Since Singapore barely has enough roads for supercars and their clubs to enjoy, one might be forgiven for assuming flying around here as a hobby would be difficult. But the reality is that there is a thriving community of passionate aviators in, around, and beyond the region, thanks to flying clubs that offer lessons and arrange group trips, as well as organise monthly brunches and trivia nights.
“The community is quite adventurous and down-to-earth,” says Anne Wong, head of public relations at Tin Box Group and a member of WOA Flying Club by WingsOverAsia. “Lots of people think we’re flying in luxurious private jets, but that’s not what it’s like at all. There’s no champagne and, most of the time, there’s no air-conditioning. It’s more like driving an antique car.”
It’s not so much the extravagance of flying that thrills airborne hobbyists as it is the feeling of freedom and control. Jason Bay, a fellow WOA member, who is also a race car and technical diving enthusiast, believes it’s all about the man-to-machine interface. “In all three of my hobbies, I rely heavily on the contraption to accomplish things that would not otherwise be possible. The machine becomes an extension of my body,” he offers. The concept of self-responsibility, he adds, is also never more apparent than when you’re flying solo. “It’s not about pleasing your instructor or making a perfect landing. It’s about your will to live.”
We speak to three more pilots about how they come alive when they take to the skies.
ROCH HENNESSY
This story is from the May 2023 edition of The PEAK Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2023 edition of The PEAK Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Sophisticated Bachelor Pad
In this two-storey apartment belonging to a finance in professional, designer Jerry Tan of Joey Khu ID created distinct arez ork and play.
Fringe Modalities
Poet, frontwoman, and shamanic healer ArunDitha Emmanuel returns to Singapore with renewed vigour to push the state-enforced boundaries of art.
Taking On Decolonisation
The annual Per°Form Open Academy of Arts and Activations by T:> Works this year tackles the complex subject of decolonisation with a line-up of artists from the global south.
Japan at Half-speed
A walking tour through the Kunisaki Peninsula in Kyushu is an invitation to appreciate thé country’s beauty ata snail's pace.
Truffle Sabotage
In the heart of Chianti, dark tales of the truffle trade, bacchanalian feasts, and sun salutations await at Christina Ong's COMO Castello del Nero in Tuscany.
Is Barolo the Next Burgundy?
With Burgundy prices reaching starry heights, we find out why Barolo is the next frontier for oenophiles.
Hungry for Hansik
Hansik, or Korean food, is becoming more popular worldwide due to the proliferation of Korean pop culture. We explore two of the cuisine's stalwart elements.
Maxed Out
We explore the intricacies of high-performance tyre development inside Continental’s top-tier test facility in Germany and put its new MaxContact MC7 tyres to the test.
India Rising
From a culture whose glorious traditions have greatly influenced luxury jewellery today, young designers like Renu Oberoi are rewriting the narrative.
A Life Less Ordinary
Street culture pioneer-entrepreneur Feroze McLeod defies convention, even in his watch collection.