Captain soars to new heights
04/10/2024. By Carmelle Wilkinson.
Singapore Airlines captain Ian Cheng.
For as long as Captain Ian Cheng can remember he’s been enthralled by the world of aviation.
To this day, even after 28 years serving as a pilot for the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group, the commerce graduate said the view from his office window still took his breath away.
“It may sound like a cliche, but it’s really something being in the air,’’ he said.
“As pilots, we have the best office view in the world.”
Born and raised in Singapore, Ian is now Vice President and Chief Pilot for Singapore Airline’s Boeing 777s, overseeing a fleet of 27 aircraft and about 450 pilots.
Boeing 777 aircraft.
“I’m in charge of our pilot’s safety, their well-being and overall just making sure we get to our destinations safely and efficiently,’’ he said.
“A few years ago, I also started instructing and mentoring our new generation of pilots, something I take great pride in.”
Ian’s former titles include Senior Vice President of Flight Operations for SIA’s low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, and Vice President of Flight Operations for SilkAir, a former subsidiary of Singapore Airlines.
During Ian’s time with Scoot, he was part of the crew tasked to bring home Singaporeans from Wuhan during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As a second-generation employee (his father was a flight engineer for the airline) Ian was eager to join the skies from a young age.
“I always wanted to be a pilot, and while my parents were in support of that, they felt I needed something to fall back on should I not be accepted into the cadet program,’’ he said.
After completing his two years of compulsory national service in Singapore, Ian came to Perth to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Curtin’s Bentley campus.
“I really enjoyed my time at Curtin. In many ways, Curtin helped me immensely in my career as a pilot,” he said.
“First and foremost, my studies gave me confidence to do what I do.
“It also taught me discipline, and how to tackle issues and solve problems – which is a huge component of my current career.”
Ian said his time at Curtin also helped nurture lifelong friendships.
“I’m still friends with some of my old housemates, one of which actually studied engineering at Curtin, and is now a pilot with me at Singapore Airlines,’’ he said.
Ian as a cadet pilot in Jandakot, where the Singapore Flying College campus is located. Due to airspace restrictions in Singapore, practical training is carried out in WA.
Following his graduation in 1994, Ian returned to Singapore, where he worked for a building products company and an express mail service, before landing his dream job.
“In 1996, I was accepted into the Singapore Airlines cadetship program,’’ he said.
Whether it’s flying over different countries marvelling at the changing terrain or admiring the stars in the night sky, Ian said he always felt a deep sense of wonder being in the air.
“These days, I spend a lot more time in the office managing the fleet and training our new pilots, but when I am in the cockpit, I am at total peace. I just love being in there,’’ he said.
Captain Cheng (left) in the cockpit.
Looking back over his career, Ian said piloting the first Singapore Airlines B-777 from Singapore to Wellington in 2017 and being one of the first pilots in the world to fly the Boeing Dreamliner 787-10 were among the highlights.
“The flight to Wellington was particularly special because it connected two new cities and was probably one of the most challenging places to land with a runway of just 1815 metres,’’ he said.
“In comparison, the runway at Singapore Changi Airport is 4000 metres in length.
“To this day it’s still one of my best memories, because when we landed probably half of Wellington came out to see us.”
In 2018, Ian was tasked with the honour of bringing a new Dreamliner from its manufacturer Boeing in Charleston, South Carolina, to Singapore.
“This was a really memorable event. Quite a lot of work goes into getting approvals and turning it into a commercial plane that can take passengers,’’ he said.
“When we landed in Singapore, we were greeted with a water cannon salute, which is essentially a blessing. It was really special.”
Boeing Dreamliner 787-10 arriving at Changi Airport, Singapore to a water cannon salute, 2018.
Ian said one of the most rewarding parts of his job has been imparting his knowledge and skills onto new and emerging pilots.
“It’s a wonderful feeling seeing our second officers climb the ranks and progress to first officer,’’ he said.
“Some also go on to becoming captains, which is a really proud moment for me. Just knowing that I helped train them and helped them along their career development and journey to being a pilot for Singapore Airline is amazing.”
So, what is the best advice Ian has for pilots in training?
“Flying is very dynamic. So, it’s important I teach them how to handle difficult situations and allow them to develop their competencies, so they are capable of making tough decisions,’’ he said.
“My training also includes leadership, teamwork, communication, situational awareness and problem solving.
“It’s a long journey in terms of training, but we have really good foundations at Singapore Airlines and the safety of our passengers and crew always comes first.”
When Ian isn’t flying or instructing, he enjoys popping on his runners and going for a jog.
“I love being outdoors and I especially love exploring a new city on foot,’’ he said.
“Usually after a long flight, I’d wake early the next morning and go for a jog. I actually like to get a bit lost and then try to find my way back.
“I feel by getting lost you get to know the city a bit better.”
Among the many amazing places Ian has flown to or holidayed, Japan and Australia hold a special place in his heart.
“Japan is a place that that really intrigues me. I really like Tokyo and Osaka,’’ he said.
“I also love Australia as it brings back memories from my time studying in Perth.
“Whenever I’m in Perth I enjoy going down to a café for a coffee or running around the Swan River.”
With his aviation career well established, Ian is now considering furthering his studies where it all began – Curtin.
“I’d love to return to campus and undertake a postgraduate degree or perhaps even try for my MBA (Master of Business Administration),’’ he said.
“I loved my time at Curtin. Just sitting on a bench on campus enjoying the sunshine. I miss that.”
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