FLYING OPERATIONS

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Singapore
Youth Flying Club

Basic Flying Course
Induction Handbook

SYFC Handbook 3-6-1
The aim of this Handbook is to serve as a guide for
students intending to participate in the SYFC Basic Flying
Course. The full SYFC Flying Course is divided into 3
phases. Phase I covers basic handling of the aircraft,
Phase II teaches the student to Take-Off and land and
Phase III completes the full flying course leading to the
attainment of a Restricted Private Pilots Licence (PPL),
issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
(CAAS).

To ensure a flying course runs seamlessly, there are
numerous administrative and preparatory procedures that
are necessary before flying can even begin. In SYFC,
these procedures are covered over a period of about a
month, during your Orientation phase. By the end of this
phase, it is hoped that you will be all ready to take to the
skies and can transition into Phase I of flying well
prepared and confident. You will also need to be familiar
with not just the flying operations but also certain
administrative operations in the Club before you begin
your course.

This Handbook serves as an initial introduction to the
procedures and norms that are relevant for you to know
before you start flying. More details will be covered as you
progress in your course. You can continue to use this
Handbook as a reference throughout your stay at SYFC.

I
PUBLICATION REVIEW RECORD

All Handbooks in the Singapore Youth Flying Club are reviewed annually.
This page serves to record the reviews carried out on this edition of this manual.
Should the edition of this manual be renewed, the date of the new edition will be
appended at the footer of its pages and a fresh review record will be used.

REVIEW REVIEW REVIEWING OFFICER SIGNATURE
NO COMPLETION
DATE
1 30 May 2010 Ken Chew

2 19 Aug 2011 Micky Liew

3 04 Oct 2011 Raman

II
Contents
Page
Preface I

Contents II

Chapter 1 – Orientation Phase
1. Orientation Phase Programme 1-1
2 Required Material / Equipment 1-2
3. Pre-Flying Groundschool 1-2
4. Safety Briefings 1-3
5. Familiarisation with SYFC Flight Operations 1-3
6. Flight and FTD Lesson Bookings 1-4
7. Reporting for Flights, FTD Lessons or Ground Activities 1-7
8. Mentoring 1-8
9. Aircraft Checks Self-Practice 1-8

Chapter 2 – Facilities
1. Transportation 2-1
2. Library 2-2
3. Notices 2-2

Chapter 3 – Code of Conduct
1. Introduction 3-1
2. Bearing & Turn-out 3-1
3. Consumption of Food and Drinks 3-1

Chapter 4 – The SYFC Flying Course
1. Introduction 4-1
2 Objectives of the SYFC Flying Course 4-1
3. The Basic Flying Course (BFC) 4-1
4. The Private Pilots Licence Course (PPL) 4-4
5. Flying Assessment 4-5
6. Withdrawal from the Flying Course 4-6

Chapter 5 – Out-Processing Procedure 5-1

Chapter 6 – Some Advice 6-1

III
SINGAPORE YOUTH FLYING CLUB

CHAPTER 1 – ORIENTATION PHASE

1. Orientation Phase Programme

1.1 The purpose of the Orientation Phase is to prepare the requisite legal and
administrative documents, familiarise you with the operations in the Club and arm
you with sufficient basic knowledge of aviation so that you can start flying with
some level of confidence and competence.

1.2 The Orientation Phase spans approximately 5 weeks, during which required
briefings and programmes are carried out on Saturdays. A detailed Orientation
Programme Schedule will be given to you at the start of your orientation. In brief,
the following will be covered during this programme:

 Introductory address by the Managers
 Documentation and distribution of materials
 Groundschool lessons and examinations
 Computer Aided Instruction (CAI)
 Flight safety and safety equipment briefings
 Familiarisation flight and briefing
 Booking for flights and Flight simulator lessons
 Mentoring sessions
 Aircraft familiarisation and checks practice sessions
 Introduction to the Flight simulator and Flight simulator lessons

1.3 The Orientation programme is designed to adequately prepare you for your flying
course. You are advised to take full advantage of it and to glean as much from it
as you can. The paragraphs that follow will give you some idea of what you can
expect from the Orientation programme and guide you through some of the
administrative procedures required of you.

1.4 During your orientation, your mentors will be in the best position to answer all
your queries, having gone through the entire flying course themselves. Do not
confine yourself to asking just about flying and the flying course. Finding out
about how they managed their busy school and personal schedule while on the
flying course, for example, may be particularly helpful.

Important Note:
1.5 Attendance of the Orientation Phase Programme is Compulsory. You will not be
allowed to start flying if you miss ANY part of the programme. Alternative
arrangements are disruptive to the Club’s operations and to your course and are
therefore strongly discouraged.

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2. Required Material/Equipment

2.1 During your orientation, material required for your flying course will be handed to
you. Some of these will be given to you while others will have to be purchased.
Please ensure you receive the following:

No Item Comments
1 Course Programme Details the dates and timings of the
Orientation Phase Programme and Mass
Briefings during your Flying Phase.
2 SYFC Student T-Shirts To be worn for flying
3 Basic Flying Course Study This guide is crucial for your flight
Guide preparation. Please bring it when you come
for flights. It is also available on the SYFC
Website for download.
4 Diamond (DA-40) Aircraft Notes detailing the various systems and
Technical Notes components in the Diamond aircraft and how
they work.
5 Pre-Flight Briefing Guide Another important guide for your flying
course. Please bring it when you come for
flights.
6 Flight Reference Cards A booklet containing all Aircraft Checks,
(FRC) Limitations and Emergency Procedures.
Please bring it when you come for flights.
7 CD-ROM (Checks) A visual video guide to Aircraft Checks. An
excellent tool for learning aircraft checks.
8 Aircraft Cockpit Poster A poster of the aircraft cockpit. An excellent
tool for learning aircraft checks and cockpit
familiarisation.
9 Student Pilots Licence Issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of
(SPL) Singapore (CAAS). You must bring it when
you come for flights. Please comply with any
specific requirements stated therein, such as
having a spare set of spectacles.
10 SYFC Membership Card This identifies you as a SYFC member and
you are required to display it whenever you
are within the SYFC premises. Please bring it
whenever you come to SYFC.
11 SYFC Library Card For borrowing books from the SYFC library.

3. Pre-Flying Groundschool

3.1 Students must have at least a basic understanding of some aviation subjects before
embarking on a flying course. The Groundschool lessons are designed to provide
you with that basic knowledge. To test your understanding, a multiple-choice
examination will be administered. A pass is a pre-requisite to start flying.

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3.2 The following subjects will be covered:

1. Aircraft Rating (Aircraft Type)
This is a study of aircraft systems in general and the specific aircraft you will
be flying and its associated systems.

2. Airlaw
Just like the Highway Code in vehicular travel, there are rules and regulations
for air operations which you need to know.

3. Radiotelephony (R/T)
This lesson will teach you the fundamentals of communicating with various
agencies when you fly.

4. Human Performance & Limitations
This is a study of the basic physiology and the effects of flight on the human
body. It is also known as the study of Human Factors.

3.3 Groundschool continues in the form of Mass / Pre-flight briefings when you
commence your flying. More details of the briefings will be covered in Chapter 4.

4. Safety Briefings

4.1 There are 2 Flight Safety related briefs during your Orientation. Again, you will
not be allowed to fly if you miss any of them. The 2 briefings are:

1. Flight Safety Brief
This covers general flight safety and shows you how you can get involved and
assimilate into the safety culture in SYFC

2. LSSO Brief (Life-Saving & Survival Equipment Officer)
In this brief, the LSSO will familiarise you with the life-saving and survival
equipment that are used during flight and how to use them when needed.

5. Familiarisation with SYFC Flight Operations

5.1 A Familiarisation Brief will be conducted during your Orientation. This brief will
familiarise you with the Flight Operations in SYFC. You MUST attend this
briefing so that you will be conversant with the numerous procedures required
before and after flights. The following will be covered:

 Flight Bookings (Details are covered in ‘Flight Bookings’ below)
 Familiarisation with the SYFC Operations (Ops) Room
 Documentation & procedures before and after flight
 What to expect on your Familiarisation Flight (1st Flight)
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6. Flight and Flight Simulator Lesson Bookings

6.1 The Flight booking procedure is designed to provide you with a convenient and
efficient way to inform SYFC of your availability for flying and Simulator (Sims)
lessons. Sims lessons are an integral part of the flying training programme and are
scheduled as part of the syllabus. As such, bookings for both flights and Sims
lessons are seamlessly integrated as a single procedure. Unless otherwise stated,
any mention of flights henceforth in this handbook will be taken to include Sims
lessons as well.

6.2 On receiving your bookings, the Programmer can then plan you for flights and
Sims lessons by matching your availability with the Club’s flying schedule. Do
note that your flight bookings do not guarantee that you will be planned. They are
merely an indication of your availability. As far as possible, the Programmer will
try and plan you to fly at least 3 flights in 2 weeks. Having more bookings will
facilitate planning and increase your chances of getting more flights. You are
therefore encouraged to make yourself available as often as possible.

6.3 SYFC Operating Timings:
Tuesdays to Saturdays Sundays
0800 hours to 1830 hours 0800 hours to 1600 hours
* The Club is closed on Mondays and all Public Holidays.

6.36.4 Flying Schedule Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
There are 4 waves of flying daily from Tuesdays to Saturdays and 3 waves on
Sundays. The earliest Take-Off Times for each wave is as follows:

Tuesdays to Saturdays Sundays
1st Wave 0840H 1st Wave 0840H
2nd Wave 1140H 2nd Wave 1140H
3rd Wave 1430H 3rd Wave 1430H
4th Wave 1640H
* The 4th wave on weekdays and all waves on Saturdays and Sundays are
regarded as peak flying periods.

* Students are to report for flight as least 30 minutes before take-off (see point
7.2).

6.5 Simulator Lesson Schedule
Sims lessons are scheduled in a way that follows the flying waves. There are 7
sessions daily for Tuesdays to Saturdays and 5 sessions on alternate Sundays.

Tuesdays to Saturdays Alternate Sundays
1st Wave 0845H 1st Wave 0845H
1000H 1000H
2nd Wave 1115H 2nd Wave 1115H
1330H 1230H
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3rd Wave 1445H 3rd Wave 1330H
4th Wave 1615H
1730H
* Students are to report at least 15 minutes before start of Sims lessons.

6.46.6 Point of Contact Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
Your point of contact for all matters relating to Flight Bookings is the Operations
Supervisors (Ops Sup)
The Ops Room telephone number is: 1800 4818031 (Toll Free)

6.56.7 Flight Booking Procedure Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
To give you a better understanding of the flight booking procedure, a sample sheet
is provided below for your reference. During your Familiarisation Brief, you will
be handed a blank Flight Booking Sheet like the one below. You are to make your
Fixed Bookings (See ‘Fixed Bookings’ below for more details) on this sheet and
hand it over to the Ops Sup in the Ops Room. Any changes, additions or
cancellations thereafter are to be made through the Ops Sups who are in-charge of
updating the booking sheets.

The first line of this sample shows an example of a student’s booking.
The ‘X’s indicate the waves the student is available for flight over a week.

The form is quite self-explanatory. You are simply required to indicate with an
‘X’, the waves you are available for flying over a period of one week.

6.5.16.7.1 Fixed Bookings Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
Fixed Bookings are waves you are available for flying, on a permanent basis. This
would mean you have to look at your school schedule to determine when you can
come for flights before making Fixed Bookings. Fixed Bookings are assumed to
be permanent unless you make a change through the Ops Sup.

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The example above shows a student having Fixed Bookings for the 4th wave on
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, no bookings on Thursdays, 1st and 4th waves on
Fridays, all waves on Saturdays and 2nd and 3rd waves on Sundays.

6.5.26.7.2 Extra Bookings Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
Extra Bookings can be made on waves you do not have a fixed booking, as and
when you find yourself to be available for flying. Such bookings must be made at
least 2 days in advance. Simply inform the Ops Sup of your availability and the
Ops Sup will update your booking sheet.
In the example above, an Extra Booking has been made on the 4th wave of
Thursday. Perhaps a lesson in school during that period has been cancelled,
allowing this student to leave early for flying.

6.5.36.7.3 ‘Not Available’ (N.A.) Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
If you have made a booking but am not able to turn up for flying, you must inform
the Ops Sup at least 2 days in advance. This is to allow the Club sufficient time to
look for a replacement.
In the example, the student is not available on the 1st wave of Saturday. On
informing the Club, ‘NA’ is placed below that fixed booking by the Ops Sup and
the Programmer will not plan the student for that wave.

6.5.46.7.4 Minimum Bookings Required Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
You are required to have a minimum of 3 days of bookings in a week. Having
any less than this requirement will not give the Programmer enough flexibility to
plan you sufficiently for flights to meet your course datelines. As far as possible,
try to have bookings on off-peak flying periods as well.

6.5.56.7.5 Leave of Absence Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
If you are not available for flying for an entire week or more, you are required to
apply for leave of absence from flying through your Primary Instructor. You must
fill-in a leave form available from the Ops Sup and submit it as soon as possible
before your intended leave period. Leave is usually granted for students to prepare
and sit for school examinations. Leave to go on holidays is not recommended as it
may disadvantage you.

6.5.66.7.6 Checking of Flights Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
Whenever you have a booking, whether Fixed or Extra, you can be planned for
flights. You should therefore check to see if you have been planned one day
before the day you have booked for. An SMS message will also be sent to your
mobile phone if you are programmed to fly, however this is not a fail-proof system
and you should always check your flights whenever you have booked for flights.
Also update the Ops Sup of any changes to your mobile phone number to ensure
you continue to enjoy this service. Acknowledgement of the SMS is required, or
your slot may be given to someone else instead.

6.5.76.7.7 Ways to check flights Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
You have the option of checking if you are planned for flights in these ways:
 Logging in to the SYFC Website at URL: http://www.syfc.sg/

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 Calling the Ops Room at 1800 4818031 (During hours of operations)

The daily flying programme will only be ready after 1500H the day before. You
should therefore only call or log in to check after that time.

7. Reporting for Flights, FTD lessons or Ground Activities

7.1 A key hallmark of a responsible pilot is one that is always conscious of timings.
Do start off on the right foot by being on time! There are reporting time norms in
the Club that you should conform to strictly. Strict adherence to these norms not
only train you to be responsible but are also needed to ensure efficient usage of the
Club’s resources.

7.2 Reporting Time Norms
The following are the time norms you should follow when reporting for flights,
ground lessons and events:
Flights Reporting Ground Activities Reporting Time
Time Norm Norm
Sorties 1 to 5 45 mins before Groundschool Lessons To be seated
Take-Off Time and Briefings 10 mins before start
Sortie 6 30 mins before Club organised events At the venue
onwards Take-Off Time 10 mins before start
Sims Lessons 15 mins before
scheduled Time

7.3 Definition of reporting
To preclude any dispute, the following will be used to define ‘Reporting’

 Reporting for Flights and Sims lessons
You report for flights and Sims lessons by seeing your Instructor for your Pre-
Flight Brief. You should be properly attired for the flight and are to have with
you, your Flying Progress File when you report.
* Note that you may have several pre-flight duties to perform and may have to
change to your flying attire before reporting. Please give yourself sufficient time.

 Reporting for Groundschool Lessons or Club organised Events
You report for Ground Activities by being present at the venue for the activity.
Give yourself sufficient time to locate the specific venue for the activity.

7.4 Absenteeism
The Club aims to inculcate professionalism into each trainee that passes through its
course; therefore absenteeism without a valid reason is viewed very seriously by
the Club. Absence due to medical grounds is the only valid reason acceptable by
the Club without question. A Medical Certificate is required in this case. The
Club understands that there may be circumstances that justify absence and is
willing to consider such cases based on their merits. A letter of explanation by a
parent, legal guardian or school authority may be required in such a case.
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7.4.1 Absence from Ground school lessons or Briefings
You will be considered absent if you do not turn up for the activity or if you turn
up late or leave early and the lecturer deems that you have missed an essential part
of the lesson or briefing. Make-up lessons or briefings can be arranged if you have
a valid reason.

7.4.2 Absence from Flights and Sims Lessons
Absence from flights is viewed as a serious violation. This is because lost flights
cannot be recovered and it is difficult to find a suitable replacement at the last
minute. You will be considered absent for a flight if you do not turn up or are
unable to report on time. You will be given an additional 15 minutes to report if
you are late or 25 minutes if you call the Ops to inform the Club that you will be
late. After this grace period, the flight will be cancelled and you will be marked as
‘Absent’. If you meet the grace period, you will be marked as ‘Late’.

7.4.3 Consequences of Absenteeism
If you do not provide the Club with a valid reason for being absent, appropriate
action will be taken. After being absent twice without a reason, a Letter of
Notification will be sent to you and a copy to your school. You will be given a
week to respond to the letter through writing. If the reasons for your absence are
accepted by the Club, your absenteeism records will be erased. If however you fail
to respond and are absent a third time without reason, you will be phased-out of
your course.

7.4.4 Excuse Chit – Permission Letter for participation of activities at SYFC
The Club is able to provide a letter of permission to participate in activities at
SYFC should you require one to forgo non-compulsory activities in school for
flying or ground lessons. You need to download this letter at SYFC website and
get your teacher to excuse you for lessons/activities beforehand and SYFC will
endorse the reply slip to acknowledge attendance.

8. Mentoring

8.1 Mentoring Sessions will be scheduled during your Orientation. During these
sessions, you will be broken into small groups and assigned Mentors. These
Mentors are members of the SYFC Alumni and are students who have gone
through the entire flying course in SYFC and obtained their PPLs. Apart from the
programmed briefings and activities, these sessions give you an opportunity to
clarify your queries with people who have actually gone through what you will be
going through. You are encouraged to seize this opportunity to find out as much
as you can. Your mentors will continue to support you through your course so do
ensure you have a way of communicating with them after the sessions.

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9. Aircraft Checks Self-Practice

9.1 A very effective way of learning checks is to practice them in an aircraft. There is
however safety procedures to learn before you will be allowed to practice checks
in an aircraft by yourself. Your Mentors will brief you on these procedures during
your Mentoring Session and walk you through the procedure of obtaining an
aircraft for your practice. You are to comply strictly with the procedures so that
you do not endanger yourself and others during your practice sessions. Safety is
paramount in all flying operations and you will do well by starting to be safety-
conscious on the ground.

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CHAPTER 2 – FACILITIES

1. Transportation

1.2 SYFC transportation
Access to the Club premises from the Seletar Main Gate via public transportation
is limited and sometimes irregular. To make it more convenient for you to get to
the Club, transportation by the Club’s van is provided to and from the Seletar Main
Gate at the following timings:

From Main Remarks From SYFC to Remarks
Gate to SYFC Main Gate
0740H 1015H
0755H 1st Wave 1040H 1st Wave
0810H 1100H
0830H On Saturdays Only
0850H (For Briefings &
CCA activities )
1020H 1320H
1050H 2nd Wave 1340H 2nd Wave
1110H
1330H 1530H
1350H 3rd Wave 1550H 3rd Wave
1610H
1540H For the ‘Closing
1600H 4th Wave 1705H Time’ run, the driver
1620H 1750H will wait for all
Closing Time students and staff to
be ready before
departing.
*Please note that timings are departing times or the time the van will leave.
*You are advised to obtain a pocket-sized copy of this table from the Ops as changes
are likely be updated more promptly on those copies than in this handbook.

1.3 Transportation by public bus
For those who prefer to use public transportation, you can take SBS bus No. 103W
from the Main Gate. This is a loop service that starts from the Main Gate and goes
to various bus-stops within Seletar West Camp, including one near SYFC, and
returns to the Main Gate.

1.4 Transportation by public taxi
Students are allowed to claim a subsidy of 25% of their taxi fares subjected to a
maximum of S$3.00 per student per trip in the following conditions:
 1st Wave – Trip from SYFC to school after flying or ground lesson
 3rd Wave – Trip from school to SYFC for flying

Note that 4 students sharing a taxi for the same trip will be entitled to a total claim
of S$12.00 or their full taxi fare, whichever is lower.
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2. Library

2.1 SYFC maintains an aviation library on the 2nd level of the building. Its resources
include books, manuals, magazines, videos and CD-ROMs. You are encouraged
to use its resources to build up both your general and aviation knowledge. You
will need your library card if you want to borrow any of the resources.

3. Notices

3.14.1 Various departments in SYFC maintain Notice Boards strategically located within Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
the Club premises. You are advised to keep yourself updated by regularly
browsing through the notices for those relevant to you.

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CHAPTER 3 – CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Introduction

1.1 The Flying Course in SYFC is designed not just to teach flying but also to build
the foundations of the trainee to become a responsible, disciplined and professional
pilot. As a trainee here, you are therefore expected to carry yourself in a manner
befitting a pilot. In general, the conduct expected of you in school applies in
SYFC. The following paragraphs will emphasize the more pertinent rules you are
required to adhere to.

2. Bearing, Turn-out & Behaviour in the Club Premises

2.1 Attire in the Club’s Premises
You are expected to be in the SYFC T-shirt with either long pants or jeans and
shoes whenever you are in the Club’s premises. You may arrive or leave the Club
in your school uniform (if you have one) but you are expected to change to your
SYFC T-shirt for your stay. All shirts and T-shirts must be neatly tucked in.
Sandals and open-toe shoes are not allowed. Baggy pants or jeans or any offensive
or fanciful clothing is also prohibited.

2.2 Attire for Flying
 Students in Phases I & II are to wear their SYFC T-shirts for flying.

 Students in Phase III (PPL Course) will be issued Flight Suits complete with
cotton inner T-shirts, Flying Gloves (optional) and a subsidized pair of Safety
Boots. You are to wear the complete Flight Attire for every flight.

2.3 Hair Style
Hair should be short and neat, not covering your eyebrows, ears or collar. Female
trainees with long hair must tie their hair up neatly at all times.

2.4 Fashion Accessories
Please remove all fashion accessories when you come for flights, they are a safety
hazard. This point will be elaborated during your Safety Brief.

2.5 Behaviour in the Club premises
Do not be rowdy or loiter in the Ops Room. Use the designated waiting areas in
the Club.

3. Consumption of Food and Drinks

3.1 The consumption of food and beverages is confined to the SYFC cafeteria located
on the 1st level. Only the consumption of plain water is allowed in other parts of
the building.

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CHAPTER 4 – THE SYFC FLYING COURSE

1. Introduction

1.1 The SYFC Flying Course is divided into 3 phases. Phases I and II constitute the
Basic Flying Course, which can be completed with or without the achievement of
the 1st Solo Flight. Phase III is the PPL Course, which leads to the attainment of
the CAAS issued PPL.

1.2 The primary aim of the SYFC is to expose as many students as possible to the
world of aviation. To this end, the Club’s aim would have already been achieved
if a student completes Phase I of the Flying Course. Students who show good
potential will however be recommended to proceed to Phase II, where the basics of
take-off and landing are taught. Students who demonstrate competence in this
phase will be given the opportunity to make their 1st solo flight, which marks the
end of this phase. Out of those who achieve 1st solo, only the outstanding ones
will be recommended for Phase III of the course, which is the PPL Course.

2. Objectives of the SYFC Flying Course

The course is designed to fulfil the following objectives:
 To introduce and expose students to flying and aviation
 To discover each student’s aptitude and potential for flying
 To develop the skills, knowledge and character necessary for flying training

3. The Basic Flying Course (BFC)

3.1 If your application to SYFC to participate in the Flying Course is successful, you
will be grouped with other successful applicants to form a cohort. Your cohort
will be assigned a Course Number, eg. 100 BFC (100th Basic Flying Course).
Your course will be scheduled to begin the Orientation Phase (with familiarisation
flight), after which flying will commence. The duration of the BFC is 3 months
from the date your course commences flying.

3.2 Phase I – Basic General Handling
This phase consists of 6 sorties designed to introduce and teach the basic
manoeuvres of flying. It will develop the necessary skills required to proceed on
to Phase II of training. Training is conducted in the Light Aircraft Training Areas
‘Alpha’, ‘Bravo’ and ‘Charlie’. Phase I is expected to take 5 weeks to complete.

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3.2.1 The syllabus for this phase is as follows:

Sortie Exercise
1 Familiarisation & EOC 1
2 Effects of Controls 2 (EOC 2)
3 Straight & Level 1 (S+L 1)
4 Straight & Level 2 (S+L 2)
5 Climbing & Descending 1&2 (C+D 1&2 )
6 Turning

3.3 Phase II – Circuit Training
Phase II consists of 11 sorties as well and is designed to introduce and teach the
students how to Take-Off and Land safely. After learning about stalling, students
will be taught to fly the Normal Circuit, which will allow them to continuously
practice take-offs and landings and hone their skills in this area. Except for sorties
9 & 10, training in this phase will take place at Seletar Aerodrome. Phase II is
expected to take 7 weeks to complete.

3.3.1 The syllabus is as follows:

Sorties Exercise
7 Stalling 1
8 Stalling 2
9 to 16 Normal Circuit (CCTS) & Emergencies
17 1st Solo Flight

More details on the Basic Flying Course syllabus and a comprehensive guide to
each exercise are given in the Basic Flying Course Study Guide.

3.4 Simulator Lessons
The Sims is an excellent platform to enhance flying training and is used by SYFC
as an integral part of its flying training programme. Lessons are appropriately
scheduled into the flying syllabus for all phases of training. The table below
provides details of the Sims lessons in Phases I and II of your flying training.

Simulator Lessons in Phase I of flying training
Simulator Lesson When
SIM 1: Cockpit Familiarisation & Checks
During Orientation
SIM 2: Cockpit Checks, R/T calls & EOC
SIM 3: Cockpit Checks, R/T calls & S+L Before sortie 3
SIM 4: Cockpit Checks, R/T calls & C+D Before sortie 5
SIM 5: Turning Before sortie 6

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Simulator Lessons in Phase II of flying training
Simulator Lesson When
SIM 6: Stalling Before sortie 7
SIM 7: Normal Circuits Before sortie 9
SIM 8: Ground & Inflight Emergencies Before sortie 12
*Please note that you will not be allowed to embark on actual flying lessons
without first completing the appropriate Sims lessons.

3.43.5 Groundschool in the BFC– Mass Briefings Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
Mass Briefings are designed to teach the theoretical aspects of the flying exercises
in the syllabus. A strong grounding in these subjects will put you in good stead for
your flights. Airborne time is precious and should not be used to explain theory.
Flight time should be maximized for the imparting of the practical skills of flying.
You should therefore already have a clear understanding of the subject matter
before flight.

3.4.13.5.1 You will not be allowed to fly a particular exercise if you have not attended Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
the Mass Brief for it. The alternative is to go through the Computer Aided
Instruction (CAI) programme and watch a video for that subject. These are
however poor substitutes to having a brief by an Instructor. In addition, some
briefings include procedures on top of the subject matter and these are not covered
in the CAI or videos.

3.4.23.5.2 At each of these briefings, certain ‘Domestic’ procedures will also be Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
covered. These include flying and radiotelephony procedures. They will either be
covered by the instructor or via the CAI programmes.

3.4.33.5.3 Mass Briefings are conducted on Saturdays. The Mass Briefing Schedule Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
for your course will be given to you in your course programme during your
orientation. The subjects covered are as follows:

No. Mass Briefing Subjects
1 Effects of Controls
2 Human Performance & Limitations
3 Aircraft Rating
4 Straight & Level
5 Climbing & Descending
6 Turning
7 Stalling
8 Circuits

3.5.4 During the course of these mass briefs, aircraft checks, domestic procedures and
emergency procedures will also be covered progressively. Details of these will be
indicated in the Orientation Programme.

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3.53.6 Achievement Certificates for the BFC Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
Students who complete any of the phases in the BFC will be awarded the
appropriate Basic Flying Course Certificate. Those who achieve 1st Solo will also
be awarded the First Solo Certificate.

4. The Private Pilots Licence Course (PPL)

4.1 Phase III of the SYFC Flying Course is also known as the PPL Course as it
culminates in the attainment of a Restricted PPL issued by CAAS. If you are
selected for the PPL course, your Primary Instructor will brief you on the
numerous pre-commencement procedures. These procedures are not covered in
this guide.

4.2 The duration of Phase III is approximately 24 weeks, consisting of 29 training
sorties, 6 written examinations, a practical oral examination and the Final Handling
Flight Test. All examinations and tests in this phase are administered and assessed
by CAAS. By the time you complete Phase II of flying, you will be familiar with
the SYFC Operations Manual. You will find a detailed layout of the PPL syllabus
in this manual.

4.3 Pre-requisites for the PPL Course
The selection criteria for the PPL course comprises both objective and subjective
assessments made by the Primary Instructor, or the Instructor the student has flown
most with in Phases I & II. Objective assessments include factors like flying
performance and grades of sorties flown in the Basic Phases, attendance and
regularity of flight bookings. Subjective assessments include the Instructor’s
professional opinion with regards to the ability of the student to cope with flying
and other school commitments, the student’s attitude towards flying, level of
commitment, interest and enthusiasm.

4.3.1 The criteria listed so far is not exhaustive and there may be other factors that may
be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis. Notwithstanding the
Instructor’s assessment, there are pre-requisites that the student need to have
before being considered for the PPL course. These are:

 The student must have successfully completed Phase II of flying and achieved
1st Solo.
 The student should have at least a high average performance for the Basic
Phases.
 The student must be recommended by the Primary Instructor and this
recommendation must be endorsed by the Operations Manager (OM) or the
Chief Flying Instructor (CFI).
 The student must have sufficient flight bookings to potentially fly 2 flights a
week and be able to complete the flying and ground school examinations
within six months of starting the course.
 For students sitting for the GCE ‘A” level examinations, the student must be
able to complete the course by July of the year of their examinations.
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4.3.2 If you are selected for the PPL Course, you will receive thorough briefings from
your Flight and Ground school Instructors on the scope of the course prior to
commencement. As such, the details are not covered in this guide.

4.4 Awards & Certificates for the PPL Course
Students who complete the PPL Course will be issued with a Restricted PPL by
CAAS. They will also receive a PPL Certificate and a S$500/- monetary award
from the SYFC.

4.4.1 All successful students within a period of one year, will be placed in the same
cohort to compete for two prestigious awards:
 The Best in Flying Award
 The Best in Groundschool Award

4.4.2 Winners will receive a trophy at the PPL presentation ceremony and have their
names written down in SYFC history.

4.4.3 The top 3 students in flying performance as well as groundschool will also be
awarded the MAJ Excellence Award. This award comes with a S$500/- monetary
prize.

5. Flying Assessment

5.1 All sorties in the SYFC Flying Course are assessable. Assessment grades are
given for every item within the sortie requirements, the list of which will be on the
sortie debrief sheet for that particular flight. An overall grade will also be given
based on the overall performance of the student in fulfilling the sortie
requirements.

5.2 Grading System
The Assessment Grades are as follows:

Grade Assessment
7 Excellent
6 Above Average
5 High Average
4 Average
3 Low Average
2 Marginal
1 Fail

5.3 Progress File
A Progress File will be kept for each student. All your sortie debriefs will be filed
in this folder. There are other components that make up this file, the details of
which will be briefed to you during your familiarisation brief. You are expected to
maintain and update this file properly and use it to review past lessons when you

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come for flights. Please DO NOT remove this file from the Club premises or any
documents therein.

5.4 Termination from the flying course due to performance (Phase-Out)
Flying is a challenging activity and is not suitable for everyone. Inevitably, there
may be some that will find the demands overwhelming and not be able to cope.
The Phasing-Out criteria for the various flying phases are designed to be fair and
to allow sufficient opportunity for a weak student to improve and progress further.
It is stricter in Phases I & II where the sorties are less demanding.

5.4.1 In the Basic Flying Course, a student not performing satisfactorily will be phased-
out without further review.

5.4.2 Unsatisfactory performance in Phases I & II is defined as follows:
 1 X Grade 1 (Assessed to have failed on 1 sortie), OR
 1 X Grade 2 (Assessed to be marginal on 1 sortie), OR
 2 X Grade 3 (Assessed to be Low Average for 2 sorties)

5.4.3 A multiple-check approach is taken to phase-out a student in Phase III. A student
assessed to be unsatisfactory will first be reviewed by another instructor for up to 3
sorties. Should the reviewing instructor concur that the student’s performance is
unsatisfactory; the student will be planned for a final progress check with the Chief
Flying Instructor or the Operations Manager who will confirm the decision to
phase the student out. If the student shows improvement and potential to complete
the course at any stage during this process, the student will be allowed to continue
with the PPL course.

5.4.4 Unsatisfactory performance in Phase III is defined as follows:
 1 X Grade 1 (Assessed to have failed on 1 sortie), OR
 2 X Grade 2 (Assessed to be marginal for 2 sorties), OR
 4 X Grade 3 (Assessed to be marginal for 4 sorties), OR
 Assessed to be unsafe for solo flight due to performance on 2 consecutive
sorties.

6. Withdrawal from the Flying Course

6.1 When you are selected for the Flying Course in SYFC, you are expected to commit
time and effort to doing your best in the course and to see it through. There are
however cases where a student is genuinely unable to continue on the course due
to factors beyond the student’s control. Should you need to withdraw from the
SYFC Flying Course, you are required to submit a letter of withdrawal to the
Club’s management. This letter must be endorsed by one of your parents or legal
guardian.

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CHAPTER 5 – OUT-PROCESSING PROCEDURE

1. The Out-Processing Procedure is basically a list of things to do when your
membership with the Club is terminated. This usually happens when you have
completed your course or when you have been phased-out.

1.1 The procedure is relatively simple:
 Update your progress file. (If you have not done so after your last flight)
 Fill up a survey form pertaining to your course.
 Return your membership card to the Recruitment Office.
 Return any borrowed resources and your library card to the librarian.
 Return any borrowed material from the Groundschool Office to the
Groundschool Instructor.
 Return any resources borrowed from the Club to its appropriate owners.

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CHAPTER 6 – SOME ADVICE

Be Committed
Learning to fly is an opportunity that doesn’t come by often or easily. You should seize
this opportunity and make the best of it. To do that, you will inevitably have to commit
your time and effort.

Be Disciplined
As with learning any other skill, you will have to work on it to gain mastery. This
naturally entails considerable self-sacrifice. Psych yourself before you start your course to
put aside time to prepare for your flights.

Have the right Attitude
Come with an open mind to learn. Do not be discouraged by mistakes or poor
performance. Endeavour instead to improve at the next opportunity. Give your best shot
right to the very end and should you not make the grade, remember that even if you only
had one flight, you would have gained an experience not easily available to all.

Prepare well for flights
Your mentors and instructors will guide you with your preparation at the initial stages but
ultimately you will have to do the work. Enough material is provided for you to
thoroughly prepare for each flight, make use of them. The better prepared you are, the
more you will learn and the more you will enjoy your flights. Take the opportunity to
acquire techniques of mental flying and memorising aircraft checks during your mentoring
sessions. Your mentors have all gone through what you will be going through and will be
able to provide you with valuable tips.

Read widely
Do not confine yourself to just the materials supplied for your course. Pick out related
literature that interest you and progressively build your knowledge. The SYFC library
houses many relevant resources, make good use of it.

Share your experience
“No man is an island”. You will certainly progress faster and perhaps further if you work
with others. Form discussion groups, share your flight experiences and learn from each
other’s mistakes.

To fly is a privilege.
Cherish it!

Let’s Go Fly!

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