Rakan Muda Project
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has allocated a sizeable budget during the 7th Malaysia Plan period to encourage aviation-mindedness in our youths. On 20 Jan 97, the project was launched by YB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the Minister of Youth and Sports, where a kitplane -- the Zodiac -- will be built with the kind cooperation of the MEAA (Malaysian Experimental Aircraft Association) and the RMAF Museum. The Ministry will buy a few more kitplanes once the first kitplane proves to be a successful venture.
The Zodiac, which successfully obtained DCA registration as 9M-ERM just before the big day on 28 Jul 97, took part in the Great Malaysia Air Rally. It successfully made it to Langkawi on 4 Aug 97, despite the haze which prevented several lighter aircraft from completing the route. It was a hit at Langkawi and flew several times a day. However, on the 4th day at Langkawi, it met an accident when the rotor downwash from a Nuri helicopter toppled it, causing severe damages.
The aircraft was brought back to the MEAA hangar in Kuala Lumpur. Spare parts have been ordered to effect its repair. The aircraft has since been repaired to the delight of the Director General of Civil Aviation himslef, who took the opportunity to fly the aircraft on Sunday 31 May 98.
Another Zodiac Bought
Meantime, another Zodiac kitplane was bought by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and has since been constructed, assembled and flown for the recent Langkawi Fly-In in December 1998. This project is indeed successful, and even afforded the opportunity for UPM students to do their practical training during their recent Apr/May semester break.
And Bell helicopters too
In November 1998, the MEAA received two Bell 47G-5A helicopters from the RMAF. These phased out helicopters will be kept in flying condition by the MEAA is support of the Rakan Muda scheme.
RC Model Aircraft "Fun-Fly" at the Museum
The "Fun-Fly" of radio controlled aircraft by the KMKLS -- Kelab Modelkraf Kuala Lumpur Selangor -- on Sunday, 24 Aug 97 at the Museum was a great success. An unexpected crowd of some 2,000 adults and children were there; some enthusiasts came from as far as Singapore. About 60 model aircraft -- fixed wing and helicopters -- of all shapes and sizes displayed their capabilities; or rather their handler's capabilities in controlling their model aircraft through the various flight manouvres, including tight aerobatic stunts. The youngest flyer was a 10 year old boy, while the oldest was a 60+ gentleman from Singapore.
With this success, the Museum and KMKLS are encouraged to organise a few more similar events; and maybe make the "Fun-Fly" into a regular feature of the Museum calendar of activities. Click here for photos of the event.
