Kuantan: The Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has made history as the first member of the royal family to undergo and complete the Basic Helicopter Flying Course at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Air College (KTU).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, he was among 40 participants who completed their training and received their RMAF Flying Wings, conferred by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who is also the Colonel-in-Chief of the RMAF, at the 2026 Flying Wings Presentation Parade at the KTU Parade Ground today.

Apart from the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, the wings were also conferred on 39 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) graduates, comprising 37 young pilots and two weapon systems officers from the three MAF services. The ceremony involved graduates from four flying courses, namely the 67(A)/26 Basic Helicopter Flying Course, 67/25 Basic Helicopter Flying Course, 87/25 Basic Flying Course, and 01/25 Basic Weapon Systems Officer Course.

Tengku Hassanal attended the 67(A)/26 Basic Helicopter Flying Course, which was held from June 2 to July 31, using the EC120B Colibri helicopter, and successfully completed several flying assessments, including the Basic Handling Test (BHT), Instrument Flying Test (IFT), Final Navigation Test (FNT), and Final Handling Test (FHT).

The ceremony also saw six awards presented to the best graduates based on their achievements in flying, academics, discipline, and leadership. Air Force Chief Gen Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris stated that the success of the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang and the graduates in completing their training was due to perseverance, fighting spirit, mental resilience, and high discipline instilled throughout the training.

He emphasized that behind every achievement were parents and family members who provided encouragement and support throughout the graduates' training. 'The presentation of the Flying Wings is not the end of a journey. Instead, it marks the beginning of a far greater trust and responsibility. From today onwards, the wings worn on the chest carry with them the honour, hopes, and trust of the service and the nation,' he said in his speech at the ceremony.