Community-youth, Youth

Principles of Flight Workshop

06 Nov 2024
Text by Jarell Lim, SUTD Aviation Interest Group

There is a common misconception that pilots don’t study much, but this is far from the truth. In fact, pilots certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) are required to complete up to 14 rigorous papers, taking between 6 to 12 months to finish—essentially equivalent to two semesters of university coursework. Alongside these studies, aspiring pilots must also undertake flight training, with the entire process of training and licensing spanning 2 to 3 years, comparable to earning an undergraduate degree.

Most pilots begin their journey with a Private Pilot License (PPL), which many pursue for recreational purposes. According to CAAS AC FCL-7(2), “Ground Examination Syllabus for Pilots”, Private Pilots must pass 7 examinations to obtain their license. Among these, the Principles of Flight exam has the most comprehensive syllabus, covering 6 pages of fundamental concepts, including Bernoulli’s Principle, Newton’s Laws, Moments, and Forces.

This foundation is invaluable for anyone interested in aviation, as it not only deepens their understanding of flight science but also helps them evaluate their passion for the field. Recently, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) students participated in a workshop by the SUTD Aviation Interest Group that offered a brief yet insightful overview of aviation. Among the engaging presentations and discussions around the Principles of Flight, the liveliest discussions actually occurred post-workshop, where I shared and outlined various pathways to becoming a pilot, for both recreational and commercial routes.

Although SUTD specialises in engineering and design, many students here have a strong interest in aviation. The recent workshop demonstrated this enthusiasm, affirming that understanding the principles of flight is essential for the young aspiring pilots. That is also why fundamental topics like Newton’s Laws, aerodynamics, stability, and Bernoulli’s Theorem are prioritised in pilot training programmes. The aim of this workshop by the SUTD Aviation Interest Group was to introduce these core concepts to SUTD students, sparking their interest in aviation as well as to enrich their overall knowledge of flight.