Soaring towards their dreams

Aviation enthusiasts Zaqeerul Iman and SCT Batra Garv have turned their childhood dreams of flying into reality.

It’s a dream more than 10 years in the making.

Zaqeerul Iman’s love for planes and flying was ignited at the age of six when he saw the Black Knights – the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF’s) aerobatics team – perform at the Singapore Airshow 2014.

"I remember watching them and thinking how incredible it would be to fly a jet like that!"

The aviation enthusiast would spend hours at Changi Airport and Changi Beach watching planes take-off and land. “Just observing aircraft in flight made my dream even bigger and, over time, what started as curiosity eventually shaped the path I chose to follow.”

Now 17, the Anglo-Chinese Junior College student is one step further down the path to becoming an RSAF pilot after graduating from the Singapore Youth Flying Club (SYFC).

Seeding a dream

In secondary school, Iman joined the SYFC’s aeromodelling co-curricular activity (CCA), which gave him hands-on experience in building model aircraft, flying remote-controlled planes, and learning about the principles of flight.

"I also went on an experiential flight on the Fokker 50, which gave me the chance to interact with RSAF personnel and exposed me to the world of military aviation," he explained.

“I told myself that the moment I was old enough, I would apply (for the SYFC Flying Course) and give it my best shot.”

And that’s exactly what he did after completing his O-Level examinations.

Love at first flight

Iman recalled his first solo flight in October 2024 being a blend of nerves and exhilaration: "For the first time, everything rested entirely on me — my decisions, my focus, and my performance.

"(Completing my first solo flight) gave me a huge boost in confidence and made me realise how much responsibility I had as a pilot."

Of course, the road to becoming a pilot was not without its challenges. Undergoing simulated emergency scenarios tested his mental resilience.

"At first, I froze up in the face of mid-flight emergencies, but through practice and repeatedly drilling emergency procedures into memory, I learnt to stay calm and reset my focus in high-pressure situations."

This mental discipline is something he applies not only in the cockpit but also in his everyday life, especially during exams and other personal challenges.

For Iman, the ultimate dream is to serve in the RSAF as a fighter pilot.

"I’ve always been fascinated by the speed and precision of fighter jets. Becoming an RSAF pilot would allow me to combine my passion for flying with a meaningful role in defending my country."

From simulator thrills to real-world skies

Like his fellow SYFC Flying course graduand, Specialist Cadet (SCT) Batra Garv’s fascination with flight began early.

“When I was nine, I visited the Singapore Airshow and tried out the F-15SG simulator at the RSAF booth,” he recalled. “It was thrilling — I was weaving through virtual skies in a dogfight, and for the first time I felt what it meant to be in control of an aircraft!”

SCT Batra signed up for the SYFC Flying Course as soon as he enrolled into Raffles Institution in 2023. But the journey was not easy.

Along with junior college studies and flight lessons, he juggled two other CCAs – cricket and the Raffles Entrepreneurship Network.

“It was incredibly demanding and felt overwhelming at times,” he admitted.

But while he was physically alone in the cockpit, his journey was definitely not a solo one.

SCT Batra thanks his friends and family for standing by him: “Whether it was waking up early to send me for flights or simply being there to listen after a tough lesson, their unwavering belief in me kept me going.”

Beyond the horizon

Having earned the right to brag about being able to fly a plane before he can even drive a car, the 19-year-old Full-time National Serviceman has matured and grown tremendously in his SYFC journey.

“Every flight required meticulous preparation, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm and composed under pressure,” he said of the rigorous training he underwent to earn his Private Pilot Licence.

Through the regular debriefs, he also learnt the virtue of humility as there was always something to improve on no matter how well he thought he flew for each session – it is a virtue he has carried over to his life as a soldier.

“To any young person curious about aviation but unsure if they have what it takes, my advice is simple: just take that first step,” said SCT Batra.

“Looking back, what I am most grateful for in my SYFC experience is the growth it inspired, not just as a pilot but as a person.”