Page 38 - AAA MAY-JUNE 2012 Online Magazine

PROFILE

THAT’S ME

Director Leo Jeoh is the Senior
Design Office Manager for Eurocopter
South East Asia. He tells us he is
happiest when he has his hands all
over a helicopter, and is busy making
designs work in the real world.

How did you get into aviation?
Nearly 12 years ago I returned to Singapore after studying lasers, The industry is waiting with
plasmas, and solid-state materials. I was faced with 2.5 years in bated breath on how low-level
National Service but wanted to stay at the forefront of technology. I
thought “what better than the Air Force with all the cool aircraft?” airspace regulations in China will
I signed on as an Air Engineering Officer in the RSAF, and my evolve as the economy maintains
first assignment was being responsible for structures repair and its upswing. It would be a great
inspections at Sembawang helicopter base.
industry boost if regulations
Was that challenging? move in the right direction
After a few years in the base, a million-dollar opportunity came
up for a Flight Test course at the Empire Test Pilots’ School
(ETPS) at Boscombe Down, in the UK. I was selected, and had a What is Asia’s biggest strength?
gruelling but extremely rewarding year of coursework and test The one usually overlooked is the quality and availability of the
flying on at least a dozen aircraft types. That was when I truly people. Looking at aerospace engineers, the number graduating
understood and appreciated the helicopter for the marvel of each year from Asia is astounding. If these can deepen their
engineering it is – I was hooked! expertise and experience, there should be no shortage of quality
talent – and certainly no shortage of opportunities for them!
And then you joined Eurocopter?
After about 10 years in the Air Force, I decided to join the “big How do you see airspace regulation developing in the region?
players” in civilian aerospace. Eurocopter South East Asia I think the growth of related businesses will inevitably push local
(ESEA) was looking for somebody and it proved an irresistible governmental agencies to cater for the needs of the growing
challenge. The best thing is to be able to put your hands all over volume. Both Singapore and Malaysia have stepped up to provide
a helicopter and to bring designs from ideas on-screen to actual designated facilities for general aviation. Similar airspace
airworthy installations on an aircraft. actions should follow if existing provisions prove insufficient.

What is the best thing about working in Asia?
There is a tremendous amount of growth in Asia, but there is still
a lot of room, as well as uncertainties. The opportunities are just
there waiting for the right people: the best thing for go-getters. Leo Jeoh is Senior Design Office Manager at ESEA,
The uncertainties are the constant challenges that keep you on responsible for design-engineering activities, developing
your toes and demand flexibility. and maintaining design assurance systems, human
resources, and business growth. Working with ESEA since
What’s your best/scariest moment in an aircraft? 2009, he previously served in the RSAF for 10 years, as
The best moment was doing maximum ceiling tests on a Gazelle Engineering Officer-In-Charge at Sembawang Air Base,
at Boscombe Down. The Gazelle is like an open-top sports car, so Rotary Wing Flight Test Engineer (FTE) in the Flight Test
imagine taking it up as high as you can go (about 20,000 feet). The Centre, and Staff Officer in the Air Logistics Department.
view and feeling was so spectacular I quickly forgot I had to wear He holds a B.Eng in Physics, and M.Sc. in Material Science
an oxygen mask, a parachute, and that my flight controls were and Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology,
becoming unresponsive! But really, I don’t think I have ever been in the US. He was Dunlop Trophy winner (top Flight Test
really scared flying – I’m too busy enjoying the flight to be scared. Engineer) at UK Empire Test Pilots’ School.

38 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS MAY / JUNE 2012 WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM