Both PPK and myself are aviation enthusiasts and we work in related field. We are both in love with planes since young (he probably started earlier), attending every airshow, spending hours plane spotting, collecting plane models and watching aviation drama/movies (just like what every other aviation enthusiast does). As you might have expected, airplane brought us together.
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| First aerial display watched together during NDP preview on 3 Aug 2013 |
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| First airshow watched together in Korea on 26 Sep 2013 |
Our story of chasing after our passion, is unlike the typical fairytale. I wanted to become a pilot and thus applied to SYFC. However, I got rejected during the medical test due to eyesight (mine was slightly above 300 degrees and back then they only accepted those below 250). Just a year after I applied, they increased the minimum eyesight requirement. I think another reason they were not interested in taking me in was because I applied only when I was in University (too late). I could have gone on to apply for commercial pilot after graduation but I didn't. Honestly, I was afraid that I will be rejected. I went to apply for ATC instead. After passing the second phase of interview, I pulled out as my parents weren't supportive of me working shift. Nevertheless, I still managed to make a living in the aviation field.
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| Second airshow watched together in Korea on 19 Oct 2013 |
His story is far more like a roller coaster ride. Unlike me, he is focused and determined - took the first step and never looked back. He got into pilot training (arduous journey which I shall not elaborate), had a taste of flight but got injured midway. He stopped flying for about a year and then resumed again. All I can say is that he ran out of luck. His dream had to come to an end, at least for the time being.
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| Plane spotting near Gimpo Airport on 21 Oct 2013 |
Our favourite and most watched aerobatic performance will be the one performed by Korea's Black Eagles. For those who don't know about them, Black Eagles is the flying display team of Republic of Korea Air Force, just like Singapore's RSAF Black Knights. They have performed in 2014 and 2016 Singapore Airshow. We have followed them from Korea to Singapore, to Korea and back to Singapore again. We have seen them change a few versions of their flying manoeuvres but no matter how many times we have watched it, we enjoyed it.
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| Third airshow watched together in Korea on 26 Oct 2013 |
Even though we grew up in different environment, different culture, different nationality and had different first language, it is this passion for plane that has bonded us together. It was probably the only thing we shared in common when we first met.
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| Fourth air show watched together in Singapore on 16 Feb 2014 |
To all those out there who are pursuing your dream, don't give up. I don't have wonderful success stories to share here but just to let you know (whoever you are), you are not alone. PPK and myself will continue to pursue our passion and dream. No matter how long it takes, I will continue to support him in his pursuit. I believe that if there's a will, there's a way. You might think that it's cliché but I can tell you that believing in it gives you the drive and motivation to make it happen. Sometimes, the journey there is more meaningful than being there. The longer it takes to get there, the more meaningful it is.
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| Fifth airshow watched together in Korea on 24 Oct 2015 |
Wherever you are and however far you might be from the end point, don't give up. Live your passion and behold the beauty of dreams.
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