S'pore Poly students to get hands-on experience with Super Puma copter

They were just 13 when they first got to know each other because of their shared love for aeroplanes. Now, the schoolmates will be among the first polytechnic students to get to learn working with the AS332 Super Puma helicopter.

- Gabrielle Chan

Year 3 students Weng Xianjun and Chan Keng Yeow, both 19, met when they joined the Singapore Youth Flying Club in secondary school. In pursuit of their interests, they met again in Singapore Polytechnic (SP), doing courses in similar fields.

Ms Weng is studying aeronautical engineering while Mr Chan is studying aerospace electronics.

They are among 330 students across the two courses who will get hands-on experience working with the military-grade helicopter - exploring its systems and engines and learning from real-world aircraft maintenance.

The helicopter is equipped with updated technology for both mechanical and electronic aspects, giving students more practical training in aircraft aerodynamics and ground support equipment, among other subjects.

An agreement was inked between SP and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) on Sept 23, as the polytechnic officially received the helicopter.

Super Puma helicopters were previously used for troop-lifting operations with the Singapore Army and also involved in search-and-rescue missions.