Sunday, May 27, 2007
Sunday 27/05:
Sundays pass so fast that the next thing we all know is that back to work tomorrow.
Siva dreads the lecturing of the instructors, Benjamin dreads not seeing able to see Ivy till the weekend, Joel dreads not being able to talk that much to his wife, Zi Hao dreads not able to play WoW the whole day.
What do I dread?
I dread not able to eat anything I want at any time of the day without constraints and someone watching over me.
Life here is really getting really boring. Other than the growing amount of flying we are having, the weekends aren't sufficient to bring our minds away from work. Even when we're in Perth City, the guys just keep talking about flying.
I mean Give me a Break can?
The night was a cold one, with heavy rain and overcast skies. Decided to steam some nice hot fish for myself and some of the guys. Getting pretty good in it I must say.
Day by day... 1 day at a time... How long more till the light from the tunnel appear?Saturday 26/05:
Supposed to have lunch with Boss at Golden Century, but he couldn't make it. Don't know why but it became a course lunch. Kinda like a celebration to last night's 1st Solo Function.
Went to the arcade with the guys, watched Joel play the coin slot machine, the one where you put coins in strategically so the machine pushes out more coins for you to play? Get it? Haha it was pretty interesting, especially having played the same machine back in Safra Resort.
Met up with Ken Fong. One of our ex pilot trainee, who was extricated due to medical reasons. Apparently now he's training to be a commercial pilot, based at a airfield south of us. Glad to see he's all well.
Played Billard with Joel, been a really long time since I last played with Ridzuan back in Singapore. Speaking of which hope school's all good for him too.
Went to Frementle for dinner because Raymond was there with his visiting girlfriend aka future wife. Really glad for him, to have her here visiting him. What else is there to be said about it? Thumbs Up!
Friday 25/05:
Safety Day for the month of May. Also our 1st Solo Function, which was a success!
Really glad that we can finally bear the squadon batch on our arms and also the 1st Solo patch.
Boss is also pleased with how our course is progressing, I am too. At the rate that we're going, pretty sure we would be able to return to Singapore earlier than expected.
But also means lesser time to prepare and not to mention about the extra stress. Really all about Pros & Cons, which is better? Mother nature plays a part too. Winter is setting in from mid June till August.
Its gonna be really cold...
11:25 pm;
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Thursday 25/05:
The One Day that I was waiting for, which was to fly with J Tan and to show him what I got.
In summary, I screwed it up badly.
Kinda sad isn't it? From bad to good to bad flight in the span of 3 days.
Its damn stressful can.
Wonder how long I can keep up with this mental test...
11:59 pm;
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Wednesday 23/05:
From such a flight yesterday, today's a different story. Weather came, turned things upside down but there you have, a very pleased Edwin.
Here's what happened:
1) I came in the later in time which was 0800H instead of the 0700H. Even though 1 hour may mean nothing to you but it does to me. Waking up with/without the sun in sky makes a lot of difference.
2) Weather set in, much earlier than what the meteorological officer predicted. Usually he's pretty accurate, but as we know weather is unpredictable.
3) Unlike yesterday, A Teo didn't stress me like what he did. Without all those I could perform and was pretty pleased with it. He wasn't shy with the praises, neither was I with accepting them.
But still he put this point straight to me, upon given stress I tend to lose out on all my parameters in my flying, which is poor airmanship for fighters. That's where he would be training me in.
A sense a satisfaction derived from today, where a long time ago, after failing my 3rd simulator prior to a actual flight, I was in his office for the wrong reasons. To be able to put up a such a sortie to show him that I'm no longer like I was in the past really puts me on cloud 9.
4) Landed in GinGin due to P/G instead of P/G/P. Was able to see our course's last solo guy in action. Also managed to enjoy the good food that was cooked there! Thumbs Up!
5) Prior to taking off for my second flight back to Pearce, a call came informing us that all flights would to be cancelled. But the aircraft still needs to be back in Pearce, so it became a ferry flight. A Teo showed me what it takes to be fighter pilot and how to be one.
Aside from the side bet among us students on who would be recovering first in Pearce, which I won by miles and miles. No chance. Free dinner tonight!
Not only did I cruise at a now record-breaking 320kts, I saw a turn in pitch from low level to glide and almost instanteous base to land with incredible braking. I was like, "Oh My Goodness." Plus cold sweat.
Now that earned me bragging rights, haha. Already airborne while the rest of my guys still starting up on the ground. Already walking back to frontline when the second aircraft just flew past us.
Absolutely spectacular!
6:04 pm;
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Tuesday 22/05:
It was really no joke at all, flying with Flight Commander A Teo. Have been a long time since I got such a treatment, culture shocked?
The entire flight was such a rush, from walking out 15mins prior to takeoff time, to starting the engine while on L to R checks, to putting hands down to doing checks all over the shop. Simply outstanding.
Cruised to area at 240kts instead of the usual 200kts, first thing was the introduction to spins, which was pretty cool. Lost about 2000-3000ft in about 1-3 turns. Followed by my stalls which I was pretty pleased.
Usual attitude (UA) recovery was pretty fun too, surprisingly. Just when I thought I screwed it up pretty badly yesterday in the simulators, things worked out pretty fine. From the moment we departed it began.
Slamming the throttle, fast rate descent, calling on wrong frequency, listening atis, task prioritisation was the key here. Had to zig-zag near the border to await for clearance before I could head back to base.
Forgot my descent to 1000ft! Pitching-in call too! Pretty screwed up. Been such a long time we went to area already. Circuits was really horrendous. Don't know what went wrong. By the time I touched down I was already lost for words. At least I was safe, safe landing and braking technique.
EODD begun upon us walking back to frontline. A 'debrief' by him, more of like what of the things I should take note of rather than about the flight.
I'm lost for words... And oh I'll be flying with him all the way to Pearce Solo & probably 1st Area Solo. Hmmm...
Day by day I do not know what I am transforming into. No matter how much I could do it in the past, somehow this 10months is too long for me to abstain. Please forgive me...
9:41 pm;
Monday, May 21, 2007
Monday 21/05:
How time flies... It passed so quickly that it seems like I just updated here like just before the weekend. Almost a week already...
A quick look back...
Thursday 17/05:
Flew last wave from GinGin back to Pearce. Really hate this time slot, by the time I close the canopy and get ready for flight, already feel like sleeping. The others who were in the same wave as me all departed early, so I was like the only one in the circuit.
Did lots of PFL circuits and I was pretty pleased with it. Subsequently recovered by J Lee at
310kts, which is about
3 times the speed in km/h. Max power all the way so that we won't bust the time limit for our sortie.
Even pitching in for full stop was full of G's. The G-Suit was really blown up to my surprise. I really fear when the aerobatics phase begin.
Friday 18/05:
Ghosted solo flight, meaning, not solo flight but instructor 'tries' his best not to comment on anything. Well not as cool as solo flights, but one thing for sure you learn more because of the super computer seating at the back seat.
It was a good flight, pleased with my departure, circuits (except for some spacing mistakes) and recovery. Loved the pitching in part especially when there were lots of aircraft in the circuit. One taking off, others recovering via straight in approach and others from initial joins.
Had IF mass brief, and it was totally shocking. Oh IF = Instrument Flying. As the name suggests is using your instruments to fly, needed for poor/bad weather conditions. Lots of things to study and know, somebody please kill me.
By the time the brief ended, no more food was left for us in the mess. Pretty upset by that fact, but we bought dinner from Foo Yin and had yet another malay wedding style dinner. Maj Quek and Cpt Yee joined us and had a really hearty chat and lots of jokes.
I laughed till my stomach really hurt. Been a while since that happened. Last time was when I was with my sister long ago.
Saturday 19/05:
Book out to Perth to eat Tim Sum as a course, primary reason is like a send off dinner for yet another of my coursemate. How sad. Food was good as usual, enjoyed ourselves before heading to Midland for catch a movie.
But there was no good movie, shopped for some groceries before returning back to base. And then it started. The One Vice that will affect everything I have now. Apparently I got pretty addicted to it, got to admit it. It went on through the whole night till midnight.
By now you should have noticed that gambling for me have stopped, and now this. That's how one kill time over the weekend right? Can't always be thinking about flying and studying the whole tiem right?
Sunday 20/05:
Woke up and straight away to carry on from where I left out last night. All the way till 3pm, where Benjamin and I went back to Squadron to prepare tomorrow's ops brief. Monday's op brief is the most troublesome, whole lot of things to type and present.
Simply just hate it.
Back to Monday, ops brief was almost perfect, except for this one pointed that K Meta brought up. Did simulators with Cpt Sim, together with Siva and Benjamin. Really got it big time throughout the whole duration.
Don't have much idea of what was going on and went wrong, kinda distraught. Brings back a little on what happened on OFT 3. Tomorrow flying to area with flight commander! Of all the available instructors, must be with A Teo!
IT'S A SETUP! IT'S A SETUP! IT'S A SETUP!
10:26 pm;
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Wednesday 16/05:
When I set into the aircraft by myself again, almost seem like just a routine now. Even though it's only my 2nd Solo flight.
But I came, and conquered it. Didn't scare with myself with any shady approaches, quite pleased with my circuit work too. It's always like this, when you seem to perform better, there's no one at the back to verify it.
Having a major headache after flying 2 events today, the solo check and the solo flight. Had to cover duty at Pearce wave 3, where I was alone pretty much the whole time because Xavier had to get interviewed by Bullet.
Crashed into bed after a quick bathe, before dinner which a few of the guys including me bought for the whole course. Tomorrow must go in early to help cover duty again, can't come in the later time, damn.
Oh well...
9:24 pm;
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Tuesday 15/05:
Another
Milestone completed,
Clear Solo Check & Solo! Heh Heh!
Hopefully this marks the chapter of a beautiful dream to be lived years on. Perhaps the next chapter of history to be written will be in a fighter aircraft. Who knows I may be doing the fly-by on National Day?
Alright back to present day
15/05/07. Really a day to remember for the rest of my life.
Virgin Flight! Haha...
Okie, the next short term goal is
1st Area Solo. Just slight information, this 1st Solo is just about 15mins duration, where we actually circle around the runway doing circuits practicing what pilots need to be proficient with, Taking Off & Landing.
So the next one is when we'll be going out to the training area alone, which is about 40-73T away from base, probably the length of Singapore. So looking forward to it!
Back to the 1st Solo, felt like I was on Cloud 9. Everything was smooth, I didn't had much time for my brain to start thinking about all the negative stuffs. The moment I geared up, hopped into the aircraft, next thing I know I was already powering it to the max for take-off.
Surprisingly, the songs that I hummed and sang in the air were not the ones I usually hear and sing at night. One of which was a really old band song which I do not remember now, but it did bring back good memories of VS.
Oh was on the phone with Grace a few days back, apparently one of my junior from VS is now the student conductor of Tpjc. Although I don't really know who, but I was pretty sure they knew me. How can all the cute secondary 1 juniors not remember this secondary 4 senior in charge of all the games in the bandroom? The 1 Key to the Cupboard of Games, aka personal locker! =p
So that gives me some reason to go back take a look, but... We'll see how by then. I got to first be back in Singapore first right?
Last night, thought of a sms to send out, but couldn't decide which to choose. Decided to type something original that I was pretty pleased with. Somehow or either, it remained on my draft screen. Without a doubt, you were the first to know.
9:21 pm;
Monday, May 14, 2007
Monday 14/05:
Yes I wasn't planned for any flight today because many of my guys also have their solo flight to go. So its my turn tomorrow, no longer as hyped up as last Friday. Just want to get it over and progress quickly.
Seems that this weekend have been an amusing one. Just yesterday when I had a chat with Shufen, there she went again asking me whose that special one.
1) Disappointed to have her join the ranks of many others like YOU! (Yes you know its you, don't deny. -.-)
2) Obviously she have been busy, wonder with what because exams are over. If she saw Saturday's entry...
3) Its just the same old question. Think about it, when one's mindset is so set on me having that special one, if I were to say no one they'll say Yeah Right. If I said anything else like I Don't Know, Don't Tell You or It's a Secret or just her/his (you never know right?) name, then I'm admitting to something ain't I?
Oh well. So I asked her where did she draw the conclusion of the special one. She did make sense with reasons like since my training was stressful and tough so I had to have at least somebody to share my burden with. And also several things she thought she was sharp enough to pick up.
Well, I just gave her 2 advice:
1) Don't waste your time. Why? Because its really nothing.
2) Even if there is such a person. Give Up on trying to track her/him down. Fat Hope. 0% Possibility. No Chance. =p
You all can take that advice too. If still can recall any evil laughter from anywhere, think about me doing it now. If you all wanna play games, I'm game.
So to kick it off, she decided to cast a net out to start searching out for clues. So I have to do my part too. Because I know I have it in the bag already, I'll give her some chance.
If its girls' name that you want, to kick start your search, feel free get it from here, friendster, class photos, etc. or even just come ask me. I'll be very friendly and helpful k! (Cross fingers)
Just a kick start probably you requested? Sure! How about the names of those I had conversations with over the weekend? Sms me if you're interested okie? =p
Thanks for your sms, not really angry at them ba... Just tired, wondering when they'll all stop asking me this same question over and over again... Haha, I believe you think too highly of me already, anyway hope to hear from you soon~Also to my little sister, sometimes you can really amaze me with your analogies and train of thoughts, really proud of you! Perhaps apply it more often in the future? Don't about those guys, believe me at times I myself really embarassed to be in the same school at them.
8:22 pm;
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Friday 11/05:
A day not meant to be. Prior to our solo flight, a check flight needed to be carried out in order for the instructor to entrust you with the aircraft.
Was pretty pleased with that flight, parameters were good, able to locate my guys around the circuits and most importantly have fun.
So I got all the clearance I ever needed, waited for the time before I walked out. Signed out the aircraft, grabbed my gear and suited. Also had well wished on my way out, both from instructors and coursemates.
Still couldn't forget my primary instructor telling me to "Go Enjoy Yourself!" after I completed the check flight.
Once all was ready, I started my walk to my 1st Solo flight. Checked my boots for any FOD prior to entering the dispersal area where all the aircrafts were parked. Took one foot onto the tarmac, then I heard "Hey Come Back, Come Back."
Turned back and it was my flight commander waving to me to return. I thought it was a joke at first, but turned out to be pretty serious. Just 5mins ago the winds were North Easterly, apparently it was now Westerly. Meaning the runway used now will be changed, which means goodbye to Solo Flight.
There it was, that's how my entire day went. Major disappointment.
Saturday 12/05:
You know I can't help wonder what's wrong with you people. Maybe its not you all but rather me?
Guess all you want. Names starting with J, G, A, Z, F, M, S, X, B, T, K... Yeah whatever.
My advice for you is to give up. Seriously.
If you're still puzzled about what's going on, you should be. I have friends dropping me messages on whether I'm going out with this person.
And I wonder. No idea where you get all theses names from, but hey if you're interested in knowing them, I can introduce them to you. Just ask and it shall be given.
Goodness Gracious...Sunday 13/05:
Went to Bullsbrook with Raymond to do some grocery shopping. Saw Shawn and Wei Hong pass by us in the car on our way back.
Pretty lifeless day. Except seeing some guys parachuting off a transport plane and also seeing it do circuits to land. Such a big aircraft at such slow altitude, making its turn with at least 60degress angle of bank. Nothing compared to our trainer jet.
The cats were pretty hungry so I fed them a little. Haha cute little things.
3:17 pm;
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Thursday 100507:
Instead of 0800H in time, I came in 0530H to help my coursemate do his duty. I didn't mind, because I wasn't flying. But I got reprimanded big time early in the morning because yesterday's job wasn't done properly. Imagine facing the music when its not even your fault and no idea of it at all?
Anyway, my day got better. Managed to settle things that were needed to be done. Take photographs, pre-solo admin, order name tags and mugs for the new QFIs and settle some of the course stuff.
And so my name is finally up for tomorrow's programme!
1st Solo!Wonder how I should feel now. But one thing to take note that today's first solo for 5 of my guys were cancelled due to weather. Weather forecast for tomorrow is pretty bad too. Let's see then.
Wednesday 090507:
What a day, again. Didn't know life could get any stressful than this.
Double Turn for me, meaning flying two events in a day. Not a normal for now, but will be soon. But its still kinda early for me I thought.
So because of it, I was able to fly my 1st Solo sortie tomorrow, but NO. I wasn't planned up. The solo slots were given to my other 5 coursemates. Why me? Unluckly? Like out of 6 people, it had to be me. So most probably going solo on the next day, which will be a Friday.
On to Friday, a little worried that by then I would lost a little touch, with slight predictions of weather coming from the meteorological officer. Is it not meant to be?
Other than flying, I had to take over as GinGin Ic, pack everything and set it up over there. Not to mention cook some breakfast for the instructors and my guys landing over there. All that just secondary duties, my primary duty is to fly.
Touching on flying, it was not as good as yesterday. Could be better. Can't seem to hit the above 4 score. Anyway, towards the end prior to landing, I was already having a major headache. And that sucks.
Left to return back to base, did my simulator, which I had no idea what I was doing. Supposed to perform this procedure, which I knew at the back of my head, but what I flew was nonsense. Once again questioned on my system knowledge. Not as smooth sailing as I wanted it to be.
Back in bunk, because I wasn't flying I had to help a lot of people do stuff. It was still okie, until people really started to be unreasonable. In the midst of built up anger, I decided to turn in for an early night and sleep it off, hoping no one will disturb me.
6:20 pm;
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Saturday 05/05:
What a weekend I had. Don't know how I should feel, you'll be your own judge.
As you all know, my family came to Perth for a holiday, since last Thursday, something like a road trip over Western Australia. So they ended the holiday, visiting me, shopping at Perth City and Frementle.
They reached base at around 9 plus in the morning and picked me up from the main gate and it was off to Midland. Since I have been there before, pretty much know the way there. Not to mention where all the shops were located when we reached the mall.
After that, we went around Swan Valley to visit the Chocolate, Nuggart, Icecream factories and several wineries. It was almost like driving around in the East area back in Singapore, like a local here. Anyway, I was shocked to learn we were invited to a relative's wedding just around the area.
Sadly, I didn't know how I was related to this distant relative, but one thing for sure they sure know how to celebrate in style! Beautiful country, town, setting and people! Met up with some of my cousins, related by the daughters of my dad's cousins. Complicated eh?
Haha really glad to learn that I have some relatives living around my area, can drop by as required! What's more, these distant relatives are around my age, doing their studies here in Australia. Cool!
Drove my family to Perth to do their shopping, did some for myself but looking at my sisters, my one bag was humbled by their countless bags of stuffs. Oh well...
Dinner at a nice Thai restaurant, before we drove back to the accomodation place which was by the beach. Simply spectacular! I spent some time with them individually, like my mom who was pretty excited and curious about what I was doing over here.
Then came a distant call from Shufen! Haha, was only 2230H, but the thought itself was really enough. Thanks. Sorry you called at such a time, my mom was really being how a mom would be.
Spent some time with my second sister, played some pictionary and jenga. LoL. Ah, how much the times we were back together at home, sharing the room. Always having to listen to all her gospel songs and her not so nice singing.
It was also nice of her to tell me that she had really turned our room into her room. -.-
I was really tired from last night's drinking, today's driving and all that shopping with my sisters that I practically concussed.
Sunday 06/05:
This day had to come sooner or later. Be it in Australia or Singapore. But I'm half glad it was right here, which means I'm halfway to through my first dream. About 5-6 more months to go!
Woke up really early so we could head out to our next location. But not before strolling by the beach, enjoying the view, seabreeze and soft sand.
Went down to Rockingham to visit Penguin Island. Really cool, got to see 10 cute little penguins, 3-5 sealions and lots of pelicans and seagulls. Got some pictures but somehow blogger don't allow me to load it up. Hmmm...
Drove them to Frementle to eat at Cicerello’s. Shopped a little before it was time for me to get back to base. Bought some food for my guys as treat before reaching back at about 5pm. The usual goodbyes and pictures like a celebrity before I sent them away.
Unpacked and straight to hitting the books for tomorrow's flight. Felt a little headache, but should be alright.
Thank you everyone for the things you have done. I appreciate it.
1) My family for being there for me. My dad, mom and 2 sisters.
----(Even though it was an excuse to come to Perth for a holiday)2) Jeraldine, the babe who shares this special day with me.
----(The present you gave me on the night before I left, its right here with me. =p)3) Grace, Christopher, Kiong Wee, Wei Lun, Lynn & Sujin.
----(Thanks for the jacket and the card. Really touched.) ----(Also personally to my sister, whom I think mastermind this plan.)4) Relatives from my mom's side. Diana, Aunts & Uncles.
---(For all the red packets, chocolates and wines!)
5) Friends with from walks of life.
---(Shufen, Tonglong, Serene, Xueyu, Jonathan Lee, Boon Wee, Vickie, Fumin, Hwaee, Fel, Tow Boon etc.)
11:58 pm;
Friday, May 04, 2007
Friday 04/05:
Weather looked pretty bad, thought that all hope was lost. But we pressed. Good news? Well it has been a week since I last flown. Checks and Procedures were smooth, just that lost touch of flying a little.
No harm done. Nothing a string of consistent flights to push me back into momentum for 1st Solo.
Got some good news and bad news. Good news is that my first course mate is going solo next Monday. Bad news is that another of my course mate is going for suspension board next Tuesday. Which means...
Anyway, my family are in town, for you know what but not without going for almost a week of sightseeing already. Mixed feelings about meeting, also probably because the whole student body is confined yet again. Somehow I lost that lukewarmth feeling already.
When I get back, for sure I'm going to go... Haha! As a whole course, even though it ain't my kind of place but it'll be fun. Trust them. =p
11:57 pm;
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Thursday 03/05:
Okiee... Just when the weather died down a little, almost immediately the management started to push everybody out to fly! It has almost been at least a week of no flying, so the smell of desperation was pretty distinct.
So as the GinGin ic, did my job of packing up the stuffs and transporting it there. Just for your information, GinGin is the name of another airfield, a smaller one than Pearce. It will be the place where we will be going for our 1st Solo.
For now till everyone passes 1st Solo, we're be deploying there everyday as long as the weather permits. So the first wave of planes that took off from Pearce, from a total of 5, it came to only 2. Anyway to just cut the long story short, my flight got cancelled.
Oh well, it ain't within my control. Yet another incident happen, had to fall in with our berets on the parade square all thanks to this officer whom does not command respect from most people. Just like that, from a joyous ocassion to drill session tomorrow? Oh My Goodness...
I really dread the junior course coming over. Even though they have taken over the taxing duties from us, but the troubles the are causing us are so painful. Yet another confinement to be served this weekend, all thanks to just one guy.
Planned to fly 1st wave tomorrow, weather forecast not favourable, air traffic agencies still not manned yet and pretty early in the morning too.
I shall fulfill my own promise and run through all my checks and procedures merticulously, because a lot of my guys got pretty rusty and screwed up a lot of their domestic stuffs.
10:32 pm;
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Wednesday 02/05:
Yawnz. Yet another day of unpredictable weather. Reminds me of home. Rain coming and going, clouds both white and dark appearing and disappearing out of nowhere.
But it is really beautiful. I'm starting to love Australia. Maybe I should add a 6th Dream to my current 5 I have. Its a secret. =x
Got back to bunk pretty early, didn't achieve much today.
Its coming really soon, already setting my expectation pretty low.
Anyway today's the day many of my friends have finished their exams are starting their long holidays. And also in a few more days, school's starting for my army friends. A new chapter in our lives every other moment.
Got some interesting things we guys learnt of. One of my course mate who recently broke up with his girlfriend, had his previous one visiting him just yesterday! That's like Oh My Goodness! Not sure the sole reason is just to see him but really hats off to him.
And so the rest were like telling him to post up the pictures he showed us (two of them closely together), to go spike his ex. Haha, as much as I know Ian, think he's a pretty good prospect for the girls. Respect. Wonder why she wanted to break up with him?
It has been like ages since I've seen anything resembling home...
9:39 pm;
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Tuesday 01/05:
What a day to start the month, the month for me somemore.
Firstly the weather was bad, but compared to yesterday much better. So flying was on hold till it was cancelled.
Followed by a series of lecture by Toto, Plato, Shark, Popeye, Spades, then RSM.
A all time low for the whole student body.
Who said no flying was fun?
9:58 pm;