RMAF pilots fuelled by fire within [WATCH]

New Straits Times

22-05-2025

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Not even an interview with the New Straits Times could contain the passion for flying shown by Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Major Mohd Azlan Kasiah and Major Md Zailimi Md Zin.
They leapt from their seats and dashed out of the tent mid-interview, drawn by the thunderous roar of two United States Navy F/A18E/F Super Hornets streaking past Langkawi International Airport.
The brief interruption during a rainy pause at Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima '25) captured more than awe.
It reflected the passion that both pilots have for military aviation, even after years at the helm of the RMAF's formidable F/A-18D Hornets.
For Azlan, 34, from Yan in Kedah, the journey to the cockpit of a fighter jet began as a cadet under the diploma programme at the Air Force College.
He then underwent the Fighter Lead-In Training (FLIT) on the BAE Systems Hawk aircraft, a prerequisite before graduating to the RMAF's multirole combat aircraft (MRCA).
"Before we're assigned to the MRCA, we have to go through vital training first.
"Only then are we inducted into the squadron," said Azlan, who has been serving with No. 18 Squadron since 2018 and is now flight instructor and head of flight operations.
A seasoned aviator, he views his role in shaping future pilots as an honour and a major responsibility.
"Training fighter pilots requires a lot of effort. The F/A-18D is a multirole aircraft, so those who join No. 18 Squadron must be properly prepared.
"As an instructor, I have to sacrifice my time, effort and energy to make sure these trainees are competent to conduct frontline operations and defend the nation's sovereignty.
"It's a huge responsibility that demands consistency and strong character."
Azlan, who made his first Lima appearance in 2019 as a commentator, now plays a more prominent role in the air display team.
"I flew as the second slot aircraft in the aerobatic formation. Alhamdulillah, I'm thankful for the opportunity to be part of it."
Azlan, when asked about his callsign "Conan", said that it was bestowed during training, inspired by the famous anime detective.
"One of my instructors noticed how, when I gave briefings, it felt more like an investigation. That reminded him of Detective Conan, and the name stuck."
Meanwhile, Zailimi, who joined the Hornet fleet in 2015 after being posted to No. 18 Squadron, recalled how he received the callsign "Shrink" early in his training, a tongue-in-cheek reference to some early challenges coordinating flight planning and cognitive workload.
"There was a particular incident during my Hornet training. My seniors gave me the callsign based on what they observed, hoping I'd improve.
"And most pilots do, with experience."
By 2017, he had completed his conversion course and was qualified to fly the aircraft solo as a wingman, although senior pilots still flew alongside him at times.
Since then, he has participated in numerous air operations and exercises domestically and internationally, including Five Power Defence Arrangement exercises, such as Bersama Lima and Bersama Shield and Exercise Pitch Black in Australia.
"That exercise gave me a sense of what a large-scale operation is like. It was a very valuable experience."
At Lima '25, Zailimi was entrusted to perform aerial displays with the Hornet, flying alongside Azlan.
Addressing their popularity with the public while being the knights protecting Malaysia's skies, Zalimi had a simple message.
"May we be granted safety and ease in our tasks.
"To fans of military aviation, I invite everyone to come and witness Lima '25, and to continue supporting not only No. 18 Squadron, but also the RMAF and the armed forces.
"And to the next generation hoping to follow in our footsteps, you need to put in the effort, have trust in Allah, and have the right intention.
"If your intentions are sincere, you pray and work hard, InsyaAllah, you'll get what you aim for."
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