Kuala lumpur: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and the Sultan of Johor, made history in 1982 as the first Malaysian royal to earn his wings from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) after completing helicopter pilot training. His Majesty achieved this while serving as the Tunku Mahkota of Johor, being cleared to fly a helicopter solo without an instructor after just four hours of training.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, 'Due to exceptional skills and perseverance, Sultan Ibrahim was permitted to fly a helicopter solo without an instructor in the cockpit after just four hours of training,' as stated in a post on the Johor Sultanate's Facebook page. This achievement was a rare feat in the country's military aviation training history, as trainees normally require a considerably longer period of instruction before undertaking solo flights, the post added.
His Majesty's ability to master flying skills with speed and precision also enabled him to complete his pilot training ahead of his coursemates. His military career began after he was proclaimed Tunku Mahkota of Johor on July 3, 1981, following the accession of his father, the late Sultan Iskandar, as Sultan of Johor.
Before embarking on his flight training, His Majesty underwent training as a platoon commander at the Army Training Centre (PULADA) in Kota Tinggi, Johor. He was subsequently sent to the United States to attend the Young Officers' Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, and underwent advanced training at the Special Warfare School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Upon returning to Johor, Sultan Ibrahim was appointed Deputy Commanding Officer of the Johor Military Force. He later enrolled as a helicopter pilot trainee with the RMAF and underwent training at PULATIBANG 2 in Kluang in 1982. On April 26 of that year, Sultan Ibrahim received his pilot wings at the passing-out parade at PULATIBANG 2, where he also served as the parade commander. The wings were personally presented by Sultan Iskandar.
Sultan Ibrahim continued his military training in other branches of the Armed Forces, including participating in a three-month naval training programme at the Royal Malaysian Navy base in Lumut, Perak, as well as airborne and ranger training for infantry officers. His Majesty later underwent American Special Forces and Pathfinder training, completing 19 parachute jumps, some conducted at night.
'His Majesty is a commissioned officer in all three branches of the country's armed forces: land, sea, and air,' the post said. According to the post, the breadth of military training undertaken by Sultan Ibrahim places him among the Malaysian royals with the most extensive military backgrounds.
His Majesty's aviation legacy continues through the Royal Johor Flight, the official flight unit of the Johor Palace, which operates a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter for the official and private needs of His Majesty and members of the Johor royal family.