In the year 2000 Bill obtained a land parcel for lease from Messrs Prolink to build his flight park on his own, He erected a 2000 ft x 30 ft runway with hanger, workshops and store facilities at Gelang Patah. Bill operated under the name of Nusajaya Flight Park; I salute that Yankee for his daring entrepreneurship, dedication to the sports he loved and for his contribution to aviation. Some had advised him against the idea from the beginning stating that from past experiences such adventure could not succeed unless there is strong sponsorship either from the Government or someone with lots of money.
The location he selected I would say ideal owing to close proximity to Singapore where most of the students came from. It took only 15-20 minutes traveling time from my house at Jurong to the airfield via the second link. Of course one must leave early so as to avoid the morning build up of traffic at the checkpoint. More over it is convenient with easy access to the flight park. And should there be any cancellation of training due to bad weather or some other reasons one could return to Singapore without any fuss or problem. There is no need to look for accommodation as required if one is at Batu Pahat, Mersing or Desaru and thereby would save a lot of time and money.
Nusajaya Flight Park
Bill operated the Flight Park with his son Steven assisting; they had quite a collection of micro-light including a single Quick Silver Mx II “Sports”, 2 New Zealand-built Bantam B-20, B-22, a flexi-wing trike, powered parachutes both backpack and a buggy-type. He catered for those that are interested in micro-light flying both for recreational or for those interested in General Aviation licence. In Malaysia all hours flown in 3-axis micro-light aircraft are accepted as in General Aviation. In addition all micro-light exams are 100% applicable to General Aviation licence.
My first courtesy visit to Nusajaya was flown on the 14thMay, 2000 from Batu Pahat taking off at 0730 hours and landing about one hour fifteen minutes later. The flight path taken was along coastal heading southward and from Pontian detour inland straight to Gelang Patah. However the project did not flourished and prospects did not look appear good, owing to poor response probably owing to the slowing down of economical growth. For some time the situation was not improving for the better and Bill was unable to continue with the tenure of the land. He then made an offer to EAA to take over upon an understanding that operation be carried out by him on behalf of the Association. He as a member licensee would continue to provide the usage of the facilities and his aircraft by the members of EAA.
My next visit was on the 3rdAugust, 2003 after a long absence but stayed longer that time and temporary operated from there for quite a while. By then Bill finally called “quits” and prepared to migrate to the Philippines to settle down with his family. All that I can say is best wishes to this daring old man, who had the courage to go on his own in setting up his Flight Park. May the good Lord bless him and that he may enjoy his retirement years doing what he desires.
In 2004 a Singapore businessman Victor Lim on a visit to Thailand was fascinated by a micro-light that flew overhead. At first he thought that it was an over-sized model aircraft. He followed it to the airfield at Chonburi and discovered to his surprised that it was a full scale micro-light aircraft. Eventually he signed up with the flying club, doing his flying lessons there and clocked some 60 flying hours. He was not only keen but had the means to promote the sports and to bring joy by making it accessible to everybody. When he came to know of Nusajaya Flight Park he thought of it as ideal location just minutes away from his Tuas office. He ventured to purchase 3 Quick Silver Mx’s (2 Sports model and 1 Sprint) at $40,000 apiece. He then gladly leased it out to EAA for the purpose of flight training. We were roped in to help in the assembly of the 3 aircraft being carried out at the hanger. On weekends, Lee, Moo, David Leong and I would come down to the Nusajaya from Singapore to assist Rick and Paul. Anyway it was our passion and joy to work on it. Our ultimate reward was the satisfaction to see it taking shape to finally take to the sky for the maiden flight.
From left: Victor, Secretary, Rick, Capt.Siva and author
In 2006 the Secretary of EAA Malaysia Flying Club, Ms Rani (Capt. Siva’s wife) gave notice to all members for a get-together at the flight park renamed “Adrenaland Nusajaya”. In conjunction with the move, the General Committee invited all members for the weekend gathering on 15th and 16th July at the airfield. The two days events are programmed as follows:-
Saturday 15th July Sunday 16th July
0800 – 1000 Dawn Patrol Dawn Patrol
Breakfast Breakfast
Spot Landing Spot Landing
Practice Competition
1000 – 1200 Competition briefing Flying
Lunch Lunch
1500 -1900 Spot Landing Competition Aircraft fly back
Members Fly-by
1900 – 2100 EAA Committee briefing - END-
Cocktail & BBQ dinner
Presentation
Nusajaya Flight Park
My ‘Challenger II’ at Nusajaya Flight Park.
It had been a wonderful weekend of fellowship, of getting to-gather, in catching up with lost time, making new friends and strengthening old ones. The EAA Chapter 1090 Malaysia had come a long way through the years and had grown visibly in strength and maturity.
Author at Nusajaya on weekends helping to fix up the Mx’s
Author with Majib posing before CH 701 belonging to C.Y. Lee
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