Whenever someone sets out to achieve their dreams, we often hear the phrase, “the sky’s the limit.” But for Major Patricia Yapp Syau Yin of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the sky is not a limit: it is her playground.
Major Yapp made history not just in Malaysia, but across the world, by becoming the first Asian woman to fly the MiG-29 fighter jet, a distinction that also makes her the first woman globally to be a qualified MiG-29 fighter pilot. Known by her call sign “Foxy,” she embodies resilience, courage, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams. As the old saying goes, “fortune favours the bold,” and Yapp is living proof of that truth.
The journey of a fighter pilot is one of immense physical and mental demands. Even now, in a management role, Yapp continues to take to the skies, both to channel her adrenaline and to ensure she remains combat ready. “The workload and stress levels are extremely demanding for the person sitting in the cockpit because we are being trained to shoot down enemies until the very last bullet,” she explains.
For Yapp, there is no distinction in standards for male or female pilots. “All pilots are chosen based on their capabilities. Once airborne, you cannot see whether the person in the cockpit is male or female.” Yet, she acknowledges that being the only female fighter pilot meant she had to earn the trust of her peers. With determination and discipline, she proved her abilities, reminding us of the proverb, “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
The role demands extraordinary multitasking, managing aircraft systems, monitoring radar, receiving instructions, and communicating with wingmen - all at once. Alongside this, self-discipline and physical fitness are non-negotiable. Yapp, who once served as head prefect in school, credits her upbringing for instilling this discipline. “I was taught that if you play too much, you will get bad results. I like discipline,” she recalls with a smile.
Behind her strength lies a strong support system. Married with two children, Yapp pays tribute to her family especially her mother and mother-in-law for helping her balance her demanding career with family life. “My mum always said, whatever you do, be truthful to yourself. She brought me up to become who I am now,” Yapp reflects.
Born in Sabah to a modest family, she carries the values of humility and perseverance with pride. “I am not from a wealthy background. Whatever I do, I simply do the best I can. This is the attitude instilled in me and my siblings.” Her decision to join the air force was driven not only by discipline and duty but also by her passion for flying. “I love the thrill and the manoeuvres that a jet can perform,” she shares.
Throughout her 26 years of service, Major Yapp has represented Malaysia in international exercises, testing her skills against the United States Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force. She continues to dedicate herself to uplifting the image of the RMAF and inspiring more young Malaysians to join the force. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” For Yapp, serving her nation has always been a shared mission.
Her career is marked not only by triumphs but also by challenges. She recalls being stranded for three days in a remote Orang Asli settlement after a helicopter she piloted, carrying doctors and medical supplies, developed technical issues. Even then, she remained calm, placing her duty and responsibility above fear.
Major Patricia Yapp’s story reminds us of all that while fear may whisper, courage always roars louder. She is more than a pilot; she is an inspiration, a role model, and a shining gem for Malaysia and beyond. Truly, as the saying goes, “the sky is the limit only for those who have no wings.”
Source : Edge Prop, Sinar Daily, Free Malaysia Today