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Life at DOTC

Up in the Air: Experiencing RSAF Flag Flypast Operations Firsthand

5 September 2025

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the DOTC team experienced the NDP helicopter flypast aboard a CH-47 Chinook, gaining new insight into RSAF operations and planning.

Eight people pose in two rows, most wearing DOTC shirts, with one person in a military flight suit.

On 5 July, the DOTC team were given a rare opportunity to take to the skies aboard the CH-47 Chinook helicopter, one of the aircraft featured in this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) helicopter flypast formation. This immersive experience gave the team valuable insights into the precision, planning, and coordination that underpin such large-scale military operations.

A packed stadium crowd watches a Singapore NDP parade, with helicopters flying overhead and a large screen showing military vehicles.

Setting the Scene: Flying with Purpose

Before taking flight, the team was briefed by RSAF personnel on the operational planning behind the State Flag preparation process as well as the helicopter formation flypast. These briefings offered a window into the rigorous preparations and safety protocols involved.

Two military Chinook helicopters flying low over a busy industrial port with cranes and water visible below.

Taking Flight: On Board the CH-47

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the flight aboard the CH-47 Chinook, a heavy-lift helicopter known for its distinctive dual rotor system and robust capabilities. Soaring through the sky in formation with other aircraft, the DOTC team witnessed firsthand the seamless coordination required to maintain formation flight. This flight wasn’t just an interesting and fun experience, it also deepened their appreciation for RSAF operations.

Six helicopters flying in formation against a partly cloudy blue sky.

Reflections from the Team

The experience left a lasting impression. It reminded the team that behind every operation lies a complex orchestration of training, coordination, and trust. The experience will also provide the DOTC team with better context when working with SAF units in developing digital solutions to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of operations.

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