Reflections on Advanced Aviation Science Sabbaticals

Hi all,

During the sabbaticals last term, I took part in the Advanced Aviation Science course, a sequel to the Basic one. This advanced one was far more interesting. During the 1st 3 days, we underwent a course by the same instructor during the basic one. But this time, we weren't asked to fly planes. We were taught to fly F-16 FIGHTER JETS!!!! It was a wonderful experience. How we lock-on onto the computer jets, shot them down with guns and missiles. The air-ground attacks were also very interesting as well. Dropping dumb bombs, scattering bombs, many others into the enemy's base and aiming for their tanks.

The F-16 was extremely real. They had the screen and all the interfaces just like the real F-16 fighter jets. I realised the life of a fighter pilot isn't at all easy. They have to be totally aware of their situation. A slight mistake may mean the end of them.

For the next 2 days. We went to the science lab to do some hands-on plane-making. I paired up with Aik Yang from 1A1. We were given some wood and a blueprint. What we first did was to cut out the parts in the blueprint and trace them onto the wood. We then used pen-knifes to cut them out. We had the body, fins, tail wings and rudder. We then secured the rudder with super glue and used rubber bands to tie our wings and fins. This was for us to find the center of gravity and test which position is best for flight.

 However, it started to rain and we went to the Oei Tiong Ham hall to test continue testing our planes. By this time, we had already found the best positions and sticked the fins and wings with super glue. However... As we were testing our plane. Some person stepped on our plane and 'Snap' it went. The fin broke into half and tail wing went off. So, like a surgeon, we did a emergency operation and used super glue to fix it. After 15minutes of 'life-saving' we finally got our planes in-tact once again. BUT, another person stepped on it and bam, it was gone again. Although we tried to 'rescue' it, but it was to no avail. It 'died'.

Fortunately, on the last day of the course. We were able to remake another plane. (WHEW) However, it wasn't as good as the previous plane. SO we had to make do with it. And here came a disastrous thing we had to do to the plane. We had to like cut the wings and tilt it. It just screwed our plane and made it fly sideways. Totally  spoiling our plane.

This course was much more fun than the Basic one as there wasn't much theory and more hands-on. Time passes so quickly when we are enjoying. Don't they.