The Merdeka Flypast – A Skybound Memory

4 Sukhoi Su-30 MKM in Formation Flying (AI Generated)

The Merdeka Flypast – A Skybound Memory

Yesterday morning, the thunderous roar of six Sukhoi Su-30MKM jets slicing through the skies in celebration of Malaysia’s Independence Day – 31st August 2025 – stirred something deep within me, rekindling memories of my own airborne journey. It reminded me of my early days in the flying school with the Royal Air Force in the UK, where I first strapped into the Jet Provost, a neat little jet trainer.

At that stage, like many young pilots, I had the dream of flying fighter aircraft. The Jet Provost gave us a taste of jet handling, aerobatics, and the thrill of formation flying. But as fate would have it, I was not selected to continue into the fighter planes. Instead, I was posted to the transport fleet.

Some may think that flying transport planes is less glamorous, but in truth, they came with their own challenges and rewards. These were the aircraft that carried troops, supplies, and often operated into short or rough airstrips. I flew the Caribou, a sturdy twin-engine aircraft that looked modest compared to sleek fighters, but it had remarkable short take-off and landing capabilities.

One highlight of those days was leading a Caribou formation during the Independence Day flypast. Flying low and steady in close company with other aircraft, while thousands watched below, gave me a deep sense of pride. Formation flying is not about being the fastest or flashiest — it’s about discipline, trust, and precision. You fly not just for yourself, but as part of a team where every small movement matters.

In the 1970s, I found myself getting involved in general aviation flying, though this time not in the Air Force, but with the Royal Selangor Flying Club. For its 50th Golden Anniversary, I had the privilege of leading a Pitts Special aerobatic formation in a club plane.

On that day, our club formation flew ahead of the famous Rothmans Aerobatic Team. To share the same sky with them, and to represent the Flying Club in front of the crowd, was a moment I will always treasure.

Looking back, my flying career never quite followed the straight line I once imagined as a young pilot in the Jet Provost. I didn’t end up in a fighter squadron, but I was given opportunities that were equally meaningful. Yes, I eventually ended up with the commercial airlines after my career with the RMAF.

Most memorable in the service was to lead a Caribou in a national flypast and flying with the nimble Pitts in formation in the Club’s Anniversary celebration. I’ve experienced both ends of the flying spectrum — slow and rugged transports to the speedier Jet Provost. And every time I see or hear the roar of jets above, it reminds me how lucky I have been to have spent a great lifetime in the skies.

Happy Merdeka (Independence) Day 2025 to all my fellow citizens!

View a video in Facebook of the air display here https://m.facebook.com/reel/1145648157413715/?ref=embed_video&locale2=en_US