"> Air Participation Committee and 113 SQN members in the control room at the National Gallery ensure smooth communication and coordination of the aerial segments. 
On Time, On Target
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As the Chinook bearing the State Flag flies past the Padang, and five F-15SGs are incoming for the Bomb Burst, a team of airmen and women are busy getting updates from the parade cue master, monitoring the weather, and relaying the information to the aircrew. Together, they ensure that the RSAF aerial display segments during this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) will be carried out safely and with clockwork precision.
On Target at the Padang
This team of airmen and women are part of the Air Participation Committee (APC) that oversees the coordination of all RSAF aerial display segments in this year’s NDP - the Red Lions military free fall from the Super Puma helicopter, the State Flag flypast, and aerial displays by our F-15SGs and A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft.
Members of the APC, including 113 SQN and 206 SQN, ensure that the State Flag arrives on time, on target at the Padang.
Their work would not have been possible without a team of Air Force Engineers from 113 SQN who are responsible for the setup and maintenance of communications systems, such as radios and landlines. This allows for real-time coordination between the APC situated at the roof of the National Gallery and our aircraft and airbases.
Setting up these communications systems was not an easy task. Preparations started since March, and just the laying of cables from basement one of the building to the control room located at level six took the team two days to complete.
The Ground-Air communications antennas on the roof of the National Gallery were set-up by 113 SQN.
ME2 Pang Teck Lim, who is in charge of the communications systems this year, said that his team had to liaise with various external agencies, such as the National Gallery, telecommunications companies, and contractors, to figure out how to get the necessary communication lines up and running, without causing inconvenience to the gallery and their vendors.
The deputy communications in-charge, ME2 Tai Wei Jing, added that the team had to make multiple trips down to the site to determine the best way to route the cables without compromising the aesthetic appearance of the gallery.
“There was a lot of coordination work involved. For example, we had to lay the cables at night, and when we realised that there was something blocking the cables in between each level, we had to coordinate with the museum and the building maintenance team to get it sorted out,” explained ME2 Wei Jing.
The team of airmen and women of the Air Participation Committee!
On Time at Sembawang Air Base
Over at Sembawang Air Base, Air Traffic Controllers from 206 SQN are responsible for the launch and recovery of all helicopters, such as our Chinook, Super Puma and Apache, participating in this year’s NDP. Before the helicopters take off, a team of four from 206 SQN coordinate with other flight agencies and receive updates about flying activities. Given the high air traffic volume in a tight airspace, and the close proximity of Seletar Airport, it is important that flights within both areas are de-conflicted in advance.
The Air Traffic Controllers, together with APC, will constantly monitor weather conditions island-wide. If adverse weather conditions develop, the team will be able to make a timely and informed decision to cancel certain aerial display segments so as not to risk flight safety.
Air Traffic Controllers from 206 SQN keep a watchful eye on aircraft and ground movements in the airfield.
“Even though the show must go on, we will not launch the aircraft despite bad weather. We will always ensure the safety of our aircraft and aircrew first”, said 3SG Gordon Chay, an NSF Air Operations Specialist from 206 SQN.
The squadron also conducts airfield inspections and ensure bird-scaring measures are in place to prepare the airfield for takeoff and landing of the helicopters. While such procedures are part of the squadron’s usual daily operations, an event like NDP requires greater coordination to facilitate the smooth flow of the programme.
The aircraft in a holding pattern as they wait for further instructions to enter show center at the Padang at the precise moment.
When asked what he would like to tell his family and friends about his involvement in this year’s NDP, 3SG Gordon added, “I hope that people will have a stronger appreciation for not just the team here in 206 SQN, but also the amount of effort that goes into making sure that NDP runs smoothly.”
All in all, a bigger team works out of the limelight to ensure that the RSAF aerial display segment goes off without a hitch. They are the unsung heroes who contribute to the safe and successful flying operations this NDP.
