2nd October 2023 – (Singapore) A flight pattern from a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) plane has caught the attention of aircraft enthusiasts in Western Australia. The pattern, which some likened to a phallic shape, was observed above Bullsbrook, north of Perth. Users on the social media platform Reddit shared images of the flight path, sparking discussions and media reports on the X-rated symbol.
Responding to the attention, the RSAF took to Facebook to clarify that any resemblance to images in flight patterns is purely coincidental and unintentional. They even humorously suggested that the pattern resembled Clippy, the paper clip assistant familiar to Microsoft Office users in the 2000s. The one-hour training flight took off from Bullsbrook and landed there later.
The RSAF confirmed the flight path and its link to an RSAF aircraft. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) stated that the training flights are conducted for professional training objectives, focusing on basic aircraft handling maneuvers. The RSAF has a flying detachment agreement with the Royal Australian Air Force’s Base Pearce, where pilots and instructors receive training.
Accidental genitalia-shaped flight patterns have occurred in the past, with incidents involving other airlines as well. Lufthansa and the United States Air Force have previously faced similar controversies, both denying any intentional creation of such patterns.