SINGAPORE: Air force helicopter pilot Yew Chee Hao finds inspiration in his family during flights for the Singapore Airshow, motivating him to deliver an impressive performance and return home safely. The 30-year-old Apache pilot, who is expecting his first child, keeps his loved ones in mind throughout every aerial maneuver.
His pregnant wife offers strong support despite the demanding training regimen leading up to the event. Yew emphasizes that flying carries inherent risks, intensified by the close formations and exact precision required in the display. “My loved ones motivate me to maintain full focus and commitment to the show, not only for them but for all Singaporeans, ensuring I come back home safely,” Captain Yew stated.
Biennial Airshow Highlights RSAF Capabilities
The Singapore Airshow marks its 10th edition this year, featuring Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) aerial demonstrations and static exhibits. In the skies, an F-16C fighter jet and an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter perform 17 intricate maneuvers, often flying mere inches apart.
F-16C pilot Tan Wei Yang reflects on the emotional aspect: “We think of our loved ones during preparations, but once in the cockpit for the display, that fades as we concentrate on ourselves and our teammates.” He notes that awareness of family watching from the crowd heightens the performance pressure.
Intensive Training Regimen
The team undergoes about two months of preparation, including four to six training flights each week. Rehearsals incorporate simulator sessions and a “mental flying” visualization technique, where pilots mentally rehearse maneuvers from memory and instinct.
Captain Yew anticipates spotting the crowd’s reactions as a highlight. The aircraft fly so near each other that pilots maintain clear visual contact. “You can even see the name tag on my helmet, according to the F-16 pilots,” Capt Yew said. Major Tan added, “I can observe the pilots’ in-cockpit hand signals— that’s how close we operate.”
Blending Experience with New Talent
The RSAF has contributed to the biennial airshow since its 2008 debut. For this milestone, the aerial team wears custom flight suits and introduces three fresh maneuvers. Colonel Max Ng Han Lin, chairman of the flying display committee, explained: “Over recent months, operational pilots have developed and refined an engaging sequence for spectators.”
Coordinating the F-16Cs and Apaches presents challenges due to their distinct designs, demanding precise communication for synchronized stunts. Colonel Ng highlighted strong interest from force members to participate. Selections consider all applicants equally, though prior experience influences choices for managing pressure and anxiety.
“Training duration varies by experience; newcomers need extra time,” he noted. The priorities remain straightforward: avoid ground collisions, prevent mid-air incidents, and then execute impressive maneuvers.
Static Displays and Logistics
Beyond aerial feats, the RSAF exhibits 10 asset types at the static area, including the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport and unmanned aerial vehicles, plus ground-based air defense systems. Senior Lieutenant Colonel Yeong Kah Wai, sub-committee chairman, described it as: “An ideal platform for RSAF personnel to demonstrate our systems to Singaporeans, fostering greater insight into our sky defense efforts.”
Transporting assets to the Changi Exhibition Centre proves more complex this year due to ongoing large-scale construction, creating road obstacles and debris, SLTC Yeong added.
