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.