Yes, I am an Atheist

Religion is a by-product of fear. For much of human history, it may have been a necessary evil, but why was it more evil than necessary? Isn't killing people in the name of God a pretty good definition of insanity?

"A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on

sympathy, education, and social ties and needs;

no religious basis is necessary.

Man would indeed be in a poor way

if he had to be restrained

by fear of punishment

and hope of reward after death."

(Albert Einstein)

I think the point is not whether atheists criticise religion but whether religion can stand up to criticism. So far no religion could stand up to criticism, that is why religion has had to resort to blasphemy laws and the might of the state to silence and crush opposition.

Atheism offers intellectual integrity and freedom from religion. Therefore I reject religious absolutes, primitive "revelations", superstition, blind obedience and self-effacing prostrations to a tyrannical deity whose existence cannot be proven. I also value reason, logic, knowledge, freedom, equality and social progress. I always live by the golden rule: Treat others as you would have them treat you. Ethics need not be entwined with religion and meaningful lives do not require fictitious deities.

After all, I'm an atheist, and that's it. Religion is fundamentally opposed to everything I hold in veneration - courage, clear thinking, honesty, fairness, and, above all, love of the truth.

Cockpit Visit ??

A few days ago I flew back to SIN and on arrival, my CIC asked if we could let a kid in to take a look at the cockpit.....and the Capt said that it wasn't possible due to security reasons. Times have changed!!!!

I am so glad I have got some chances to cater quite a few kids to visit the cockpit back in the day when I was with CX, way before 911. We let them come up and if their parents are there I'll let their Dads to get a photo of them. Tomorrow's aviators, folks. Someone's gotta fly us around when we retire. Sometimes, a little PR also goes a long way to elevate our profession.

Because those good old days are long gone, no can do now!!! Thinking a cockpit visit is definetly out of the question, even on ground most of the time!!! Might as well get yourself a professional pilot licence and build up the hours to get the rating... then you wont have to ask!!!!

Training Mission Accomplished

It was a long journey for my CAAS licence conversion...........dispite the unnecessary troubles created by Okay and CAAC, complicated administrative process, numerous flight checks and high rate of travel was involved.

Stage one, 2 weeks ground school in SIA Training Centre for CAAS air law, HPL and Perf A exam. I reckon one week is far more then enough. They are as straight forward and as simple as it is. Getting 100% passed on each of these papers already tells how simple they are or how smart I am, huh!!!

Stage two, 4 weeks 50 hrs Jet handling Course in Jandakot. A must for fresh cadets, but what the hell was it for me? Couldn't I fly a tiny little jet with only 9300kg while I have 4500 TT hours in B747/B737 under my belt??? I asked.....well, CP explained "it is providing jet PIC hrs for your command upgrade in short future, this training is only for SFO".....Wow, a very very acceptable reason for me, in fact, I love to hear that...... By the way, flying thru 8 cities in 4 weeks time in LHS as PIC was an incredible experience.

   

 Stage three, 4 weeks ground school in SIA Training Centre. Here the real life began, lots of data and procedures were programmed into my head during the time. Turning my Boeing concept upside down or think myself was a green cadet would helps. The real challenge was how to keep my eyes open for the course......it was really a sleep activator.

Stage four, 4 weeks Simulator CPT and FFS Flying back with STC. This was the best part so far, and eventually the side-stick was in my right hand. Being an "A" Driver instead of "B" Driver. Some said it is a lazy movement, but I say it is a advancement if not an upgrade. At least I will be driving an automatic machine.

Stage five, 4 days Emergency + 2 days CRM + 3 days Performance Training spread over 3 weeks. Getting wet, playing games and meeting new friends......with lots of days off in between. What a nice semi-vacation before airbourne!!!

  

Stage six, Base Training with 10 T/Os and LDGs. Spread on 2 days with a couple of days between. Lots of fun and lots of pressure......serious business from now on. I did half of the requirements in Johor, and the other half was in Batam.

   

Stage seven, 40 sectors Line Training on scheduled flights over 6 weeks.  Just getting to smell the cockpit atmosphere and know the culture. Flying??? Are there any differences between airlines, ain't we pull to climb, push to land??? any differences??? Don't think so.... All I wanna find out is how to "Ding" the FA in and ask for a drink, or where to go for fun while staying outports. 

  

Stage eight, Line Duties. Either CX or SQ, they are international airlines, I can't tell much different. But Okay was, is and will be very 'Chinese' for quite a long while, as long as the CP is still the same F***ing A**hole who trying to run the messy show by himself. Anyway, I am Glad to get back to formal airlines flying.....

"Hey Sing guys and gals!! ready to go??"