LANGKAWI: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) pilots left the spectators astonished by their skills as they performed training routine ahead of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (Lima ’23) here today.
The pilots of RMAF’s fighter jets, transporters and helicopters who are taking part in the upcoming air shows, have begun training at the Langkawi International Airport (LTAL) since yesterday.
Razak Khamis, 49, said he came as early as 8am with his friends to watch the training.
He said they gathered at the grounds of the Malaysia Airport Bhd (MAB) staff quarters to witness the exercise.
“Every time before Lima, we look forward to the RMAF’s training. The formation shown is indeed more powerful and interesting than before.
“I am sure that this training will be shown to the public on the opening day of Lima ’23 on Tuesday,” said the hardcore fan of fighter aircrafts.
Habsah Abd Halim, 45, from Kampung Kuah here, said she was willing to brave the scorching heat just to catch the action of the fighter aircrafts, especially the Sukhoi SU-30MKM and Hornet F/A-18D.
“It is really thrilling seeing the aircrafts in formation and releasing a ‘flare’, then hovering and plummeting.
“I was awed by the performance of the SU-30MKM, F/A-18D Hornet and Hawk, besides the A400M aircraft accompanied by nine Pilatus,” said Habshah who was accompanied by her husband, Fakhrullah Ismail, 47.
The exercise also involved a controlled bomb explosion simulation in conjunction with the opening gimmick.
Checks at the MAB staff quarters and near Kampung Bohor Chempedak showed that the areas were filled by the crowd, despite the heat.
The Lima exhibition, which is entering its 16th edition since 1991, is scheduled to last for five days from Tuesday.
– New Straits Times