Tengku Hassanal Makes History as First Royal to Complete RMAF Basic Helicopter Flying Course

ALOR SETAR, Aug 15 — 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) in Alor Setar.

He was among 40 participants who completed their training and received their RMAF Flying Wings at the 2026 Flying Wings Presentation Parade at the KTU Parade Ground today. The wings were conferred by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who also serves as the Colonel-in-Chief of the RMAF.

Alongside the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, the wings were awarded to 39 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) graduates, comprising 37 young pilots and two weapon systems officers representing all three MAF services.

The ceremony recognized graduates from four separate flying programmes: 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 from June 2 to July 31 operating the EC120B Colibri helicopter. He successfully completed and excelled in several core flight evaluations, including the Basic Handling Test (BHT), Instrument Flying Test (IFT), Final Navigation Test (FNT), and Final Handling Test (FHT).

The ceremony also included the presentation of six awards to top-performing graduates based on their accomplishments in flying performance, academics, discipline, and leadership.

Air Force Chief Gen Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris commended the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang and his fellow graduates, attributing their success to perseverance, fighting spirit, mental resilience, and high discipline instilled throughout the course. He highlighted the essential backing of families and parents who provided continuous encouragement throughout the rigorous 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,” Gen Muhamad Norazlan stated in his address.

“From today onwards, the wings worn on the chest carry with them the honour, hopes and trust of the service and the nation,” he added.

–NMT