Hi all, I'm a relatively new member to this forum and was pleasantly surprised to find an active GA scene here in Singapore. 

I hope the members and enthusiasts here wouldn't mind answering some of my queries. Firstly, are private pilots in Singapore all flying purely recreationally? I ask this question because flying seems like a pretty expensive hobby to have and I'm wondering how you guys and girls finance this passion and how (if) you use your skills in flying to make a living. Which brings me to my second question, is there a career in Singapore for someone who wants to go into aviation other than flying for a major airline? Lastly, what is the fastest and lowest cost option to learn how to fly at the moment?

I think WOA has done a great job in creating an awareness in the aviation scene and in revitalising passions for flying! It has certainly done so for me!! Keep it up!

Hi, welcome to WOA.

To answer some of your queries, private pilots worldwide are by regulation only recreational and they are not supposed to make a living using their PPL. To be able to receive money for flying, you would need a minimum CPL.

I can't speak for the rest, but for me and some friends, in order to finance this passion, its about making a lifestyle choice and budget properly about what to spend, and what not to spend. It's not easy but with some planning, it can be done.

For aviation career, it depends on what area you are referring to. There are many career options in aviation ranging from Air Traffic Control to Ground services handling, from Pilot to Mechanic. etc. If you only want to focus on being a Pilot, beside flying in the airline, you can be a flying instructor, chartered pilot, medical evacuation services pilot, etc. However for many of such job, you need to know where to find them and who to look for and it is unfortunate as Asia GA is very much under develop.

There isn't really a cheapest and fastest way to learn flying because the cost is all relative subjected to individual learning curve. If you have the time, you can go States and you may find really cheap flight training but you have to add in other costs related to traveling and living there. So it all depends on your personal situation, needs and requirement.

happy flying.