanks to Jason for co-ordinating the event, Philip for the modelling segment, Mr Yap for the flight simulation competition, and Col Tan for his talk.

This event was brought to you by Family@Barker.

Please click through to Picasa to download your photos.

Winners of the Red Bull Flight competition:

1st – Clemen Liu Kai Zhong, 4S4 (2 mins)

2nd – Benny Goh, 4A1

3rd – Colin Yeo

4th – Chan Fan Shun, 4H3

5th – Justin Foo, 4H3