Tuesday, September 05, 2006

RSAF OPEN HOUSE

I got back to Singapore from California late last week. I test flew our latest Premier 1 executive jet yesterday and I will put a post soon enough, on that. Thats also one of our five Aircraft, two more here in Singapore getting ready. More on that later.
The second day after my return, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) had an open house for the general public at Paya LabarAir Base. I'd always turn up at any aviation event, so here I was, camera in hand. I have ex-RSAF personnel who used to operate some of the "heritage" Aircraft they had on display. The RSAF is well equipped with the latest transport, fighter and helicopters. In this small post of mine, I have put some of the pictures of the open house.
An F-16 on display

F5E
"Heritage" Skyhawk near the entrance to the open house


Beoing Chinook twin rotor helicopter transport


Your's truly in front of an F-16, this will tickle my detractors!

All Aircraft were open for visits by people, they could walk into the Aircraft and see the cockpit as well. Some of the Aircraft included the F50 and Hercules C130 transport, a large B707 transport, F-16's, E3C Hawkeye, F5E and so on. Lucky draws were held and the winners were treated to a flight on board the helicopters and transport Aircraft.

There were hangars meant for young aviators to learn more about aviation and the RSAF, there were hangars with static displays and of course, a food court in an airconditioned hangar. The Singaporeans think of everything. It's great to see Aircraft flying and the open day was for two days of the weekend. Free busses were arranged to transport people back and forth from the nearest MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system. This is something that I wish our people would learn from (you know who I mean) instead of being just crabs!


6 comments:

Capt. Anup Murthy said...

Thanks Puneet. Air Shows can indeed get repetitive. For me, as long as there are airplanes flying anywhere, I'll still make it.
I have watched the Blue Angels twice before. Once in Seattle, WA during the Air and Sea show and the second time was at a 4th of July event off the beaches in Fort Lauderdale, FL. They are indeed fantastic.

Anonymous said...

would defently see a sirshow one day .

And will also see IAF show also once ,

Capt. Anup Murthy said...

The IAF Surya Kiran is a good aerial display but you've got to see the US navy Blue Angels with their F-18's and the USA Air force Thunderbirds with the F-16's, they are a class apart. The Canadian Snowbirds are used to be a good act, haven't seem them recently, though.
The RSAF open house was just an open house, where one could go and see the various Aircraft in the inventory and some flying displays and they ought to be proud of their first class equipment and capabilities. What impressed me was the way they organized the event, very Singapore, very professional, like almost everything they do.

White Magpie said...

Wow...I can't wait to have moi first view of the cockpit. Wonder when? F-16..ye are lucky and I am J...shucks..

White Magpie said...

Went through all your articles and am not J anymore..:) I have moi own wishlist. Now waiting for the genie..

Capt. Anup Murthy said...

Thanks White Magpie, been travelling and could not access net for a short period. I am going to post some more articles soon. I took delivery for Ran Air, part of India's biggest pharma company called Ranbaxy and their new jet has an all glass cockpit and I will post pictures of this aircraft and the cockpit by the weekend. All the best with your wishlist and hope they all come true..