Irni Mastura

Oh yeah, rock on add on, Walter! And thanks for the compliments, Capt Nik... but I'm just a channel not the key point, I couldn't do the job without multitude of helps from all members, like counting the RM1 notes lah, recounting the cash lah, getting all sorts of jobs done were actually done by everyone there who lend me multitude of hands. All cheers to you guys mmwah! Ok photos done uploading.. will post some now in Walter's new thread!

To Capt. Nik, I can't thank you enough for such a wonderful wonderful awesome super-extravaganza (okay.. exaggerations are just my own opinion ) flying opportunity and experience! Plus with the tour to Eurocopter, AND lunch at their very very nice lounge. Was a great outing which you have made possible and I've made loads of friends today too because of that, so I am forever grateful for the chance to meet my fellow MW friends. Hehe... its either sugar high or what, but I still feel giddy about today... teeheeehhee... To TK, Uncle Norman and Chong, Thank you so much for capturing today's episode in your many many lenses I am sure those who came today will be extremely grateful for your fish-eyes or cat-eyes or whatnots. Lugging those equipments around in that afternoon heat must be really tiring! And TK especially for his generosity for putting upfront cover for the funds in case we were short in cash for the total fees, plus helping with the end arrangements with the flying management team. To all the pilots and aviation heavyweights who shared with us your flying stories, Mucho gracias for the funny, dramatic, and always comical (other than the propellers meet people's bodyparts lah ) stories and shared experiences to us greenies. I doubt we could get this special insights if we were to hire our own flight instructors. To everyone who came and made today's a very special day for me, *GROUP HUGS* Thank you guys and gals. I can't thank you enough! Thank you to those who took my random photos when I couldn't take it myself. Thank you to Azuan for taking loads of nice pics of me controlling the Cessna 172 (and for putting up with my bad pics taken for him during his time, and also for putting up with my flying and manage to NOT puke! Haha...). And KK, thanks for the very much needed ice lemon tea treat! Truly refreshing Okay, before I forget... here's the caption as requested by Pieter! Standing left to right Maleha (Meor's lovely wife, she did not fly the plane but was Meor's flying companion), Meor, Kelvin L, Diadrian, Loh Wilson, KK Lee, Azuan Zahdi, Victor Goh, Razlizam, Chong HV (one of our photographers!) Squatting in various positions, left to right Saadiah, Chen TW, Walter Sim, Jerry Ang, Irni, Adrian L, Teo ZY Blue cap guy shooting everyone else TK Hehehe.... p/s: Oh, forgot the stats... in case someone wants them.. Admin fee: RM 9.00 each Pass fee: RM 1.00 each Total fliers: 15 persons Total flight hours: 6 hrs 45 minutes Total flight fee: RM 243.00 x 15 = RM 3,645.00 Will post my photos soon after I've finished uploading them on Webshots! Till then, salam and cheers

Yeah, the dried plums' description did sound morbidly crude, but it is good to chew during flight to avoid nausea / air-sickness to new fliers, according to Capt Nik. The bottled dried plums (under the label Mor Fa Kor, I think) are commonly available at all local 7-Eleven stores. TK recommended another - plastic bag and small towel too.... just in case! Am about to go to SZB right after my solat Subuh (morning prayer), wish us luck in both the weather and in flying too! Cheers all

Haha... and not forgetting the 'tahi hidung' asam* from 7-11, a plastic 'barf' bag (no holes please), and also a small towel.... just in case! *Dried nasal secretions-lookalike dried plums

I know I shouldn't repeat this, but @ joystick and cockpit! Hehehe... Sorry guys, something wrong with wireless at home this past week and unable to post it last night. Am posting from cybercafe. Attendees Capt. NikCapt. Ismail (MW forums lurker!)Norman (the serious photographer, hehe... just kidding!) ____" Tentative Fliers / Paid RM150 Deposit "____ Capt. Norhisham (a.k.a. THE Norhisham 'Perth'... B777 maestro, guys )TK ____" Confirmed pairings / Paid RM150 Deposit "____ Walter SL Wilson ____ DiadrianKelvin L. ____ Azuan ZahdiIrni ____ Chen T WJerry the Joker ____ Alvin LTeoh Z Y ____ ____" Unconfirmed pairings / Paid RM150 Deposit "____ KK Lee (tak sempat - wasn't able to get his affirmative answer before he left!)Razlizam Apologies MeorKenneth T (Not sure... I think Walter did mention about cancellation... kindly confirm)Victor GohCancellations / Moved to another date Victor ADavid CPC YuenMohammed NasirVery nice to meet you guys last night! Was actually quite nervous because I was practically meeting strangers, not knowing any one of you guys in person prior to that! And thank you for making me feel comfortable enough to ask [non-stop] silly questions! Hehe... an old habit I have. Even my senior managers told me that I am not Irni if I don't have questions to ask! Salam and cheers all! Looking forward to tomorrow morning

Huwaa... Capt Radzi got all of them correct! Thanks for the links ya. Identify the below image (parts of an aircraft) and state what it is used for. Hint: Wings! Yup, these small extensions which look like antennas along the trailing edge of the wings (and some at tail) are called static wicks alright. These static wicks release the static electric charges (caused by the friction of air moving over the metal frame of the aircraft) into the air. What is the fastest airplane ever flown? Hint: Mach 6.7. X-15 reached Mach 6.7, which is 4,520 mph, in 1967. Not only that, it was able to fly as high as 354,200 ft up, or 67 miles above the Earth. What do you get when a jet airplane (B767), flying at 41,000 ft, completely runs out of fuel? Hint: No one onboard was injured during the landing, and the aircraft just retired last month, 24th Jan '08. (Thanks Bennedic for the correction! ) A very large, very expensive 132 ton glider. Or famously known as Gimli Glider. This glider was a two-engine Boeing 767, Air Canada Flight 143 from Ottawa towards Edmonton on 23rd July 1983, an unbelievable yet true story. A series of bizzare errors by the pilots and ground crew, adds up with computer malfunctions, resulted in the plane with only half the fuel to reach their destination after take-off. Its the kind of story one would put up in something like Ripley's Believe It Or Not because not only the causes that led to the half fuel were bizzare (e.g. a highly improbable, one-in-a-million sequence of mistakes by Air Canada technicians investigating the Fuel Quantity Information System (FQIS) problem), the solution was also set in bizzare circumstances... imagine, neither the pilots nor air traffic controller knew that the primary runway of the decommissioned Royal Canadian Air Force Base in Gimli (on the west shore of Lake Winnipeg), the closest airport within the plane's range for them to land after loosing both engines, was being used for auto racing, and worse still, July 23 was the Winnipeg Sport Car Club's "family day", which means, loads of people at the tarmac! Amazing that no one was hurt during the glide-landing stop, but ironic when some passengers got hurt hitting the tarmac when they evacuated!And what more to spice up the Gimli Glider historic flight - the Air Canada mechanics who were dispatched to drive to the airport and repair the aircraft - get this - ran out of fuel en route! Aha... this is one of the reason why I started this thread - we can't depend from just one source of information. Thanks for sharing this info, Azizul! And really useful link too, yup. 1. Er... we need more vomit bag onboard? 2. Okay, not sure what are the piano keys, but to give safe distance, i.e. 'green light' for landing?

Out of fascination, my favorite aircraft would be the Airbus A300-600ST (Super Transporter), or fondly known as The Beluga!! Favorite airlines... yet to be confirmed hehe..

For the possible Eurocopter visit addition! This is looking to be more and more of a fun fun day indeed! Out of curiousity, usually how long does it take per person to be up in the air in each session? 1 hour inclusive the walkaround etc, or less? Wow... so much to learn/understand in the space of 90mins! So this is the drawn up flight familiarization syllabus. Will we need to write our own notes (to those who's an absolute beginner, like me!), or will we be given some pointers in hardcopies? p/s: I think I can make it on Thursday. Still at Aman Suria, right? It should be us to thank you instead

Yay.. all three questions were answered correctly, woohoo! Hai... since I've asked the longest flight, now how about the shortest flight? Hint, it's just 2 minutes long. zaki almost got it but Keno got the answer right! Thanks for the picture, it does help a lot to diminsh my own doubts! The shortest flight in the world is British Airways' twice daily Flight 872 between Westray and Papa Westray, Scotland. We know helicopters can lift directly up off the ground. How about jet airplane? Rozhan got this right! VTOLs (Vertical Take Off and Landing aircrafts) can lift straight up from the ground, just like helicopters too. An example is the Hawker Harrier jet, which can direct its high-thrust exhaust downward and literally pushes the aircraft straight up. It can also direct the air forward in order to fly backward. Why do captain and his first officer eat different meal during flight? e.g. one might take the fish set, the other chicken set. (answer may varies ) Again Rozhan got this right This is to avoid both getting sick due to food poisoning Okay... here's some more: Identify the below image (parts of an aircraft) and state what it is used for. Hint: Wings! What is the fastest airplane ever flown? Hint: Mach 6.7. What do you get when a jet airplane, flying at 41,000 ft, completely runs out of fuel? Hint: No one onboard was injured during the landing, and the aircraft is still in use!

This one looks like she's smiling, together with a dimple!

Oh-kay, before anyone else gets sleepier, its time for the answers As a commercial airline passenger, what is the easiest way to tell the year the airplane you are boarding was built? Yes, asking someone who knows might be the easiest but if you are shy, you can always check the little metal registration plate above or on the side of the open door. This plate often tells you what year the airplane was built. Why do all commercial aircrafts are boarded from the left? Ahaha.. perhaps as Capt Radzi has said, for the viewing pleasure of the captain Actually.. I'm not sure that this is the correct answer, but according to this book I have, 'Some historians have linked this convention to the custom of mounting horses from the left side (which may have started when soldiers had swords hanging along their left legs). It would be incredibly difficult to change this arrangement because all airports are designed around this configuration.' If everyone on an airplane jumped into the air at the same time, would the airplane get lighter? Hm.. it should be the opposite. Basic physic, the third Newton law - every action there is an equal and opposite reaction - means that the action of jumping actually force the plane downward slightly, thus making it weightier momentarily. Hmm.. maybe trivia is not as popular as I thought, but I'd like to add a few more Hai... since I've asked the longest flight, now how about the shortest flight? Hint, it's just 2 minutes long. We know helicopters can lift directly up off the ground. How about jet airplane? Why do captain and his first officer eat different meal during flight? e.g. one might take the fish set, the other chicken set. (answer may varies )

I thought someone might answer like this Huwaa... didn't know that. Thanks Keno, for the info! Ah... so desune.. I see. I thought that's the reason why TK wore his mask in his avatar!

I can with both dates, provided its confirmed at least three days ahead of it so I can book my leave.

Ahahaha... sorry Yusoff, I missed the fact that Hooters Air even existed! Anyway, here are the answers: Why most pilots aren't allowed to have beards? Typically, they aren't allowed to have beards. Not because of style, but because it can hinder oxygen mask from fitting tightly enough if the cabin pressure dropped suddenly. Also, if one pilot want to use the toilet, the other pilot has to put his oxygen mask on, also in case the cabin pressure drops when alone in the cockpit (this I didn't know..). The world's longest commercial flight is held by what airline, which type of aircraft, and from where to where? If what I have are right, its Singapore Airlines flight SQ20, an Airbus A340-500 from SIN to LAX. Flight takes 16 hours flying to USA and 18 hours back, spanning over 14,080 km. Which (now-defunct) airline called their flight attendants hosties and dressed them in eye-popping outfits designed somewhat akin to what a James Bond girl would wear? Answers may varies but what I have is Braniff Airlines in the '60s. The uniforms were from an Italian fashion designer named Emilio Pucci, thus the stewardess were sometime called Puccis Galore. If I'm not mistaken, a couple of years after the fad began, the book memoir of two airline stewardess came about. It's title; "Coffee, tea, or me?".. and was considered somewhat racy in the 60s era Anyway.. here's a few more: As a commercial airline passenger, what is the easiest way to tell the year the airplane you are boarding was built? Why do all commercial aircrafts are boarded from the left? If everyone on an airplane jumped into the air at the same time, would the airplane get lighter?

Who knows they might make it into a movie

Yes... I can make it on 23rd Feb I was afraid that it was to be on the 16th, as I've got a meeting on Friday evening (thus, might affect attendance for the pre-briefing) which can't be avoided! May I know what time will the Friday night briefing will be? And venue? The Eagle we're talking is an a/c which is commonly used in agricultural, right? And how much is fee for the chopper? p/s: Thanks!

Not keen to put this up in Golden Lounge, as this topic does relates to General Aviation. Am keen though to place it here to lighten up the serious atmosphere lately (Plus I still can't sleep at this hour... and have to go to work in few hours time, bah..) Okay, I have few trivia questions to place here, and although I have a fascinating book to answer me, I'd like to read how you experienced aviation enthusiasts would answer them. And maybe later share with you what I have too. Oh, feel free to add your trivia questions too! I'm sure you have at least one up your sleeves. Spread the love! Hehe.. I'll start with a question which led me to buy this book of trivia Why most pilots aren't allowed to have beards? The world's longest commercial flight is held by what airline, which type of aircraft, and from where to where? Which (now-defunct) airline called their flight attendants hosties and dressed them in eye-popping outfits designed somewhat akin to what a James Bond girl would wear? Okay, three is enough for today. Will add more tomorrow!

Though I am not familiar with the incidents, I guess its lucky for Boeing service record instead since we have good pilot controls to overcome these problems mid-air. Isk..

..and also to the comfort and enjoyment of aimless strollers! Late last December I went to SZB just to leisurely check out Fireflyz, and since its been aa-ages, many many years since my last visit there, I was seriously shocked to find it so dilapidated looking. I parked at the opposite open area parking, with the parking attendant booth looking like a storeroom/junkyard makeshift, and like a cautious fool I took the overpass to get over to SZB. After climbing those stairs and crossing the overpass, I found out that the entrance at T3 end was grilled locked. Lucky (or not) my aim was to have an aimless stroll that day, I wasn't in the mood to grumble (just felt like a dork, was all). Glad to hear they're doing something about it. It's a shame because I saw many pretty choppers there

Egad.. Hope the injuries weren't serious.

Thanks for the update (and effort), will take note of the finalized confirmation date on Wednesday next week

I've changed my mind. Can you please add me in as well? This might be a seriously good exposure for my future undertakings. Will need to have a confirm date (and time) so that I can take a day or a half day off on Friday for the briefing. (My shift ends at midnight so need to arrange that beforehand). Thanks for the opportunity sir! p/s: In your opinion, is high wing or low wing better for total beginner who has no experience whatsoever? Like Victor I've no FS experience as well. I'd go with experienced and seasoned people's advise on the type of aircraft, if available lah. pp/s: Can we do this i.e. flight day as one of the activity for MW's upcoming third anniversary? Special spotters and fliers day out

Seriously.. seriously interesting. But I'm having cold knuckles just imagining it! Too excited, yet too gabra to be behind the control. Can I just join the walkaround and briefing (not the mandatory night briefing), or getting a seat behind? I don't mind paying for those. Any requirements for the voluntary photographer slots - e.g. must have DSLR?

Oh If only I read this thread first. I just bought AA & A, Jan 08 issue today from Kino at KLCC (the only airliner mag which I found though), haven't read them yet. Its cover story was on the story about MAS-Qantas to set up joint venture MRO company, with IJ and Geoff Dixon on the cover . The mag was mentioned by a member of another forum, which was the reason why I was looking for it. Later I stopped by Times and found the rest of the mags recommended in the above quote, but a bit pricey for me at the time, so I sadly forgo them. In regards of 'n00bie' purchases, I've got: The Complete Eejit's* Guide to Flying and Gliding (Bill Lane and Azriela Jaffe) Randomly found it. It was on stock clearance sale so I got this somewhat cheap. http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guid...g/dp/0028638859 The Flying Book (David Blatner) Quite funny Q&A book, even covered about why pilots aren't allowed to have beards! http://www.amazon.com/Flying-Book-David-Bl...r/dp/0140297871 A Field Guide to Airplanes 3rd Ed. (M.R. Montgomery & Gerald Foster) I've been quite a dunderhead when it comes to recognizing aircrafts, so I got this book to help me a bit. http://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Airplane...d/dp/0618411275 For some local flavor, I've got: The Air Asia Story: How A Young Airline Made It Possible For Everyone To Fly And Became A Runaway Success (Sen Ze & Jayne Ng) For the seasoned aviation enthusiasts, this book might bore them to death, but since I did not follow the aviation news closely not until few months ago, I was captivated by the tales in this book. Pre-MW read, hehe.. For something fictional, I've only got: Airframe (Michael Crichton) I've read this book about three times already, was a fan of Crichton books years ago. Painfully not as much reading as I should have done.. but I aim to make my list bigger definitely. * Seemed that the original word was bleeped from forum usage, hehe And oooh... I was tempted to buy these two when I saw them at Kino: Airbus A380: Superjumbo on World Tour [illustrated] (Hardcover) by David Maxwell http://www.amazon.co.uk/Airbus-A380-Superj...r/dp/0760332797 Airbus A380: Superjumbo of the 21st Century (Hardcover) by Guy Norris & Mark Wagner http://www.amazon.com/Airbus-A380-Superjum...y/dp/076032218X

Its like survival of the fittest. And most competent. Thanks for answering, Capt Nik.