What does it really take to fly a plane? Is it a gift only bestowed upon a chosen few or is it a skill that can be achieved by anyone? Image Travel 3Sixty Since time immemorial, humans have been intrigued with flying, and nothing idealises this better than the famous Greek myth about Icarus, who …
Flying to high altitude airports offers an opportunity to take in stunning sights but the experience also requires some special training for flight crew operating to these lofty airports. Image Travel 3Sixty AirAsia X is currently training aircrew for charter flights (commencing in December) to Xining Airport, an airfield in China situated at 7,165ft (2,184m) …
Image Travel 3Sixty I was recently asked to identify the most difficult aspects of handling a plane. I think a more interesting question would be which of the three main manoeuvres – taxiing, takeoff or landing – is the most challenging. The truth is that there is no definitive answer; different pilots find each of …
Learn to manage travel anxiety for an enjoyable flight with these tips from Captain Lim Khoy Hing. Image: Travel 3Sixty Without a doubt, sound knowledge and understanding of the principles of flying go a long way in helping one relax enough to enjoy a flight; this is something I have frequently reiterated in my earlier …
Shining the spotlight on the second in command in the cockpit – the co-pilot. The role of the co-pilot is often misunderstood by the flying public. Also known as the first officer, the co-pilot is the junior of the two pilots in the cockpit in terms of rank, and wears two or three stripes on …
Image -Travel 3Sixty It’s interesting how good manners can oftentimes completely disappear when patience wears thin and fuses become short in a less than ideal situation. I’ve observed this at the departure gate when, frustrated by a slight delay, passengers jostle to get on board and claim space in the overhead cabin before anyone else …
Image – Travel 3Sixty What makes apples fall from trees? What stops you from floating off into space? Gravity – the force that pulls or attracts a body towards the centre of the Earth. Tightrope walkers understand this better than anyone else. Precariously navigating a rope that seems as fine as a thread, with just …
Image: Travel 3Sixty There is an appropriate time and place for everything, including capturing snapshots for lasting memories. As smartphones evolve to become smarter, their built-in cameras ever more powerful, and the range of photo editing apps even more creative, it seems that conventional consumer cameras are becoming obsolete. Given the ease of whipping out …
Below is the second part to an earlier posting on the ‘perils of personal parachute’, a question by Jenny… Hi Captain Lim, As what we have seen and heard from the news, the survival rate when a plane crashes is mostly 0%. Is there no technology now that can be done to improve the situation? …
Hi Captain Lim, As what we have seen and heard from the news, the survival rate when a plane crashes is mostly 0%. Is there no technology now that can be done to improve the situation? Are personal parachute impractical to increase the survival rate at all? If let’s say the turbine will suck people …
Pilot’s Perspective: A Pilot’s Life What does it take to be a pilot? Captain Lim Khoy Hing explains the requirements and shares about life in the skies. Words: Captain Lim Khoy Hing “Wow, you’re a pilot? That’s fascinating!” I get this remark quite often. The life of an airline pilot conjures up images of travels …
Pilot’s Perspective: Saluting Cabin Crew Becoming a member of the cabin crew requires much more than a pretty face. Comprehensive training, a cool head and a big heart all figure into the makeup of the glamorous jet setting crew. Words: Captain Lim Khoy Hing In January 15, 2009, Captain Sully successfully touched down on the …
Pilot’s Perspective: The Dry Dilemma Captain Lim Khoy Hing explores the strange effects of dry cabin air. A guest once wrote to me for tips on overcoming the problems caused by dry air. He asked if the air in the cabin could be the reason his nose often bled while flying. Air inside an airplane …
Hi Captain Lim, Why a cockpit is called a cockpit in the airplane? Susan. Hi Susan, I have answered this question in my book, Life in the Skies. I reproduce it below for those who have not read my book yet: “Ever since I can remember, the area in front where the pilot sits to control …
Why a cockpit is referred to as a ‘cockpit’ in the airplane? Read More »
Dear Capt Lim; I have limited flying experience (two introductory flight lessons in a Cessna and several commercial flights, including some Transatlantic trips), so please excuse my ignorance. I was wondering; since the earth is spherical and the curvature is approximately 6 foot “drop” for every three miles i.e. a 6 foot person will disappear …
Does a jet plane constantly adjust its nose down to follow the curvature of the earth? Read More »
Hello Captain Lim I am writing from Singapore. I noticed sometimes the plane takes off in one direction and sometimes in the opposite direction at the Changi Airport. Why is that so?? SK Chee Hi Chee, For safety and performance reasons, airplanes should take off into wind. When wind direction changes, the ATC (air traffic …
Some air travellers describe their encounter with air pockets as dropping thousands of feet. I have often explained that the experience is similar to travelling on land where a smooth road suddenly gives way to bumps and potholes, making the journey a little uncomfortable. Plane above the clouds Image: GETTY WHAT IS AN AIR POCKET? …
Dear Capt Lim, I am hoping to join a flying school and want to know if my eyesight will prevent me from doing so. I have +0.25 in both eyes and I want to know if that will affect me in my flying. I would also like to know the maximum limit of eye power …
What are the eyesight requirements for airline pilots? Read More »
Triumph in the Skies – An interview translated from Feminine (Chinese Magazine – January 2014 issue) Feature on: Captain Lim Khoy Hing Age: 65 years Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Experience: 45 years of flying Working Experience: a. Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) (1967 – 1980) b. Malaysia Airlines System (1981-2006), c. Air Asia X (2006 – …
Triumphs in the Skies – An Interview with Feminie.. Read More »
Hi Capt Lim, I want to know what happens if I get a panic attack on board an airplane? John. Hi John, Well, to answer your short and precise question, I would like to elaborate a little more for the benefit of others. The American Medical Association states that, amongst the common medical problems that …
What happens if I get a panic attack on an airplane? Read More »