TryGOLD- Free

Flying for Fun
The PEAK Singapore|May 2023
Had your fill of driving and sailing? Then it’s time to head skywards.
- CHARMIAN LEONG
Flying for Fun

Since Singapore barely has enough roads for supercars and their clubs to enjoy, one might be forgiven for assuming flying around here as a hobby would be difficult. But the reality is that there is a thriving community of passionate aviators in, around, and beyond the region, thanks to flying clubs that offer lessons and arrange group trips, as well as organise monthly brunches and trivia nights.

“The community is quite adventurous and down-to-earth,” says Anne Wong, head of public relations at Tin Box Group and a member of WOA Flying Club by WingsOverAsia. “Lots of people think we’re flying in luxurious private jets, but that’s not what it’s like at all. There’s no champagne and, most of the time, there’s no air-conditioning. It’s more like driving an antique car.”

It’s not so much the extravagance of flying that thrills airborne hobbyists as it is the feeling of freedom and control. Jason Bay, a fellow WOA member, who is also a race car and technical diving enthusiast, believes it’s all about the man-to-machine interface. “In all three of my hobbies, I rely heavily on the contraption to accomplish things that would not otherwise be possible. The machine becomes an extension of my body,” he offers. The concept of self-responsibility, he adds, is also never more apparent than when you’re flying solo. “It’s not about pleasing your instructor or making a perfect landing. It’s about your will to live.”

We speak to three more pilots about how they come alive when they take to the skies.

ROCH HENNESSY

This story is from the May 2023 edition of The PEAK Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 2023 edition of The PEAK Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE PEAK SINGAPOREView All
SECRET FUN
The PEAK Singapore

SECRET FUN

Behind imposing angular structures lies a portal to the family's very own clubhouse, complete with a pool and basketball court.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
RATTAN REIMAGINED
The PEAK Singapore

RATTAN REIMAGINED

From chance discovery to mastery, Ng Si Ying’s journey into rattan weaving bridges tradition and modernity with every piece she creates.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
AN APPETITE FOR ADVENTURE
The PEAK Singapore

AN APPETITE FOR ADVENTURE

Forget the pampering body wraps and hot stone massages. Andrew Leci discovers that adventure is the best path to a spiritual awakening.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
PARADISE, PRESERVED
The PEAK Singapore

PARADISE, PRESERVED

Luxury and purpose are embraced at this idyllic retreat tucked away in Indonesia’s Anambas Archipelago.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
GRAPES OF CHANGE
The PEAK Singapore

GRAPES OF CHANGE

The time is ripe to explore the burgeoning potential of Asia's wine regions, where innovative winemakers are cultivating distinct flavours and putting their mark on the global wine scene.

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2025
VESSELS OF THE HEART
The PEAK Singapore

VESSELS OF THE HEART

Daisuke Shibuya, head sommelier at one-Michelin-starred Terra, shares his penchant for collecting cups and glasses, and how his eclectic collection mirrors his approach to wine.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
ONE OF ONE
The PEAK Singapore

ONE OF ONE

At the by-appointment-only Rolls-Royce Private Office Seoul, where clients can commission bespoke, one-of-a-kind Rolls-Royce creations, nothing is too complex or unattainable.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
WATCH HIS WORLD
The PEAK Singapore

WATCH HIS WORLD

Radiologist and self-professed watch addict Dominic Liew, who began collecting at 15, shares what makes him tick.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
PERFECTION PERSONIFIED
The PEAK Singapore

PERFECTION PERSONIFIED

Swiss master artisan Agnes Paul-Depasse, who makes straw, feather, and silk thread marquetry dials for Hermes, reveals eight fascinating truths about such rare historical crafts.

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2025
FACES OF CHANGE
The PEAK Singapore

FACES OF CHANGE

These days, it's not unusual for watch brands to have exclusive boutiques.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2025

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more