What i actually do in RSAF as a Flight Engineer..?

Flight Engineers also known as "the third pilot" are crew members responsible for the mechanical performance of an aircraft in flight. We assist the pilots by monitoring and operating many of the instruments and systems, making minor in-flight repairs, watching out for other aircrafts and react to any emergencies encountered immediately and correctly.

We ensures all covers and tiedowns are removed, oil levels are checked, windshields are cleaned, survival and emergency equipments are installed, lines and fittings examined for leaks and all panels sercured before the pilots walks out for pre-flight inspection. The challenge comes when the flight concounters an emergency or a decision as to whether a maintenance fault is or isn't hazardous to the flight. Other flight duties would involve security of internal or external loads/equipments, the safety of troops on board etc.

The aircraft is inspected for any abnormalities when it lands i.e strikes, leaks, component/system failure before it is being wrapped up (covers, tiedowns fitted) for the day. Flight Engineers are not god. He is a key man of the crew and is chosen for ability, judgement and dedication for the job.

raylet.

Time flies..

This month, this year (Aug 2007) marks my 5 years of National Service to Republic of S'pore Air Force. I was glad to be presented the 5 yrs good service award but then again reflected of the many things that has happened over the last half of a decade.

If you asked; What made me sign the contract 5 yrs ago..? hmm.. Is it the pay? I'd say its my interest in flying and ability to go US for training follow by the steady income. If not for the mentioned factors, I'd have gone for PTI or SOF.

From Basic Military Training to Sch of Infantry Specialist (SISPEC) to Air Force Sch to Squadron and now training in Texas. I want to thank God for preserving me after a series a motorbike accidents in the past, of which none had caused me physical disability to get me out of the Force.. haHAs not to worry as we're banned from riding here.

Many valuable and painful lessons had been taught during this period. One most valuable lesson i've learnt is the ability to tolerate certain people in my workplaces. I can still remember an incident when i got scolded and shouted at real bad for a mistake which i dint commit. I refrained from talking and greeting him even though he's my senior and ever since then i've derived a working attitude; Everyone is your colleagues but not all are your friends. One most painful lesson is losing friends through motorbike accidents, suicides etc. One of my BMT instructor "buang" his bike when he was just few minutes ride back home. He died on the spot with his left hand dislocated off his body. One of my AirForce Sch friend commit suicide by jumping off from his girlfriend's apartment block after he was ditched and their 12yrs relationship came to an end.

I've made it known to guys who have ORDed or soon, can forget about using the abrev ORD on me. It'll never work on me cos it never existed in my dictionary or for the matter of fact, in all dictionaries. But everyone's still welcome to approach me for a photo taken with their pink IC.. lol",)

Daryl",)