Thursday, May 20, 2021

Singapore - To Do 20May21 (Bendy Bus at Yishun)

Bendy Bus Ride
840 35min ride Loop service From Yishun Bus Interchange
*Only started logging about 10mins after we moved off from the station. Here's the bus 840 Loop. Nice simple and through the heartlands*
811 45min ride North Loop Service From Yishun Bus Interchange

In Singapore, there are a total of 40 bendy bus units in operation. Introduced in 2013 by SMRT Buses and all entered into service in 2015.

For anyone interested in taking a ride on this iconic and very limited bus. Yishun was the nearest one to us at any rate.
*Very easy to follow boards and even tells you the type
of bus that's going to come next*
The SMRT service staff were really helpful in suggesting we get the bus schedule from the bus service center. They had the full schedule on which bus numbers had the bendy bus to ride on.

We just went for 840 loop service which brought us through the heartlands,
35mins in total and starts and ends back at Yishun Bus Interchange.
Click here to find a Bendy Bus Services operating near you.

All 40 of the MANA24 Buses in Singapore
are of the NG363F model.
*Source Wiki*
N: Low- Floor Bus
G: Articulated Bus
36: Power Output in hp 360hp
3: Third Generation
F: Produced as a chassis to be fitted with external bodywork.
pa 54Seating+76Standing  = 130Passengers 
Off the beaten track thing to do in Singapore. Ride one of the 40 Bendy Buses in Singapore.
ABBATip:
Go to the bus services to find out which Bendy Bus is pulling into the bay to pick up passengers.

Friday, May 14, 2021

Singapore - To Do (13May21) Punggol Point Park

Punggol Point Beach

Staying too far from the east? Punggol Point Beach offers an interesting alternative beach with a beautiful view of the Johor Straits.
There are limited eateries located at the Punggol Settlement. The Wash point is relatively close to the beach and there's a retro like red-eared slider terrapin pond located adjacent to it. 



Pros:
- Nice long stretch
- Quiet with a view
- Water is really nice and clear like at Siloso Beach

Cons:
- Lots of rocks with sharp barnacles. Good for sea life but maybe a little more dangerous for kids
- Only open shower available
- Dining options are limited
- Beach is relatively short so you gotta plan the tides.
Nice stretch of beach in the Punggol area and has its historical significance during Singapore's early years. Distance from the wash room isn't too far by way of distance. Its mainly just steps to overcome.
You might be interested in Sentosa's Iconic Siloso Beach

Click here for ABBA Location of Punggol Point Park

Historical location of the
Sook Ching Massacre

Wiki "The Sook Ching meaning 'purge through cleansing') was a systematic purge of perceived hostile elements among the Chinese in Singapore and Chinese Malayans by the Japanese military during the Japanese occupation of Singapore and Malaya, after the British colony surrendered on 15 February 1942 following the Battle of Singapore. The purge took place from 18 February to 4 March 1942 at various places in the region."Wiki

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Aviation Reads - KSA (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes)

Disclaimer! This is NOT an opinion piece, but rather a collection of various readings and clippings which serve to spur further exploration in the topic. These are not full articles but simply excerpts from the bulk of reading material that is available.  As much citation and references were taken with regards to the topic. Legitimacy and accuracy of the clippings are read at your own discretion.

Area 100 KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes) is a new training approach in the ATPL theoretical training, that aims to teach pilots vital competencies that were not previously addressed by traditional subjects. KSA does not have an associated official exam but is instead assessed at the ATO level.

The name “Area 100” comes from the number code that EASA gives to the ATPL subjects. Ordinary subjects go from 010 (Air Law) to 092 (IFR Communications), and KSA has been assigned number 100.

Why has Area 100 KSA Been Developed:

EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) data shows that approximately 50% of licensed pilots have insufficient competencies for employment, and therefore fail AOC assessments. Single-choice examinations do not verify if the answers come from rote learning or from understanding.

Moreover, flight crew errors, and specifically a lack or poor application non-technical skills, are one of the primary causes of aviation accidents. Its importance as a share of total accidents has been steadily rising for decades, as aircraft have become more reliable and complex.

To tackle this issue, Area 100 KSA addresses the need for holistic, output-based training which develops and assesses the pilot’s competencies. It is a shift in pilot training to a competency-based training environment.
(Click here for the 8 Competencies)

Area 100 KSA differs from other learning objectives (LOs) in the verbs used: Show and demonstrate. Its syllabus has three main objectives:

  • To firmly embed competency-based training in ground school.
  • To provide an effective bridge between theoretical knowledge training and flight training.
  • To encourage the development of the ‘thinking pilot’.

These objectives are reached through involvement, using learning by discovery and scenario-based learning, embedded in real-world situations.

The training philosophy behind this could be then summarized as “Involve me and I learn”, shifting from passive learning to active learning.


What will KSA mean for future pilots?

As a pilot, you will receive better training and be more competent, since your knowledge will be based on reasoning and not pure memorisation. You will therefore have better chances of meeting airline requirements and securing a job.

On the other side, airlines will be able to choose from a pool of highly qualified pilots that have been trained using best practices and have demonstrated vital ICAO core competencies, and flight schools will show commitment with the best training standards and its ability to adapt to changing requirements and regulations.

Aircrew operating at the basic level have the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes and exhibit a textbook-based performance. With additional motivation, knowledge and experience, aircrew can move up to the superior level.

Here,
aircrew do more than simply follow standard operating procedures — they use foresight to anticipate problems and use higher-order skills such as situation assessment, judgement and problem solving to take a proactive rather than reactive approach to situation management. The demands of modern aviation necessitate that aircrew attain a superior level of airmanship.

At the highest level, is the desire to achieve excellence in all aspects of performance. Those operating at this level are dedicated to self-improvement and have a genuine desire to perform optimally at all times. Aircrew operating at this level seek airmanship excellence and this manifests itself in outstanding performance.

You might also be interested in Tony Kern Airmanship Model

In Conclusion:

Within the aviation comm
unity, there are many definitions and concepts of airmanship. It is our contention that airmanship is logically defined as a personal state that enables aircrew to exercise sound judgement, uncompromising flight discipline and skilful control of an aircraft within a situation.

There are se
veral indicators of effective airmanship. Primarily a good airman is someone who prevents things from going wrong by maintaining situational awareness, using foresight to anticipate potential hazards and making sound plans that take them into account. However, it is perhaps easiest to see effective airmanship in action when problems arise.

Then, e
ffective aircrew correctly assess the dynamic situation, apply sound judgement and take decisive and appropriate action. In doing so, aircrew manage the available resources and prioritize their goals; demonstrate good discipline and strong teamwork, communicate clearly to all appropriate agencies, and employ comprehensive knowledge and considerable expertise to the situation.

Whilst it is tr
ue that airmanship is a personal quality, and that individuals do vary in their natural ability for it, aircrew can be trained and motivated to achieve airmanship excellence through application of the Foundations of Airmanship model.

Airm
anship training centres on the building of three key skills of judgement, control and discipline using a defined series of knowledge and skills. However, airmanship is more than having the requisite skills and knowledge; it is about having an appropriate attitude and a desire to perform optimally at all times— this personal conviction will enable aircrew to attain the highest levels of airmanship performance.

Outstanding airmanship can only be achieved by placing airmanship training at the very heart of a training system rather than as an adjunct. An holistic approach to airmanship training is essential to enable aircrew to meet the new and significant challenges of modern aviation. 

Sources:

Saturday, May 8, 2021

Singapore - To Eat 07May21 (Nayana Kpop Cafe & Restaurant Vista)

Singapore - To Stay
Singapore - To Eat
Singapore - To Do
NAYANA Kpop Cafe
& Restaurant (Vista)
No Service No GST Charge!

Located in Flora Vista a mixed development Apartment, there is a nice cluster of boutique shops( Many seeming rated by Dr Leslie Tay, blogger of ieatishootipost) , located along Yeo Chu Kang Road. This is one of two locations with the other located at Poiz Center. Click here for full details.
Ordered On:
07May21
Free flow condiments

*Sides were pretty standard. KimChi was a pretty good standing*
Soy and Garlic Fired Chicken SGD12.90
*A huge disappointment. The oil they used seemed old and the chicken thigh both lacked in that distinctive crunch and the seasoning of Honey Soy and Garlic. In fact did not finish what was ordered.*
Pork Army Stew SGD32.90
*Simple fair. The cheese didn't add much. Decent but nothing really outstanding!*
Interesting location at the edge of light industrial and mainly landed residential. A nice boutique setup however what we ordered lacked. I suppose other classic Korean dishes like bulgogi beef and their Sundubu would have faired much better.
Total Fed 2 SGD45.80
Ambience 4/5

*Has a nice mix of outdoor and indoor seating. 
The vibes of the place are very similar to those found in Korea*
Service 4/5
*Though there was no service charge, the local server was very helpful,
attentive and checked up on us when she could.
Food 3/5
*Maybe its the order.*
Value 3.5/5
*Without the service or GST charge, its a pretty good deal but food was so-so. Could have been a wrong order choice.*
If in the mood for some value Korean in the Yeo Chu Kang area, its a nice go to option to come try their other servings. Parking is easy with the underground car park attached to the mixed development.

You might be interested in another Boutique shop eats offering Ding Tai Fung Like food at cheaper at Ding Te Le located in Kovan.

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Singapore - To Do 03May21(Singapore Zoo)

Click here for ABBA location of Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoo. The OG Attraction in Singapore Opened 27June1973.
Thou certain sections still remain, many sections of the park have been added and kept with the times.

Try to arrive early in the morning as personally that feels like you may get the most out of the animals where they're more active and looking for breakfast.
Click here for full posting on River Safari (Mostly good to go regardless of wet weather)
Click here for latest pricing.
ABBATips:
- Go early. The animals seem to be most active during that time.
- No need for a large water bottle. There are plenty of water top up points.
- Dining options are available in the middle of the park which is a short walk from the main entrance. From there it branches out to the rest of the enclosures. The only other option is at the end of the park, Rain forest Kidzworld which is the every popular Kentucky Fried Chicken.


*Up close with the animals at the Rain forest enclosure*

Still one of the great zoos to visit. Good variety spread throughout and can be a full day event. The downside is probably the lack of shelter from enclosure to enclosure and one's experience is fully weather dependent. Still, the zoo has been a staple Singapore must visit since its inception in the early 70s.

Extra side attraction with the
Houbii Height confidence rope course in the ZOO
Visited 21May23


They have two options. One for the big kids 110cm and above at SGD25. Accompanying parents at SGD13. 

The min course for the little adventurers at 3-4years old at SGD20 makes it perfrect event for a family day out.

 
The course is completely self guided with a safety harness track which guides you along. There doesn't seem to be a time limit, with the exception of wet weather where it takes a break and can return after.
Click here for location of Houbii Spot Singapore Zoo