My introduction to microlight aircraft and subsequent first
solo experience…By Mej. (B) Md. Jais bin Hj
Ahmad
I was introduced to microlight aircraft during the Melaka Fly-In ’98 that was held at the Batu Berendam Airport, on 31.8.98, in conjunction with the National Day celebrations.
I had earlier heard on Radio 3 Melaka that various kinds of small aircraft would be on show and also joyrides would be available during the Fly-in.
That day, while my family and I were in Melaka town, I saw two MIG aircraft from the RMAF screaming past overhead. I then hurried to Batu Berendam to see the air-show.
I bought tickets for the entrance and went inside to see the aircraft on static display. There was a big crowd and people were moving from one aircraft to the other. I saw people queuing to go for a joyride on a Pelangi Airways Dornier D228 aircraft and also in a few light aircraft.
My family and I moved from one stand to the next, collecting brochures and listening to the briefing given by the clubs concerned.
I met a good friend of mine, Lt. Kol. (R) Basir from the Paragliding club giving a demonstration on how to become airborne using a machine with a parachute attached to it- a Motorised Paraglider.
I was very keen to join the Paragliding club, but since nobody attended to my queries, I moved to the Malaysian Flying Academy (MFA) stand. They gave me some brochures and also screened a videotape on light aircraft training. It was very interesting, however, I found that that it would be rather expensive for me to take flying lessons with them.
My family and I then moved to the next stand occupied by the Kelab Penerbangan Belia 4B Malaysia (4B Youth Flying Club). I was very impressed on entering the KP4B stand. The people at this stand gave me brochures and explained how to join the club. While looking at pictures of microlight aircraft I started wondering how this aircraft could fly since it looked so simple and open. I asked questions to clarify my doubt.
I was told that this aircraft is very safe to fly despite its simple structure.
After finding that the fee was not high and was within my budget I decided that I would learn to fly microlight aircraft.
Before enrolling I was invited to take a joyride. My first joyride was a strange experience, not so much due to the aircraft itself but because of flying in such an open seat with only a seat belt and helmet for safety. However, after a few minutes in the air with the instructor, Capt. Roizan b Ahmad, I felt more comfortable and began to enjoy it.
The feeling of flight in an open aircraft was simply fantastic!
On 17.10.98, I underwent a medical check-up in Kuala Lumpur. Lt. Kol. Dr. Zainudin examined me and pronounced me fit to fly.
With the medical certificate and other relevant documents I went to the Department of Civil Aviation and submitted my application for a Student Pilot Licence (Restricted). I received my SPL(R) a few days later.
On 22.10.98 my first lesson started with Capt. Roizan showing me how to do a pre-flight check of the aircraft. We then started the engine and revved it to 6000 rpm.
Using the hand-held tranceiver Capt. Roizan requested permission from the control tower at the Melaka airport to do circuit and landing.
Soon, we were lined up on the runway ready to take off.
The moment Capt. Roizan had read back Melaka Tower’s instruction ”Belia 01 cleared for take-off”, he applied power and our aircraft, a Quicksilver MXL Sport, roared down the runway and headed for the sky. We climbed to 1000 feet towards our training area over Bertam Ulu. The weather was calm as Capt. Roizan showed me various manoeuvres for 30 minutes. During this lesson I learnt how to do straight and level turns to the right and to the left. We then returned to Batu Berendam for a full-stop landing.
One day, after I had completed a number of lessons, my instructor gave me control of the aircraft as we flew to Terendak Camp and back. It was an unforgettable experience.
I continued my training almost daily except on Mondays when the club was closed. The best time to fly was in the early morning and also evening when the wind was very calm. Whenever the weather was unfavourable, we would do general maintenance such as checking fuel lines, radiator level, tyre pressure and so on.
I could feel my steady progress as Capt. Roizan fine-tuned my training. He was preparing me for my first solo flight. I had by now learned how to take-off and land smoothly. After the seventh solo practice with my instructor, he told me that I was now going to actually solo.
With mounting excitement I watched as a 40 kilogram sandbag was secured into the seat normally occupied by my instructor. The radio was tested. I could notice that my friends, Fadzli, Hadi and even Capt. Roizan were eagerly awaiting my first solo flight.
Strapped down on the left seat, I was now ready. The control tower was informed about my first solo flight. After the initial radio communication on 121.6 Mhz and 118.0 Mhz., I lined up the aircraft on the runway. The next moment I opened the throttle and the aircraft sped down the runway and became airborne.
With a sense of elation I made the usual reports to the tower from the downwind and final positions. The wind was calm as I descended from 500 feet and aligned the aircraft to the centreline of the runway. With the engine rpm down to 400 and the speed reduced to 42mph, I levelled the aircraft 2 feet over the runway and flared a little as I slowed down the engine to idle. The aircraft touched down gently and rolled down the runway as I taxied towards the KP4B hangar.
Mr.Thiru, the Air Traffic Controller, congratulated me over the radio. The moment I switched off the engine, removed the helmet and the seatbelt and alighted from the aircraft at the KP4B hangar, I was surrounded and warmly congratulated by my friends.
I had finally soloed! This was one of the greatest achievements in my life.
I will always be grateful to Capt. Roizan, my instructor,
for his patience in training me to become the pilot of a microlight
aircraft.