Singapore Air Show with the RSAF family day

This weekend (Feb 15-16, 2014) promises to be an exciting weekend for families! The Singapore Air show is here in town, and tickets will be open to the public. As a boy, I remember my parents bringing me to the Army Open House, and although the explosions were LOUD, every young kid just loves the adrenalin of explosions and aeroplanes. There are No Explosions at this Air show (Do expect the loud booms of jet planes), but hearing and seeing the famous fighter jets going at supersonic speeds, promises to sow the seeds for every child’s dream to be a pilot! Smile

black knights

airplanes display

Growing up, my cupboard was full of Tamiya, Airfix models. Although not gifted for art, reality and pragmatism did not stop me from getting an air brush, and painting my favourite fighter jets with their camouflage colours. Personally, I was hoping that my son would share the same enthusiasm when we visited the Airshow last week.  And Yes! he did! (Well…sort of…will elaborate later.)

First things first, if you are asking, Should I bring my kids to the Airshow?

The Answer is YES!

However the “bringing” should include your husband! Smile  Yes! This is as honest as I can get. Unless Mummy is a DIE-HARD fan of “Top Gun” and crazy about aeroplanes, this exhibition is best left to the guidance of your husband.  His military or lack of military input will be invaluable in this area, as your husband will get to show your kids, the various weaponry which our 3rd Generation Air force carries.

rsaf static display

Which part did my son enjoy?

He actually wanted to take pictures with the Aeroplanes that were on part of the Static Display. (Yeah! My son is finally becoming a MAN! Smile)

Kids will love the fact that they can get into the cockpits of the F-15s, Apache helicopters. Do expect long queues, as the cockpits of the fighter planes are the MOST in demand!

air force static display

chinook helicopter

chinook

nate and ed

We were also invited for actual flight time with the Chinook! Daddy has been onboard a few times in his NS days, but I was glad to share the experience together with my son! The blades are super loud, so when you watch the video, you will realize that there is no talking and just smiles and hand gestures! Smile Check out our experience video on our Instagram or Facebook! (@edunloaded on insta and facebook.com/edtay for FB)

This was a great experience to share with your kids! Although we had to wake up super early to catch the flight, the experience is unforgettable. I think it certainly brought a new level of dynamism and make believe, when he flies around the house in his Lego helicopter.

Visitors are open to ballot for the experience, but unfortunately, balloting has closed at press time.

flight chinook

Will my kids love the Aerobatic Ariel Display?

Yes and No!

The Morning Ariel display will last for an hour (1025 to 1125 and 1500 to 1530) If you have kids are under 12yo, how long can a fighter plane hold their attention? You do the maths!

aerobatic display

However, Daddy loved the Ariel display and it was great the see Singapore’s Black Knights in their new colours. If you are bringing cameras, do bring out the heavy armoury, as you will need a powerful zoom lens to catch all the action. The Best part of every AirShow is the Aerobatic Ariel Display, so you have to catch it! However, do bear in mind, that the kids have a shorter attention span.

Which is the BEST Part for the family?

I loved the Photo booth best! There is nothing cuter than seeing your kids clothed in the No 1 ceremonial dress, or wearing an f-16 flight suit. However, do expect longer queues on the weekend. The best thing for one to do, is to head for the photo booth early!

children military

Btw, the photo booth is part of the RSAF 45th Anniversary Celebrations and the whole pavilion is rich in Singapore history, as it highlights the transformation of the Modern Singapore Air force . The place is Air-conditioned (Very important), and it offers video games for the kids to interact with, and to keep them entertained as well.

rsaf pavilion

An interesting side note, is that the RSAF has developed applications that allow you to interact with the commercials in real time. Do try it out, as they come with video games, which your kids might enjoyed as well.

If you are bringing your family to the Singapore Airshow, here are some simple survival tips!

How to survive the Airshow?

1) Go early!

The whole exhibition area is under the sun. The Air Show is certainly a place where they reward the early bird. Going early means that you will prevent the “missus”  from melting, and the chorus of little voices that follow you, which go “Daddy, it’s too hot!”, “Daddy,there is Air-con over there!”. Ok, Yes! They will still say that, but at least, not from the onset. Be there as early as 730am, as the first bus departs then. Static display area is open at 830am.

2) Take the Air Show Shuttle

The whole of Singapore will be in the East and only cars which have labels will be allowed to enter the Car Park area. If I were you, I would take the shuttle services from Expo MRT.

3) Buy your Ticket Online

Get your tickets from Sistic! Tickets are priced at $22 for adults and $9 for kids under 12yo. There are package deals as well, so do check out ticketing details for the Singapore Airshow. Tickets are NOT on sale at the Singapore Air Show, so do get your tickets first!

4) Hydrate your kids

Do expect HOT weather, so make sure you bring your sunscreen, caps, and snacks for the kids. And do be prepared to spend at least half a day at the Airshow.

To find out ticketing details, visit the Singapore Air Show 2014, and information about the RSAF Photo booth and more, check out the RSAF Facebook Page.

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