One week to POP. Everything in BMT is now done. All that remains is to complete parade rehearsals.

On monday I successfully completed my 16km route march without anyone's help or extra rest. All thanks to God's help. Without which I'm sure I would not be able to complete it. Weather was pretty cooling, my knees didn't hurt much and I didn't get dehydrated. Was very happy when I finished the march. Looked forward to the RSAF officer talk that was to be held on the evening of tuesday. This was then rescheduled to Wednesday morning. No problems there. Looked forward to the book out that day evening which is the first time we are booking out on a weekday as well.

However, my mood would change greatly. At the talk I was informed that I had failed my pilot medical and I would not have any chance at a reapplication. On the spot, I accepted the AWO(C3) contract as an alternative. I was quite devastated when I heard that I had failed the medical and I would not have any other chance to be a RSAF pilot.

My second blow came just before book out when the award winners were announced. No Company Best, No platoon best, not even the top 5 in the platoon. That wasn't a very great blow as I was prepared for it. But it was still disappointing.

After I got back home, I begin to ponder over my decision to accept the AWO(C3) contract. I wondered if I would like working as a C3 controller. Honestly speaking, ever since I went to the SATCC open house, my interest in ATC as slightly aroused. Furthermore, if I successfully complete the course, I would be an officer. Talked a bit to a close friend who is holding the vocation. Finally I decided that I would not withdraw from the contract. However, the third blow was about to be dealt.

Just before I had my dinner, my handphone rang. On the other end was a CPT from the Air Force Recruitment Centre. He informed me that I was not eligible for the AWO(C3) vocation. Instead I was offered the chance to sign the AFE(M) contract which I would start out at the rank of ME1 which is equivlent to the rank of a 3rd Sargent. Talking to a friend who is a ME4 AFE, I was advised not to sign the ME1 contract. However, I still have some personal issues to take into account.

Now theses events set me thinking. Was is my BMT ranking not high enough therefore I am not eligible for officer vocations? Or is there some other issues I am not aware of? I badly want to be an officer. But contrary to what most think, I do not do "wayang", I hate it. Now I am wondering if I do not sign the ME1 contract, where would I end up. If I sign the contract, it disqualifies me from entering OCS. However, if I do not sign, I still may not end up as an Officer. What should I do now? I am really lost. Should I not sign and eventually not make it into OCS, that would be my fourth and really a huge blow to me. So what should I do now? I really hope I can see a clear answer. Help me GOD...

Another example how good God is. I was actually unable to book out for my family gathering as I was assigned a guard duty. But some circumstances caused a reshuffle and my duty was changed to 13 Jan.

Exactly 2 weeks to the day I would toss my Jocky cap and say good bye to BMTC (er... not just yet). Quite looking forward to the day. Cause that means I would be moving on to the next place I where I would continue my military service. I would also get to know if my application to the Air Force is successful.

So I was hoping for a guard duty to top my BMT off and I got it. 13 Jan. That is during my block leave but I ain't complaining. One week is too short to go anywhere anyway..

First time in BMT I got to book out on friday morning. Felt a bit awkward to be home so early on a friday. This coming week is going to be even more awkward. Book in on sunday evening, book out on wed night. After that book in, it would be POP on the following saturday!

Side track, my desktop just decided that its gonna quit. A 5year old comp. My computer age its a bonus already right? Now I have to decide if I'm going to build a new one. If I get into the Air Force I think I would just go on my laptop for the time being since I would be spending some time overseas. If not then I think I would just go ahead and start building my new comp.

16 Dec. I think thats the 2nd time I spent my birthday away from home. It was pretty alright. Had quite sometime time sitting in the bunk doing nothing. Not cause its was my birthday but it was cause some activities were cancelled and some activities does not involve everyone in the company. The "Best" part was the last hour of my birthday. Was already in dreamland when we got turned out. What happened was some guys decided to defy lights out timing and continued to shower, eat and talk on their phone.

IPPT. Managed a silver for the final test. Everything was going well for a gold with 5 points for all stations except for SBJ which I got 4, till I went for the 2.4km run. Was doing a very good pace(people in my detail complained I was too fast for them to keep up) until 400m into the run when I was hit with a severe stitch. Being the crazy guy I am, I pressed on. Slowed down my pace a bit to try and relieve the pain. However it did not work so I started interval sprinting where I would sprint till the pain gets unbearable and I would slow down for a while. Continued that way for the rest of the run. Ended up with a timing of 11mins and 4 secs.

On wednesday, we were given the option of retaking the IPPT to improve our score. I decided to rest myself as my old injuries are resurfacing and there are still the 16 and 24km route marches to complete. However, all non-retakers were instructed to go for a run with our OC. We ran around 6+km the last 2 were up and down a hill near our camp. That run made me regret not retaking my IPPT as the pace we ran, I guess would have gotten me a gold timing for the run.

Well, so all is over, POP is drawing near. I pray that I would be able to endure through the 16 and 24km route marches. My knees and my proneness to getting mild heat exhaustions in FBO would likely stand in the way. However, I am determined not to let them get in the way. Just for your information, I do not give up just because I want to, I only give up when my body is really unable to take anymore. That is how I got my old injuries in the first place..

So 5 weeks ago I enlisted into the service of the nation. Now, my company has finished all high key events in BMT. What we are left with is IPPT, 16km and 24km route marches and the various little stuff.

Looking back, I felt that I am under performing. One, my physical isn't as strong as what it used to be. I feel tired easily even when my mind is telling me to push on. And its getting worse. For the first 2 weeks I could be giving my normal 100% but slowly that number is dropping. Nonetheless, I am still trying to fight hard, give of my best even if its not my usual 100%. My aim is to give my 100% all the time. Even if it is not my usual 100% when I am not fatigued etc.

Somehow I am also disliking the level of discipline my company mates are showing. Talking to some of my friends, I realise that we share the same sentiments. It seems that after field camp, everyone is starting to slack off in terms of discipline. Not marching properly, moving around when they are not supposed to. Basically, discipline looks to be dropping back to square one.

Thats all for now, time to leave to book in.

Exactly one day before I enter the service of the country. Lets take stock of what happened in the past week. Nothing really notable except for Wednesday. The day I did my first international flight. By "did" I meant I flew it myself. Flew from Seletar to Malacca.

Made it to the airport at about 0800hrs. Intended to preflight the aircraft before the club manager and my passenger arrived. Walking out to the aircraft, I realised that I had left the aircraft keys on the desk. No choice, left my flight bag at the aircraft and walked back for the key.

Clearing immigration was not much of a problem. Was cleared to 1500feet although I filed for 2000ft for the flight up. Flight was quite uneventful, but I still prefer flying navigational flights in Aussie.

Arriving in Malacca, cleared immigration and customs. Hung around the terminal for some refreshments. Then went to the tower to file the flight plan for the return flight. You can actually get to go to the tower cab! Took some photos and chatted with the trainee controller who just transfered from another facility.

On the way back, the winds were somewhat blowing from about 4 to 5 o'clock relative to the plane. Thus the aircraft kept trying to bank over to the left. Had a few reciprocal traffic on this leg. Approaching Singapore, I had a reciprocal traffic at the same level, therefore I was instructed to descend.

Approaching Seletar, I was instructed to climb to rejoin the Circuit at Seletar. Upon confirmation that I had the runway visual, I was cleared to join the base leg of the circuit. At that time I had just reached the altitude that I was instructed to climb to! It was a rush to descend and do the necessary check to prepare for landing.

By the time we cleared immigration and customs in Singapore and taxied back to our parking bay to secure the aircraft, I was covered in sweat. A very warm afternoon but viz was very good.

Alright so enlistment is tomorrow. A day I look forward very much to. Time to make my final preparations.

A380 Engine uncontained failure

1146Hrs 04/11/10
Qantas A388, VH-OQA made an emergency landing at Changi Airport Singapore following an uncontained engine failure.

Saw pictures of the damage online. Apparently the leading edge of the port wing was damaged by debris and the thrust reverser cowling was blown off. I would be very interested to find out the cause of the uncontained failure. However, I guess I would have enlisted by then.

YOU give and YOU taketh away..

Blessed Be Your Name
By: Matt Redman

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name


Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Somehow,the above song and verse have been on my heart for the past week. What we have, none belongs to us. We brought nothing into this world, and we will not bring anything with us when we leave this world. Not money, not cars, not houses, none of our earthly possessions. What God gives us, He can choose to take away at any time. He knows best.

Food for thought, how many of us can still say "Blessed be Your name, LORD" when we are suffering? Will we still be able to praise Him in the storm?

Thats all for now. Shall continue reading tomorrow to see what other things I'm supposed to learn from Job!

10 Days to enlistment!

NIGHT PATROL!!!

Hahahas... i think I can't get enough of night patrol! Nice ambiance. Especially the clubs. Soft subtle music, dim lighting. Oh well, official last day. Only 2 shifts for the coming 2 weeks and totally none for first week of November. The next 2 shifts I am given the right to reject them should I deem necessary.

I guess I would miss sentosa. The passion for the outdoors and lifesaving won't diminish with entry into NS and possibly a military career! Still, my passion for flying is the greatest.

Take care guys!

PPDCL Practical Handling Test Reflection

Ok, so I took my Powered Pleasure Craft Driving License on saturday and passed it. I have now completed my collection of License. Air Land and sea. So here is what happened during the test.

Arrived at the testing site at about 1100hrs. In-processing started at about 1115hrs. Candidates were called one by one to fill in personal details on the results slip and to produce the revelent documents.

After everyone has filled in their personal details and showed their documents, we were broken into 3 boats. 2 boats had 4 candidates while one had 3. The 2 boats that had 4 candidates were further broken into 2 waves. First 2 will set off while the other 2 will wait on shore for their turn.

I was first to go during my wave. Overall pre sail check followed by 11 essential items and boat licence check. Posted lookout and then pushed off. Sea state was pretty calm inside the docks but quite rough after you get pass the RSYC pontoons. Current was flowing towards a north western direction. To find out the current direction, observe where the bow of the sampans, anchored off Poly Marina is pointed. That direction is the direction whereby the current is flowing from.

First up was the man overboard recovery test. After pushing off, headed for an open area off RSYC. Tester got the lookout to throw one of the lifebouys overboard. However, my lookout failed to shout out "man overboard". But as I maintained 360degree situational awareness(pays to take note by feeling or hearing where your lookout is), I knew which side the bouy went. First try was uncessful as the lifebouy drifted away from the boat just as I went alongside it. Second try was successful.

After the man overboard recovery, I was instructed to head inside the docking area belonging to RSYC. Take note, RSYC has "signs" requesting boatmen to travel at no wake speed within the docks. I was told to dock at bay "Juilet" 11 (It helps to memorize the international phonetic call signs as the testers, being mariners, might use it). Docking went smoothly despite the currents pushing my boat towards J12. The Bay numbers are painted on white boxes placed on the docks.

After securing the boat, command was handed over to the other candidate who will then proceeded with his test.

Following both candidates completion of the practical aspects of the handling test, the tester will take over the boat and drive it back to the poly marina. All will then proceed to wait outside the Test Center to be called for the oral test.

For the oral test, I was asked to identify bouys, right of way vessel and actions to be taken in reduced visibility conditions. For the right of way questions, 2 rubber boat models will be used. You will be asked which vessel has the right of way and what navigation lights you will see on the other vessel.

Overall I was awarded 10 demerit points. The points were awarded for failure to ensure well being of passengers prior to setting off, failure to check for engine cooling water stream and requiring second attempt to pick up "man overboard". No points were awarded for the oral test.

That concludes the reflection on my PPCDL Practical Handling Test. Hope it helps you!

Seems like ages ago when I last posted.

Did my first night patrol duty at work today. Somehow I got emo during the bus ride home. Next wednesday marks the official last rostered shift of my stay in Sentosa Beach Patrol. The shortest chapter of my life is coming to an end. I am excited and happy to move on. However, thinking back at the days I spent at this workplace, the friends I've made, the "crap" we went through together, I think I would miss it.

I do not regret working as a lifeguard for this pass few years. I would say, working as a lifeguard has taught me many things. Somethings I might never have learnt otherwise.

Although the chapters of my life as a lifeguard and as a Beach Patrol Officer draws to a close, I believe it would not be an end to my passion in saving lives. I would still help those in need whenever possible. Hopefully, there would come a chance for me to reopen the chapter of my life as a lifeguard. Maybe as a volunteer or as a "freelance" part-time depending on my future career.

Today patrolling the beach at night, I stumbled upon a proposal in the making. A group of friends was preparing an area for their friend to propose to his girlfriend. I hope the proposal was successful and that they will have many happy years to come.

Yesterday, bumped into my ex-colleague with his girlfriend. Unfortunately, his bag was stolen. Helped him wherever I could.

Now, the other matter I was kind of emo about. Think you might have guessed it by now. Yeah, the lack of a girlfriend. Well I know having a girlfriend shouldn't be my priority now (my mother don't even think I should be bothering about such stuff now). Sometimes people tease me by saying :"You are both a lifeguard and a pilot and you don't have a girlfriend??!! Disgrace!". While I don't really agree with their opinion, I sometimes do long for a girlfriend. Someone who I can share everything with, someone whom I know would be there for me when the going gets tough. Someone whom I can hug when I need one.

Looking at loving couples I often feel a tinge of jealousy. Ok thats wrong, I shouldn't be jealous. Well, still the story of our MM Lee and his Wife is the best. Like what one close friend said :"They are the role models for all couples to follow". I sincerely hope that MM Lee and his family are coping well with their loss.

Back to the topic, I know that there is someone meant for me. Just that probably the time isn't right or that the right one hasn't come along. I will continue to wait. Of cause I have to.

So much more to talk about. But I'll save them for another time. Now its time to go for bed!

Right, so here I am. Have not been posting for a very long time. Came back from my post-grad “solo” trip almost two weeks ago. Anyway, since after graduation, I have moved from working at a swimming pool to working at the beach. Currently still waiting for 9 Nov to come. That’s when the new chapter of my life is going to start. The time where I cease to be a civilian and the day I don green uniforms. Looking forward to that day though. I know most guys aren’t looking forward to it.

My conversion flight test was initially scheduled to be held on 06 270830. Some of you might be thinking what the heck does the 8 digits mean. Well its aviation language for June 27, 0830hrs. I suppose due to the wet weather we are having now in Singapore, the engineers weren’t able to work on the A/C. Therefore, the all important signature on the maintenance release has not been printed.

In simple terms, the plane is still in the hanger waiting for its scheduled 50-hourly maintenance to be done. Which means, I won’t be able to take my test on the scheduled date now. No worries, still got till 13 July before my application expires. The problem now is, I might not be able to get any In-Flight practice before I go for the test. Well, we shall see how it goes. At least I get more time to do my mental preparation.

Just a random post..

Glass Cockpits & GPS Vs Traditional Paper Maps & Visual Navigation
I was just thinking about this. With the advent of glass cockpits would it signal the end of traditional paper charts and visual navigation?

Traditionally we have relied on paper maps for our navigation flights. Plotting routes and calculating distances manually. During the flight we would periodically refer to landmarks on the ground to ascertain our location and to ensure that we are on track. (I cheat here too by using nav-aids along the route. But just to be extra sure where I am)

One day while plotting my route, my brother went: "Can't you just get a GPS and enter your route information? That would be much faster". I was flying a non-GPS equipped aircraft that day. I have also since gotten possession of a portable aviation GPS.

During my PPL training, I once drifted into a restricted area. My instructor took out his handheld GPS and showed me where I was exactly and commented :"A GPS can really keep us out of trouble doesn't it?" It certainly did that day. Anyway, no excuses for not knowing I was off course that day. It was on one of my first navigation flights though.

With glass cockpits and GPS devices, we can just enter our flight plan and the computer would do all the work for us. While en-route, the GPS would tell us our exact location at all times. But would it be safe relying totally on the GPS devices? What would happen if we do not have those aids?

In my opinion, with GPS devices, we would have the tendency to rely on it totally as its sort of a "easy way out". But I would think that even with a GPS, we should not rely on it totally. Things can go wrong and we may have to fall back on our paper charts and visual navigation.

For me, I guess I would still practice my paper chart reading and navigation skills now and then. GPS is still a very good navigational aid to me. And I guess being a VFR pilot, Visual Navigation is very important as well. In conclusion, I would gladly rely on GPS as a navigational aid but I wouldn't rely on it fully if I can help it. As Murphy's Law goes: "Things can and will go wrong".

Disclaimer: This is just my views as a Low time Private Pilot License holder. You are entitled to your own views.

Ok so finally I get to fly today! And guess what, the plane would be down for some time as there is a long queue for servicing at Hawker Pacific!

Ok so today I just realised something. I can actually see the Singapore Flyer from the circuit. Always too concentrated on the circuit that I do not realise these stuff. But today I looked out cause I was monitoring the weather coming in. I was like Whats that?? Oh! Its the Singapore Flyer!!

Lets see what other landmarks I can see from the circuit. But flying still comes first. Hahahas.... Oh wells, back to the books.

Another one of those 1 logbook entry months. Been crazily busy since term started. Hardly able to take a breather. Projects, mini projects, reports and more... Haven't even got time to start studying! 4weeks to exams. Man... the end is just so near yet so far.. So many things to do, so little time.

Just lost my thumbdrive last week. I'm so pissed with myself... Forgot to remove it while rushing out of the computer room cause a class was coming in for lesssons. When I went back, the thumbdrive is gone. I don't care about the thumb drive, I care about the stuff inside it. My FYP stuff and some confidential documents for my CCA. To think I was very careful about personal data and I have to "release" confidential stuff this way. Good Job man!! No more confidential documents on unencrypted drives from now on!

Finally I might be able to fly after weeks of not being able to fly due to a/c u/s or no instructor. Wonder when should I book my ground conversion papers. Before exams? Just after exams or a week or 2 after exams?? Maybe I can see some preview of the Airshow in the air on sunday. Hahhas... fat hope... WSSL is so far from WSSS....

Time is running out fast man. Next week, 2 days taken out for Airshow. 2 Weeks later another 2 days out for Chinese New Year. Then the week after Chinese New Year is exams already. Time is really short!

One load is off, back to reality today. SPinnovex has ended on saturday with quite a bang. Our project won a silver medal which was totally unexpected. Things didn't look good in the beginning. However, our pace picked up A LOT in the week leading up to SPinnovex. The sacrifices we've all made, the hard work we have put in all paid off finally. I was actually quite overwhelmed during the closing ceremony when our project title was flashed on screen as one of the silver award winners.

I would say one week before the exhibition our final product havn't even really taken shape! Up till the day of the move (exhibitors' would move projects into area on that day) we were still doing quite major touch ups to our project. But finally, it happened. Not without hiccups throughout the duration of the setting up and the exhibition itself. By HIS grace, we managed to pull through, finish the exhibition and won a silver.

Exhibition was quite boring. As we were not in the main area, not many people bothered to come and view our exhibits. 2 major source of morale boosters were lecturers and people from the industry. On friday night it was industry night when they invited people from relevant industries to come view the projects and have a reception. A few of them came early and bothered to come up to our area and view our "deemed as 2nd class" projects. Secondly, quite a few lecturers commented that our project should be in the main area not hidden away.

Oh well, now its back to reality after the one week of a mixture of fun and boredom. Back to the other module projects and studies. Its the final stretch before graduation. Now I think I would miss poly after I graduate. Minus the unhappy parts of cause.. Looking forward to hitting the pool again on tuesday after many weeks of absence from the pool. Till next time folks!

So, the practical phase of FYP is almost over. What is left is the exhibition starting tomorrow till saturday. Somehow, I feel that not everything is going very smoothly.

Do you understand how it feels when you are the group leader for your FYP and you know something won't work out. You gave your group members instructions to do it another way. They don't listen and in the end things turned out as what you expected. When you sacrifice the day that is YOUR day and members still want to complain.

Oh wells, for me I tend to just shut up and cover up. But at times when you are very tired already, you tend to just blow up. You just can't please everyone.

Anyway, my PPL conversion just hit another obstacle. The expiry of my application is today. Apparently its due to the membership application, aircraft regular maintenance (met a not "heavy" check during my conversion period) that contributed to the slow moving process. I just hope that with my re-application, I do not have to re-do the requirements that I've already completed.