UNDER HIS WINGS

"We have seen atrocious cases where (OCU pilots) attend the flight brief without knowing anything; so we will not allow them to fly," said the 34-year-old, who has a 15-year career with the air force.

"They must understand that flying requires a lot of preparation."

This no-nonsense approach is MAJ Wang's formula for training them into top-notch fighter pilots.

SET A HIGH BAR

The instructor trains the newly-winged OCU pilots of 149 SQN in Paya Lebar Air Base to operate the F-15SG fighter jet - from teaching them the aircraft and weapons systems in ground school to training them on the simulator and flying the actual aircraft.

Aspiring RSAF pilots first go through the Air Grading Course in Tamworth, Australia, where pilot trainees are selected. They then go to Officer Cadet School and the Air Force Training Command. Those who make the cut build their foundation in flying at the Basic Wings Course in Pearce, Australia.

Upon graduation from the course, they are assigned to train on the RSAF platform they are most suited for.

A major hurdle for most newcomers is the inability to process an overload of information, said MAJ Wang, who has been an instructor with the fighter squadron since 2013.

For instance, the junior pilots may be so focused on dropping a bomb on a target that they do not realise when they have violated the minimum flying altitude.

"They do not know that they are approaching a dangerous situation. That's when I have to take over to recover the aircraft and then debrief them as we go along the flight."

"This is not a flying club. Your main purpose is to kill or be killed," he said sternly.

"The only reason that fighter jets are bought is for the defence of the country - to project deterrence and defend if need be," he explained. "Mission failure for a fighter aircrew could mean the country getting bombed."

Another point he repeats to newcomers is that "their wings are made of paper…and will be shredded if they do not perform well".

For weaker performers, he found that encouragement is key. MAJ Wang would urge them to put more effort in studying and coming back on weekends.

One of his junior pilots used to be a weak student who was at risk of dropping out. "We told him objectively about his performance and he pushed himself even harder despite feeling bad about it.

"He managed to meet the requirements to move to the next grade…and is now considered to be one of the better performers in his batch."

STAY HUMBLE

For MAJ Wang, his biggest takeaway from his own instructors was not about aircraft or airmanship, but to be humble, credible and approachable. He learnt this when he received his instructor qualification in Peace Carvin V, an RSAF detachment in the United States.

"When you become a senior pilot, you can impart knowledge; but if you're not humble, the junior guys might not want to learn from you.

"This stuck with me…and I've been trying to impart this mentality to my junior crew in the squadron."

This may be the reason the juniors refer to MAJ Wang affectionately by his call sign and speak to him about issues they are facing, despite his cutting a strict figure.

"He's actually very approachable and always ready to share his thoughts or experiences on both work and personal situations," said OCU pilot Lieutenant (LTA) Brandon Lim.

"He demonstrates his ability as an instructor through his passion to learn and teach."