A cloud of excitement descended upon us at Batu Pahat when we were invited by Tengku Aznam to participate in the “Karnival Udara Micro-light Perlis’95. The annual function was organized by the State of Perlis with the co-operation of Pens Enterprise Sdn Bhd at Kangar. Perlis is the northern most Malay State sharing a common border with Southern Thailand and entry into the Kingdom could be made at the border town of Padang Besar. The air Carnival was to be held from the 29th April till the 3rd May was a significant occasion that demanded a purpose for a big celebration. The first micro-light school was founded there and the set-up consisted of a clubhouse, a large hanger and a dormitory for stay-in students. The main trainers were open-cockpit two-place and single place Quick Silver Mx’s and an advance GT 500.
Unlike previous participation of trucking up our micro-light, this time we were to fly all the way. A feat never been attempted before and it would literary propel us into the history as being the first to have done it. Tay was our air boss in Batu Pahat and obviously the heavy burden felt upon him to get things organized. Wow! what an opportunity presented before us to be able to demonstrate the results of our training and airmanship in taking up the challenge. We traveled with Tay on that sacred mission of selecting the most suitable landing spots along the way from Batu Pahat to Sungei Batu Pahat,Kangar a distance of about 660 km. And came up with the following landing spots:-
(1) Melaka . (Airport identifier: MC)
(2) Port Dickson
(3) Klang (Padang Maran)
(4) Jendarata (WMAJ)
(5) Pantai Remis
(6) Taiping (WMBI)
(7) Sugei Patani
(8) Alor Setar (WMKA)
(9) Kangar.
Sketch map of West Malaysia
Malaysia’s giant state oil company Petronas would sponsor the fuel for the whole round trip from Batu Pahat and allocate the supplies to all designated landing places at our request. In the meantime we selected 3 main pilots and 4 co-pilots that would rotate on certain sectors to fly the 3 aircraft as listed below:
1. Tay Teng Sin pilot
2. Capt. Chung Cheng Chuan pilot
3. Manfred Lurie pilot
4. Anuar bin Selamat co-pilot
5. Chow Hong co-pilot
6. Hamzah bin Ehwan co-pilot
7. Pattiselanno David Jermias co-pilot
For back-up we had a van for ground support that carried our spares, tools, extra fuel and
food also double-up as our “ Search & Rescue” with radio communication links.
We started to seriously practice short take-off and landing to prepare us for any emergency. The practice included simulated force landing in case engine failure. Many enduring hours were spent in our cramped cockpit in order to get a accustomed to the discomfort of long distance flight. We intensified training as the days grew nearer to build up enough confidence and to sharpen our skills.
Micro-light at Tanjong Laboh, Batu Pahat
Challenger II (2-place micro-light aircraft) at Tg. Laboh
We had the largest collection of micro-light aircraft in the whole of Malaysia around 14
in numbers made up of :-
3 Quick Silver model Mx II’s, dual side-by-side open cockpit.
1 Quick Silver Mx, single-seat open cockpit
1 Quick Silver GT 500, dual tandem seating with enclosed cockpit
2 Aerodyne Vectors, single-seat open cockpit with “Butterfly” tail.
1 Rally, single-seat open cockpit
1 Golden Circle Tiara, dual side-by-side with enclosed cockpit.
2 Quad City Challenger II (Clip-wings and Standard) dual tandem with enclosed cockpit.
1 Sky Walker, dual tandem seating, open cockpit (German design)
2 Polaris trikes, flexi-wings dual tandem seating, open cockpit.
In our planning for the selection of suitable micro-light for the “Karnival” participation we came up with 3 aircraft, having taken into consideration long range capability and
reliability. The other micro-light especially the Mx’s did not have the range nor the speed. The aircraft of our choice and the main pilots were :-
Microlight aircraft Pilots
1. Quick Silver GT 500 Tay Teng Sin
- Quad City Challenger II Standard Capt. Chung Cheng Chuan
- Polaris trike. Manfred Lori (Monty)
Monty with his Polaris Trike
The final week before schedule flight kept us really busy checking our aircraft over and
over again. Scrutinizing for loose bolts or nuts, dented frame, torn fabric and many
items connected with safety. In aviation there is no comprise any fault however minor
had to be remedied to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft is maintained or retained.
We were worried over our flying helmets which we had ordered from the States had
been delayed. Finally it arrived Singapore at the eleven hour, on the eve of our proposed
departure and there was a mad rush to grabbed them. By nightfall we were all back at Batu Pahat and fired up with excitement that kept us awaken with in-depth discussion on what laid ahead. However we looked forward to the great event with enthusiasm. Capt. Chung with all his experience would pilot the Challenger and I as a green horn would sit in as his co-pilot. He was the boss and I the slave and had to work the controls when he
Briefing (FromLeft): Author, Monty, Hamzah, Tay, Rick and Michael
decided to “hands off” and relax. Anyway it was a wonderful experience and a privilege for those chosen to participate. Looking back we were the most fortunate ones.
In the initial planning stage we were told that the event would be held with pomp and
pageantry, a minister would officiate the occasion by flagging us off. The local Press
will be present to provide news coverage. A helicopter will be assigned for an aerial escort. In our pre-flight briefing we were told that on the approach to Port Dickson we will find a distinctive landmark of 3 very tall chimney stacks, like fingers pointing up to the skies. And a tiny improvised airstrip should be located just before that. There our fuel in 44 gallons drums are stored in the hanger and a guy by the name of Maniam would be
expecting us. That 3 Quick Silver Mx II will join us to Kangar, our spirit shot up to a
higher level with such encouraging and welcoming news.
Day 1 (25th April l995) We woke up early in the morning and rushed to the airfield. Hurriedly opened the hanger doors and pushed out the Challenger II. Then followed by an aviation ritual ceremoniously carried out in what is known as a “Pre-flight check”. A thorough inspection of the aircraft to ensure that it was safe before taking her up. There were a couple of guys probably from the local Press but no sign of the Minister or the helicopter. I supposed it was too early as the sun had just begun to rise above the horizon.
Capt. Chung got into the front seat and I settled down in the back seat. He started the
engine and we taxied slowly to take our place in a queue. Monty in his “Polaris” Trike was No:1 position and Tay in his “ GT 500” was No: 2 , followed by us No: 3 in our long wings “Challenger II”. The active runway was # 15 and we watched in silent as Monty took off and climbed, followed immediately by Tay in his GT 500. We were next coming up into position at the threshold and paused for a moment to ensure runway was clear. Then Capt. Chung pushed the throttle forward to full power and the Challenger shot forward racing down the runway before lift off. We climbed to gain height and a 180 degrees turn took us over the airfield and waved at the small miserable group of well-
wishers. We headed north to compass reading 305 degrees, climbing gradually to 2000 ft, the morning air was cool and refreshing. We had a panoramic view of the surrounding two hills of Batu Pahat with low lying mist, the greenery to our right and the blue sea of the Straits of Melaka to our left. And below us laid vast plantation of coconut, oil palm, banana and durian and other fruit orchid.
We trekked coastal following the irrigation bunds that stretched all the way north to
beyond Melaka. However we regarded it as an emergency option if we were forced to
land. By then we had passed Sungei Ayam a tiny fishing village by the coast and soon we were over Minyak Baku where we observed the lighthouse on our left. We crossed the mouth of Batu Pahat River we headed for Serang Buaya. Except places punctured by tiny villages and small towns along the coast, the vast interior appeared as a huge green carpet stretching out as far as our eyes could see. We enjoyed the bird’s eye view and it was beautiful especially we were bless with exceptionally good weather with only mild crosswinds near Muar town. What else can we wish for ?.
At about that time our radio communication had failed as our VHF set type Icom 21 had
malfunctioned. Fortunately Tay was just ahead of us as flight leader and we decided to
follow in close formation. When overhead the tiny off shore island of Pulau Besar we noted that the GT 500 turned inland for Melaka Airport and we followed suit. In the approached the part of the town appeared below us with the distinctive green-roof of the mosque called Masjid Al-Azim Moments later we were over the padi fields before sighting the airport. We kept close to the left and slightly higher to avoid the propeller wash from the GT. We were in close formation to the GT which descended gracefully to a perfect touch down. Simultaneously followed by us and rolled out a short distance before turning right vacating the main runway. We slowly taxied into a vacant parking bay. Having shut down the engine we came out of our cramped cockpit with a big smile. At the same time we were on a look-out for Monty but unfortunately there were no sign of him. That sector flying time was 1 hour 15 minutes. We paid courtesy call to the Control Tower and were greeted with warmness from the air traffic controllers. At same time were astonished probably their first encounter in guiding 2 tiny fries safely in. It was the opposite of their usual business of ushering the big wings, extreme noisy jet monsters.
We then adjourned to the warong (A local Malay foodstall) opposite the airport for our
hearty breakfast of roti chennai. There was ample time for chit-chat as we waited for
our back-up party for refueling of our aircraft. Meantime we replaced a battery for our radio and it worked again much to our relief. The next sector was to Port Dickson and found us flying low to avoid the clouds We had problems with the weather as it was not good and the going was rather rough being tossed about in the turbulence. However as we approached Port Dickson the bad weather had subsided and we could see the town from quite a distance. We flew along the beautiful coastal strip of white sand fringed with casurina or palm trees, with many beach resorts, chalet and golf courses. In no time the 3 chimneys landmark received our attention and we focused in locating the airstrip.
As usual the GT 500 had spotted and went for landing. We had noticed a trike by the hanger so it must be Monty so we circled awaiting our turn. The airstrip was not up to our expectation, just a run-down laterite runway without proper markings and the approach from inland over the casurina trees gave me the creeps. Capt. Chung made a few attempts and each time he came in between the trees with the wingtips almost brushing the branches. It was scary enough and felt my heart throbbing hard and fast. Monty was already there, watching us sweating it out.
The Swiss cheese later gave an account of his trip from Batu Pahat.“25th April Wednesday 0520 hours, He had prepared and ready after pre-flight checks at approximately 0630 hrs. He had warmed-up his engine and was looking for enough
daylight to see his instruments and runway to take-off. The moment arrived at 0645 hrs
and he took off (Micro-light are limited to day flying only). It was a beautiful morning,
the skies was clear and mist hovering mother-earth. A little tail-wind assisted him much to his delight. En-route flew along the scenic coastline of West Malaysia and heading in the general direction of Port Dickson. He had never flown a micro-light for such a long distance at the most, he estimated that he had flown some 60 km. And not mentioning the 600 over km awaiting for him over the horizon. One other thought that entered his mind was that he was flying solo. Unlike the other pilots who could communicate each other and the ground. So obviously he was flying without radio and therefore could not communicate. He recollected that his sessions at the karaoke lounge came handy and engaged in his off-tune singing. By the way who cares as nobody was listening.
At 0905 hrs he arrived at Port Dickson and as was told in earlier briefing to look the Club-house aircraft, a wind-sock and an Indian guy. However none of the above was present .“Oh! Did I land on the wrong spot ?” he wondered. Slowly and cautiously he taxied to what he figured out as the hanger. “Oh! Yes I am in the right place” was his remarks. The wooden hanger was full of micro-light but there was nobody and the fuel presumed locked inside. There was nothing of the 3 wonderful machines that were mentioned. The place was totally deserted and there was no indication of any preparation. Apparently the whole chain of screw-ups begun to surface that had trotted down his spirit.”
At 1100 hrs he watched us overhead, circling and attempting to land on that piece
improvised runway. He broke the bad news to us after we landed that made us sad and in despair. We immediately sent our back-up to purchase fuel to ensure that we continue onwards. Eventually Maniam did turn up and notified us that the 3 micro-light that were supposed to participate had been cancelled. he further delays from FIS Kuala Lumpur pending clearance and finally at 1400 hrs we left Port Dickson for Port Klang. At some distance ahead in the approach to Klang we noted that a large formation of dark clouds hung over the town. It was threatening and we accelerated hoping to beat the weather. When arrived it had begun to drizzle but with our enclosed cockpit we were not too concerned.
On our down-wind leg we noticed the GT 500 landing on to the public car-park at the place called “Padang Maran”. We followed as No.2 in a descending left bank into base-leg, another left into Finals and aligned the landing path. Capt. Chung reduced power,
descending gradually just clearing the fence and to touch down at the car-park. As the bitumen surface was wet and slippery owing to the drizzle, the rolling seems endless. The rows of trees on either side flashed past then at a point when danger appeared eminent, Capt. Chung swerved to avoid but went over a hump that snapped the nose-wheel. For once we found ourselves nearer to ground and got out without any effort.
We learned that the GT 500 had been seriously damaged in the accident and unable to
continue. At about that time Monty appeared overhead and we tried to warn him by sign language to avoid the car-park and land at an adjacent football field. Somehow had figured it out and landed at the field safely in one piece; much to our delight. We immediately set to work on the Challenger dismantling the damaged fork, replaced with a spare one that took roughly over an hour and completed before sunset. We secured the aircraft by proper tie-down and partially covered the engine in case rain. That night Anuar and myself decided to turn into “human dobberman” to guard our Precious machine while the rest put up at Capt. Chung’s house. Throughout the night we did not sleep we were being attacked by countless mosquitoes diving from all angles and pressing home their sacred mission. We were of course inside our van but it was uncomfortable. When we did rolled up the wind-screen it became too humid and when we did the reversed the mosquitoes had the advantage . It was a nightmare and we became sacrificial victims of the tiny vampires. Thus ended miserably marred by the
misfortune of Day 1.
Day 2 ( 26th April) Anuar and I had not slept at all, we spent the whole night warding
off attacks by hordes of mosquitoes. Fortunately I was not schedule to fly but Anuar was
on and eagerly sat in with Capt. Chung for the next sector that was to Jendarata. According to them the flight was very pleasant as the weather was superb they landed safely at United Plantation airstrip at 0915 hrs and taxied to the hanger where the company’s Cessna 206 was parked. The estate manager Mr. Loh came up shortly to welcome us and made us really felt at home.
While relaxing on the grass under the shelter of Challenger’s wing we heard the sound of a chopper approaching our direction. In no time it was hovering over our airstrip, obviously looking for something. The chopper was a Westland “Wasp” from the Royal Malaysian Navy and it did not occur to us at that time that they was searching for us as we forgot to inform FIS (Flight Information Service) of our safe arrival Jenderata. For that I am sure our air boss got his ears blown off by the angry FIS.
In the meantime the weather had not been kind to us. It was windy and dark cloud formation appeared threatening. We had to wait in hope that the weather would change for the better. And surprising it did improved and so we decided to fly half way to Sitiawan instead owing to constrain of time. Chow Hong was the co-pilot as it was his turn to fly with Capt. Chung and they immediately took off. I rode with the back-up team in the van and we made off to Lumut, the home port of the Royal Malaysian Navy. On the way we found a push-cart stall selling a local delicacy called “chendol”. It was somewhat different from what we are used to in Singapore, They had added glutinous rice with giant red beans and it was really appetizing and really delicious. Most of us had second or third helping, sat by the roadside and just ate away without the feeling of embarrassment. Then continued on to Sitiawan where we found the grass airstrip close to town. The wooden airport building was sadly in the state of neglect, however the grass had been cut and the whole airstrip area fenced. Sitiawan is the town where the notorious Chin Peng the Secretary General of the Malayan Communist Party was born and grew up there. When the Japanese invaded Malaya he absconded into the jungle and joined the Malayan People Anti-Japanese Army. They helped the Force 136 but after liberation the MCP was outlawed by the British. So they retreated to the jungle and took up arms again.
Relaxing under the wing of the Challenger II
We waited anxiously and at 1810 hrs we heard the familiar sound the Rotax engine from
a speck in the sky. On approaching nearer we could make out the outline form of the
Challenger in it’s blue and white colour scheme. It circled overhead before descending
and came in for a perfect touch-down. Capt. Chung taxied slowly to the building where
we had all gathered. Tay suggested that since the weather still favourable we should fly to the next destination Pantai Remis. For that sector I hopped in the back seat with Capt. Chung and we took off at 1830 hrs as we had the advantage of fine weather, no wind and a clear blue sky.
The scenery before us was that of a huge green carpet, the only difference was that at some places it appeared lighter or darker. I think that was due to shadow from the over cast of clouds. We kept looking for clearing or built up area but negative, when I overheard over my headset someone asking for our location and Capt. Chung answered
“airport in sight”. I was shock as I did not see anything but a sea of trees all over the place as far as the horizon. Suddenly at a distance ahead of us I caught the shinning reflection from the wings of an aircraft that appeared out of the greenery. I felt relief as that was our confirmation that we were dead on track. Moments later we saw the airstrip, office block, the living quarters and the landmark a tall conspicuous tower. As usual we circle overhead announcing our arrival. We landed safely and taxied to a parking area and secured her firmly to the ground for the night.
The estate manager Poul was there to welcome us and offered the use of the facilities. We thanked him but we were concerned about Monty who had no radio and had failed to turn up. In that case we decided to mount a search and return to Sitiawan to look for him. The estate road was laterite, narrow, winding and horribly dusty in dry condition. As we sped on it churned up the loose particles, leaving a long dusty trail. In no time we were contaminated with the red dust. It took us some time to cover a mere 25 miles distance.
By the time we got to Sitiawan it was night and the time was about 2030 hrs. As we approach the airport main building, it was pitch dark and dead silence like a cemetery. We parked our van at a parking lot near the building and started walking slowly, it seemed to be isolated. Our hearts were heavy as we thought of unpleasant things but suddenly we saw in the darkness, the silhouette of the trike with a lone figure seated at a corner. It was of course our Monty who had decided to call a day as the weather was bad and was about to bare it out in his make-shift sleeping corner. Of course we were glad to have found him and took him with us to town for an overnight stay at the “Fajar Hotel”
Day 3 (27th April) We woke for an early breakfast and dumped Monty at the airstrip to
pick-up his trike . We then headed for Pantai Remis re-tracing that 25 miles long and
winding road and to be contaminated again. Just as we arrived at the airstrip we could hear the sound of aircraft engine and as it drew nearer the familiar delta wings of the trike became recognizable. It was our dear Monty the soloist. He came in to land safely and taxied to where the Challenger and the United Plantation Piper Super Cub were parked. The estate manager Poul turned up to send us off; it was very kind of him.
The next sector was to Taiping and I jumped into the back seat to fly with Capt. Chung.
After engine warmed up we took off at 0830 hrs and headed north at the same time we
informed Ipoh traffic control of our presence and intentions. The flight took 1 hour and
10 minutes before we had the airport in sight. It was a grass strip but noted that only the
area confined to the runway proper that the grass had been cut. The other areas were neglected and the lalang, (elephant grass) had grown to 3 or 4 feet high. However we landed safely and rolled along looking for a short cut but the grass were really tall and we could not see where we were heading. We were un-certain and afraid so we did not take any risk and back track to the runway. Finally we found a taxi-way at the end of the runway and it led us to the terminal building. We were really sad and found that like Sitiawan it was in the state of neglect and totally abandoned. We were told that Taiping experienced the most rainfall, making it as the wettest area in the whole of Malaysia
At that stage our new instruction was to wait for the helicopter escort at 1100 hrs. As promised the helicopter appeared overhead for a while and flew away and disappeared over the horizon. And sure enough by noon it started to rain, something that the local accepted and got used to it. Meantime there was nothing that we could do but wait patiently and at the mercy of Mother Nature. Anyway it was a good time to cool down
and to catch up with our much needed rest. We were totally exhausted and the bare concrete floor did not deter us even with the rain beating in.
Rain, rain at Taiping I’m k.o.
At 1400 hrs the helicopter from reappeared and landed right in front of the terminal building. The pilot stepped out and introduced himself as Major Mansor, he had brought out a batch of correspondents to cover our story. At that time it was still drizzling and
appears like it would never stop and the major asked us if we could continue. Our answer was negative as our engine/carburetors are exposed and could malfunction. We would go only when the drizzle has stopped. The helicopter took off and flew North but much later we came to know that it flew into a storm that forced them to put down on a school field near Gong Kedah. As the drizzle continue so we had no alternative but to call it a day and retire to a hotel down town.
Day 4 (28th April) We had early breakfast at the coffee shop that was very cheap, cost only 10 ringgit for the 7 of us. As food is concern Taiping is the cheapest but the weather is worst the foulest. We arrived at the airfield, paid off the watchman for guarding our aircraft over-night. The next sector was the most difficult owing to mountains the highest is the Kedah Peak 4000 ft. The air traffic movements were denser especially near Butterworth the home of the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Tay occupied the pilot’s seat and Capt. Chung stood in as No.2 and they took off, followed by Monty in his trike. Their destination was Sungei Patani an army base and so I joined the support group.
According to them they flew via Bukit Mertajam, Kulim bye-passing Butterworth and
noted that military traffic were evident with F5E fighter jets all over the place and too close for comfort. They then decided to descend as low as 700 ft to give the widest ceiling clearance and flew between the mountains. That sector though only 65 miles took them 1 hour and 20 minutes to cover. They landed safely at the army base of Sungei Patani.
When we arrived at the army base we had to report to the guardhouse and to my surprise
I was not allowed entry on the grounds of security reason, of being a Singaporean. It came as a shocking surprise to me as I never expected it. I thought that Malaysia- Singapore relationship had always maintained reasonable good level. How come I am being targeted as a security threat? I was upset and puzzled but no reasonable explanation given, I supposed that he was just following orders. So I had no alternative but to wait at the guardhouse while they drove in to refuel the two aircraft. Later they told me that the base was beautiful. They had the clubhouse with a swimming pool ideally located at the end of the airfield. It served as a watering center for the scavengers where beer was available abundantly.
Cockpit view of flat padi fields, Kedah
We are off again on the road to Alor Star, the last rendezvous before our final destination
Kangar. By the time we got there the Challenger had already landed and parked safely in
the hanger of the Kedah Flying Club. Monty was still at the end of the runway but appeared to have problems. Later we found out that he had “flooding” in his carburetor but managed to resolve it. he last sector Alor Star to Kangar in Perlis, a short distance of 32 miles and what we term as micro-light country as Kedah is the rice-bowl of Malaysia. It has miles after miles of flat land where padi is planted. I was told if it was during the harvest period the whole land would appear golden from the air.
For the last sector I had the honour to fly with Capt. Chung to be the first from Batu Pahat to arrive.. We took off after Monty and headed North to magnetic heading of 330
degree and maintained cruise speed. Our last leg and we were not taking any chances like overheating the engine. Monty on our left was more to the coast and we inland but we had the advantage of speed. After one hour and thirty minutes we located the airfield with the runway, hanger, clubhouse and the dormitory. It was a wonderful sight and we flew over the town as we came in As usual we circled the airfield announcing our arrival. We noted Monty was not far away flying near the mountain. We landed safely at 1330 hrs and taxied to the hanger where a small crowd of enthusiast waiting to welcome us. Wow! We had done it, it was our greatest achievement and all the training that Tay our Air Boss had drummed into us had finally paid off. Later Monty took part in the navigation competition and won the Award.
We had propelled ourselves into history and the whole adventurous trip took us the total of 9 hours and 25 minutes. It had begun at Batu Pahat in the State of Johore and ended up at Sungei Batu Pahat at Kangar, Perlis State. It was spread over 4 days and flying as the
weather permitted. Also present were General Aviation aircraft mostly Cessnas’ from the other Clubs had already arrived and parked at their designated area. The helicopter that was supposed to provide us with an aerial escort piloted by Major Mansor was from ASM Travel Sdn Bhd.
Author first from left at Kangar, Perlis
By then we were really exhausted from a long day but just in time a transport came along and spirited us away to Pens Travelodge. It was an impressive 10 storied modern hotel in heart of town and we took to the hot showers for a good clean up and a change of clothing. We swapped our “monkey suit” for civilian and then settled down to a hearty meal. It was a day to be remembered
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