REMEMBERING OUR PIONEERS: FLYIN' HIGH

In the second of our three-part series, Republic of Singapore Air Force pioneer Colonel (COL) (Rtd) Frank Singam, 64, tells us what it's like to be a Black Knight. He was in Singapore's very first Black Knights team in 1974, and headed the aerobatics team in 1977 and 1978.

WHAT I MISS MOST ABOUT THE SAF
The camaraderie fostered when we were developing the Air Force. Brigadier-General (Rtd) Michael Teo, COL (Rtd) Mark Wong and I were the three pioneer F-5 pilots. We had to work very hard to train up the other pilots and ensure that they were operationally capable in time for the planes coming in. A lot of trust was involved; you had to trust your fellow wingmen, leaders, technical people, air traffic controllers and fighter controllers. In retrospect, that was the most fun I had.

WHAT YOU DIDN'T KNOW
After a show, your hands are tired from grabbing the stick and throttle too hard because of the sheer excitement that people are watching you! Sometimes while flying, you'll hear a voice of one of the other Black Knight pilots (over the comms) and know that someone is a little stressed. We'll then quietly say, "Ease it up a little bit", so that he can get back into formation. Humorous conversations? No time for that, dear! It was all work and focus!

MY BEST BLACK KNIGHT MEMORY
The SAF Day flypast in 1975, which the late Dr Goh Keng Swee, then-Defence Minister, attended. We had to fly in from behind the crowd and be precisely over Dr Goh just as he was sitting down. And we did it. As he sat down, our planes came roaring in right over his head! Everyone talked about the broad smile he had on his face.