10 Questions With
CORNELIUS KWOK
(AUG 29 2020)
Welcome to “10 Questions With”, a weekly segment on APP's website showcasing aviation spotters & enthusiasts based in Singapore. The concept and motivation behind this project is to bring the community together, and to shine a light on all the different spotters here on our sunny island, raising awareness of our hobby in Singapore and to provide a chance for all spotters to be seen both locally & internationally.
Today, let's chat with Singaporean spotter Cornelius Kwok, who is a fresh face to the local spotting scene having just started in plane spotting little over a year ago.
1: A quick self intro, name, where are you from, and what do you do?
Hi there, my name is Cornelius but for short people address me as Corn. I am currently a student pursuing a Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering at Singapore Polytechnic.
2: What sparked your interest in aviation?
My interest in aviation started when I was 15 years old. My Secondary School was located near the airport, and sometimes, I could get a glimpse of aircraft landing at Changi Airport. When lessons were tedious, I would just look out of the window and admire the planes land at Changi Airport. Ever since then, I enjoyed watching planes more and I decided to start planespotting in March 2019. My interest grew stronger and I started to watch aviation documentaries and I slowly begin to admire the beauty of these flying metal birds.
3: YouR Favourite Airline ....
Finnair. I love the airline's simple yet beautiful livery and contemporary cabin design. Also, how can one not fall in love with Finnair's Marimekko liveries.
4: & AIRCRAFT is....?
Definitely the Airbus A350-900.
5: Best spotting location in your opinion?
To be honest, I do not really have a specific favourite spotting location but if I had to choose one that I would want to visit the most, it would be Helsinki Vantaa Airport. The golden hour lighting together with the unique background and angles make Helsinki on the top places I would want to go.
6: Window, Middle or Aisle Seat?
How can an avgeek not select a window seat!
7: Looking back, any tips or advice you would give your younger self?
I would tell myself to be bold to try out different editing styles and never be afraid to hear other's feedback.
8: out Of all your images, which is your fave photo and tell us why?
How can one not fall in love with aircraft banking shots? This is my favourite shot because the aircraft bank out of Changi Airport perfectly. I have been snapping early banking shots for quite a long time and I have yet to see a perfect banking shot till I shot this SIA 77W banking out of Changi Airport during the Singapore Airshow 2020.
9 :Must have items in your bag while spotting?
I will definitely not leave the house without my portable charger and my camera spare batteries.
10: If there is one thing that sets you apart from the next spotter, what would it be?
Planespotting is just a hobby. What is more important is the people I meet and connect with. We do not just plane spot together but also chill, hang out and have supper together from time to time. Ultimately, it isn't about the aeroplanes I manage to snap but more of spending time with my friends together by the end of a runway, doing the things that we love and enjoy doing.
That's all for this weeks edition of our Spotter Feature. Do head over to Cornelius's profile on his Instagram , and stay tuned for next's week interview with Ryan Lum.