NDP 2020: State flag to be flown across Singapore via two routes

Flight paths to cover heartland areas such as Ang Mo Kio, Jurong East, Bedok and Punggol

SPH Brightcove Video
The Republic of Singapore Air Force will bring National Day to Singaporeans with state flag fly-pasts over the heartland. Find out what it takes to bring the 30m by 20m flags from the ground to the skies.
The state flags prepared for this year's National Day Parade fly-past must be carefully rolled up before they can be rigged onto the Chinook helicopters that will fly them across Singapore at a height of about 305m. Among those involved in the state
The team preparing one of the 30m by 20m state flags at Sembawang Air Base on July 16 to be rigged onto a Chinook helicopter for the National Day Parade fly-past on Aug 9. In the light of the Covid-19 situation, the team has been split into two sections, each stationed at a different location. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
The state flags prepared for this year's National Day Parade fly-past must be carefully rolled up before they can be rigged onto the Chinook helicopters that will fly them across Singapore at a height of about 305m. Among those involved in the state
The state flags prepared for this year's National Day Parade fly-past must be carefully rolled up before they can be rigged onto the Chinook helicopters that will fly them across Singapore at a height of about 305m. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

For the first time, Singaporeans will be able to see from their homes the state flag fly-past during this year's National Day Parade (NDP).

Two Chinook helicopters, each carrying the Singapore flag at about 305m in the air, will fly across the island on two separate routes in the east and the west.

Each helicopter will be escorted by two Apache helicopters during this segment titled "Fly Our Flag".

The east route will take the flag - measuring 30m by 20m - past housing estates such as Bedok and Punggol, while the helicopters on the west route will fly past residences in places such as Jurong East, Choa Chu Kang and Ang Mo Kio.

Both routes will begin in the south of Singapore and end at Sembawang Air Base in the north. The flights are slated to start at 10.30am and will each take 55 minutes.

In previous years, the fly-past took place at a single location where the NDP was held, such as the floating platform at Marina Bay, and lasted only 10 minutes.

With the focus on celebrating the nation's 55th birthday at home, this year's NDP will be split into morning and evening portions, with many segments taking place in different locations across the island.

The morning portion of the Aug 9 celebrations will include a nationwide broadcast of the Prime Minister's National Day Message and a parade at the Padang.

The evening show will take place at The Star Performing Arts Centre in Buona Vista. It will feature films and performances and culminate in a coordinated fireworks display at different sites across the country.

All the action will be shown live on TV and streamed on Internet platforms.

Captain Eugene Chua, who is involved in the planning and coordination of the fly-past routes, said the routes and the flight height of the helicopters were designed for maximum exposure of the flag to residents in the heartland areas.

"Throughout the various rehearsals that we had, we have actually sent spotters out to different HDB (Housing Board) blocks and open areas," added the 32-year-old Apache helicopter pilot.

Capt Chua, who is the deputy flying display marshal, also said the safety of the residents on the ground as well as the helicopter crew was a priority when planning the routes.

Military Expert 2 Sukhdesh Singh, who will be on the Chinook helicopter taking the east route, said he will be ensuring the three helicopters on his route remain in close formation but at a proper distance from one another.

"I will also be looking out for any unmanned flying aircraft such as drones, and birds that might come into the flight path," said the 35-year-old flight engineer.

He will also be watching out for any flight obstacles such as construction cranes and high-rise buildings that the helicopters will have to avoid, he added.

There are contingency plans in place in the event of any complications, such as unfavourable weather conditions or if the flags fail to unfurl fully.

These include 14 back-up flags at multiple airbases across Singapore, such as Changi Air Base.

The state flags prepared for this year's National Day Parade fly-past must be carefully rolled up before they can be rigged onto the Chinook helicopters that will fly them across Singapore at a height of about 305m. Among those involved in the state
Among those involved in the state flag fly-past are (from left) Captain Eugene Chua, First Sergeant (NS) Daniel Ho, Captain Trixie Tang and Military Expert 2 Sukhdesh Singh. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

In the light of the ongoing Covid-19 situation, the team preparing and rigging the flags will be split into two sections, with each stationed at a different location.

First Sergeant Daniel Ho, 31, who is part of the team, said this would not affect the time taken for each flag to be prepared. It takes 45 minutes to two hours for 25 men to prepare a flag.

However, the reduced manpower from splitting the team would make carrying the flags out more taxing, said the operationally ready national serviceman.

This year's NDP will also mark the first time a female pilot will be flying a Chinook helicopter in the state flag fly-past.

Captain Trixie Tang, 31, who is also the Republic of Singapore Air Force's first female Chinook helicopter pilot, will be flying on the east route.

"I feel very honoured and grateful to be given this opportunity," she said.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 03, 2020, with the headline State flag to be flown across Singapore via two routes. Subscribe