Back in formation: CN235 returns with female pilot at the helm for Merdeka flypast [WATCH]

SUBANG JAYA: It is dawn and the flightline at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base in Subang is already a hive of frenzied human activity.

At the centre of this buzz is the RMAF’s CN235 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) — its sharp, dark silhouette contrasting against the pale morning light.

The hum of machinery cuts through the air as ground crews move with practised ease, their rhythm and cadence, honed by countless hours, almost hypnotic.

But this was no ordinary sortie — it was a rehearsal for the National Day flypast, one of the most anticipated moments of the celebration.

The New Straits Times was granted rare access to the behind-the-scenes preparations, shadowing Captain Nur Farah Mohd Shukuri of No. 1 Squadron as she prepared to fly her CN235 MSA over Putrajaya.

Farah said this was her first National Day flypast, made more meaningful by the CN235’s return to the skies for the parade for the first time since 2019, following an extensive upgrade.

“This is the CN235’s first National Day flypast in several years. It is also my first National Day flypast.

“I am very proud because it is only my second time being part of such an event, the first was during Air Force Day.”

Before the CN235 lifts off, a “ramp brief” is conducted — a briefing at the aircraft where the crew runs through final details on timing, route, contingencies and formation procedures.

“The initial preparation is the most important. For the flypast, it is not the same as other operational flights, which are usually more flexible.

“The flypast demands accuracy and precision in both timing and altitude, so it requires more detailed preparation.”

On rehearsal day, the aircraft departed Subang and tracked towards its designated training airspace — known as Romeo 302 — before tightening formation en route to Putrajaya.

Nur Farah said weather remained the most critical factor.

“For example, this morning, the weather was not ideal because of high clouds. That was the challenge. We also had crosswinds which could affect our formation. We had to be flexible.”

Formation flying, she added, was unforgiving, with constant coordination in the cockpit — both between pilots and with air traffic control.

“As we know, the airspace near Kuala Lumpur International Airport is very busy. That is why close cooperation and coordination between air-traffic controllers and pilots is very important.

“The most critical aspect of formation flying is achieving the correct formation and meeting the exact timing set for Putrajaya.”

When the aircraft arrive over Putrajaya, they descend to just 1,000 ft — close enough for the crowd to clearly see their silhouettes — maintaining a separation of only one aircraft length.

“The distance is about the length of one aircraft. It is quite close, around 20m to 30m,” Nur Farah said, adding that the flypast features two CN235 MSAs and one CN235 in utility configuration.

Though smaller than the A400M Atlas and C130 Hercules, the CN235 MSA performs a vital role in the RMAF fleet.

It first entered service in the late 1990s as a medium transport aircraft before several were converted for the maritime surveillance role under a Malaysia-United States programme.

Equipped with maritime surveillance radar and electro-optical sensors, the CN235 MSA is tasked with patrolling Malaysia’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, monitoring sea traffic, and supporting search-and-rescue missions.

Its ability to fly at lower speeds and altitudes makes it especially suited to detecting suspicious vessels and aiding in maritime law enforcement.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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