Patricia Yapp Syau Yin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patricia Yapp Syau Yin
|
|
|---|---|
| Employer | Royal Malaysian Air Force |
| Chinese name | |
| Traditional Chinese | 葉曉盈 |
| Simplified Chinese | 叶晓盈 |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Yè Xiǎoyíng |
| Hokkien POJ | Ia̍p Hiáu-ihⁿ |
Patricia Yapp Syau Yin is an amazing Malaysian military pilot and flight instructor. She made history by becoming Asia’s first ever female pilot to fly a MiG-29 fighter jet!
Contents
Early Life and Dream of Flying
Patricia Yapp grew up in Sandakan, a town in Sabah, Malaysia. She became very interested in flying because her older brother was a pilot. However, her father wasn't too keen on her becoming a pilot herself at first.
After finishing high school, Patricia moved to Kuala Lumpur. She started studying law at university there. But her dream of flying was still strong!
Joining the Air Force
In 1997, during her second semester at university, Patricia decided to follow her dream. She secretly applied for the Royal Malaysian Air Force cadet program. This program trains young people to become pilots and officers.
After she passed the first part of the selection, she told her parents. They were surprised but agreed to support her new career path!
Becoming a Fighter Pilot
In 2000, Patricia graduated from University of Technology, Malaysia. She earned a diploma in Aeronautical Engineering, which is about designing and building aircraft.
After more flight training, she officially became a pilot in 2002. She chose to be a fighter pilot, which is a very challenging and exciting job! For four years, she flew Aermacchi MB-339 aircraft.
Flying the MiG-29
Later, Patricia became a lead pilot for the No. 17/19 Smokey Bandits Squadron. This special squadron flies powerful MiG-29N Fulcrum jets. These jets are known for their speed and ability to control the skies.
Patricia also showed off her amazing flying skills in aerobatic displays. These are exciting air shows where pilots perform incredible stunts in the sky. She performed at big events like the Singapore Airshow in 2012.
In January 2014, Patricia achieved another goal. She became a qualified flight instructor, teaching new pilots how to fly.
Further Studies and Leadership
In 2010, Patricia married S. Thayala Kumar Ravi Varman, who is also a pilot!
After teaching new pilots, Patricia decided to continue her education. She went to Australia National University (ANU). In 2018, she earned a Master's degree in Military and Defence Studies. She even graduated with honors!
New Roles and Contributions
After her studies, Patricia was assigned to the Air Education and Training Command. Here, she helped manage the basic training for new recruits in the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Patricia played an important role. She helped create new rules and guidelines for training institutions to keep everyone safe. Later, she moved to the Strategic and Operations Division. In this role, she helped plan and oversee air exercises with different countries.
