Marang pupils explore aviation ambition through flight simulators, hands-on learning
SOME pupils at a school in Marang, Terengganu, don’t see the sky as merely part of the natural landscape, but an infinite horizon to explore their aviation dream.
No longer confined to ambitions of becoming police officers, soldiers or teachers, the pupils of SK Gong Nangka are now reaching for the skies by setting their sights on becoming pilots.
It all began with one teacher’s passion for aeronautics, particularly aviation.
After transferring from a primary school in Jerantut, Pahang, to SK Gong Nangka in 2014, Syed Hasan Syukri Tuan Hadi, 48, found a chance to share his love for aviation with his pupils.
This led to the establishment of the SK Gong Nangka Aeronautics Club a year later.
“I opened up opportunities for pupils to get to know the world of aviation,” Syed Hasan Syukri told Bernama.
“When I was young, I did not know of this field.
“Perhaps, if I had received earlier exposure, I might have been a pilot today,” he said.
Sharing aviation interest
The Terengganu-born teacher from Tuan Mandak, Kuala Nerus, said his fascination with aircraft took flight while he was teaching in Jerantut, after a nephew working in aerospace engineering introduced him to the field.
“I once organised an aeronautics exhibition at my last school.
“It was a one-day event where I displayed my collection of aircraft replicas, but that was as far as it went.
“After moving to SK Gong Nangka, the opportunity to share aviation knowledge with pupils arose when the school’s resource centre took part in a competition.
“The teacher in charge asked if I had vehicle replicas for display.
“I lent my aircraft models, and I saw how interested pupils were in the exhibits,” he said, adding that this led to the formation of the school’s Aeronautics Club in 2015.
The English language teacher went a step further by building a flight simulator.
Using recycled materials such as car seats and old computers, he built a flight simulator in a corner of the school’s resource centre for pupils to experience being inside an aircraft cockpit.
Syed Hasan Syukri used his own money, along with contributions from several other teachers and assistance from external parties, to craft the simulator at a cost of RM5,000; it would have cost RM20,000 if new equipment had been used.
Second flight simulator
Encouraged by the pupils’ excitement at “piloting an aircraft” using the first simulator, Syed Hasan Syukri, now the club adviser, went on to build a second flight simulator in 2022.
Named “GoSim22”, the second simulator was also made using recycled materials, he said.
“It cost only RM2,000 due to its smaller size.
“The second simulator can be easily dismantled and reassembled because it is smaller.
“It also fits into the back of a 4WD vehicle, making it easier to transport for events.
“We are often invited to take part in exhibitions, including at the Terengganu Science and Creativity Centre (PSKT) in Kuala Terengganu,” he added.
Despite its smaller size, GoSim22 was developed using more up-to-date software to provide clearer and more realistic visuals, allowing club members, known as “cadets”, to experience flying an aircraft in a more realistic setting.
Syed Hasan Syukri said each club member would undergo a 15-minute simulator session under the supervision of a teacher.
Tailored aviation curriculum
According to Syed Hasan Syukri, the club, which is oriented towards exposing pupils to careers in aviation, introduces the basics of flight through a curriculum that closely resembles aviation academies.
“Topics covered include the history of aviation, flight theories, aircraft systems, aviation meteorology, aviation mathematics and human limitations.
“Although these topics sound heavy, the content is simplified to suit the cognitive abilities of primary pupils and is aligned with the classroom curriculum,” he said.
He added that the programme complemented subjects
such as English, Science and Mathematics.
After completing all modules, club members are assessed through a simulator test, which requires them to “fly an aircraft” safely from one airport to another while adhering to the aviation operating procedures the pupils have been taught.
Beyond training and tests, the cadets also get to visit aviation-
related locations such as the Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Nerus, an air traffic control tower, maintenance hangars in Sepang, Selangor, as well as aviation academies in Melaka and Kelana Jaya, Selangor.
“Besides pilots and flight attendants, I want pupils to realise that the aviation world offers many career paths including engineering and other technical specialities,” said Syed Hasan Syukri.
“The headmaster and other teachers hope to see SK Gong Nangka pupils build careers in aviation.
“As many come from rural areas and B40 families, this will not only change their lives, but it also promises a bright future,” he added.
Discipline among cadets
Over an 11-year period since its establishment, the Aeronautics Club has recruited 90 members from among Year Four to Year Six pupils.
Selection is based on their year-end examination results and discipline, proving that the club values character, commitment and dedication alongside academic performance.
Each year, only 18 to 22 pupils are selected to join the club, motivating others to study hard and maintain good discipline to be eligible.
“Aircraft has a natural appeal – there is no need for much explanation.
“On top of that, club members wear pilot uniforms, so everyone wants to look stylish in a pilot’s attire,” said Syed Hasan Syukri, who is also the school’s senior assistant of student affairs.
“But the club curriculum is quite demanding, so teachers only offer membership to eligible pupils, which indirectly motivates others to study harder.
“Through their involvement, members not only learn the basics of aviation but also develop strong discipline.
“They are constantly reminded to maintain a neat appearance, especially when wearing the pilot uniform which symbolises responsibility and professionalism.”
Driving club’s success
Syed Hasan Syukri said he was grateful for the strong support from fellow teachers helping to run the club’s activities, and the school’s Parent-Teacher Association that provided financial backing, which helped to ensure the club’s continued success.
From simulation training to flight tests, the club is making history as the first of its kind among Terengganu primary schools.
The club also receives guidance from two professional advisers – a pilot serving with a leading airline and an aviation engineer from Terengganu.
“Although both are working overseas, they are happy to guide and advise on our aviation curriculum online, so that club members continue to receive the relevant knowledge and direction,” said Syed Hasan Syukri.
Becoming an inspiration
Today, the SK Gong Nangka Aeronautics Club is no longer just an ordinary club, but an inspiration and a reference point for educational institutions nationwide.
Syed Hasan Syukri and the club’s coordinating teacher, Tengku Ahmad Fareez Tengku Abdul Aziz, are kept busy hosting visitors from schools across various states keen to learn how to develop similar simulators.
“The school now has to limit visits to just one per month so
as not to disrupt teaching and learning,” said Syed Hasan Syukri.
The club has also represented Terengganu at the national level through participation in various programmes and events.
In addition to frequent involvement in exhibitions and carnivals at PSKT, teachers and club members were selected to attend the National Convention of the School Transformation Programme 2025 in Melaka and the National Teachers’ Festival in 2019 in Penang.
Aiming for blue skies
For club members, the opportunity to use the flight simulator is not a plaything but a starting point in pursuit of their dreams.
Nur Airis Rania Nirazmi, 12, said she joined the club to prepare herself as she was keen to become a flight attendant.
“I have learned many things from this club, such as in-flight safety.
“Besides that, interacting with visitors from other schools has helped me sharpen my communication skills, which are essential for a flight attendant,” said the Year Six pupil.
Meanwhile, 12-year-old Ahmad Adhwa Azam Almanizam said he had dreamed of joining the club since Year Two, after observing members in their neat and spotless pilot-like uniforms every Tuesday at school.
“My ambition now is to be a pilot. It is challenging, but I will study hard, especially in Mathematics and Science, to pursue my dream,” he said.
Go Nang Drone programme
SK Gong Nangka headmaster Azlan Ali said he was proud to see the dedication of teachers and pupils in working together to drive the Aeronautics Club forward.
Due to high demand for membership, he said the school this year developed the “Go Nang Drone Academy” programme, which exposes pupils to the basics of drone flight, control techniques, safety aspects and ethical use.
“For now, we have not officially recruited members, but the teachers and I have bought five drones for this programme.
“We want pupils to see the wide range of career options in drone technology, including photography, smart agriculture, and security, which are increasingly in demand,” Azlan said.
SK Gong Nangka currently has 464 pupils.
