1970/08 - Flying the Singapore flag

Alouette III

1970

Singapore’s first state flag flypast was flown by an Alouette III, starting a proud National Day tradition.

In 1970, Singapore witnessed its first state flag flypast by an Alouette III helicopter. Originally measuring approximately three metres by two metres, the flag was later increased in size to 28 metres by 19 metres and was flown by the Super Puma in 1989. The flag took 20 riggers and three weeks to machine-stitch, and earned its place in The Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest flag in the world to be underslung.

The state flag was carried by the lead aircraft, which was piloted by MAJ Terry Loh, Commanding Officer of the Alouette Squadron.

Crowd gathers at City Hall as jets fly overhead during National Day Parade in early Singapore.

The national state flag was carried by the lead aircraft, which was piloted by MAJ Terry Loh, the Commanding Officer of the Alouette Squadron.

Four helicopters in formation fly Singapore flag across the sky during National Day Parade.

The participated in the National Day Parade held at the Padang.

Two helicopters flying Singapore and state flags over the Central Business District.

By 1989, the flag for the flypast had grown several times bigger.

Helicopter formation with red and white smoke trails and Singapore flag in National Day flypast.

In 1982, the state flag flypast was performed by UH-1Hs.

RSAF personnel pose in front of helicopter with “25 Years of Nation-Building” banner on ground.

The RSAF celebrated 25 years of nationhood with Singapore in 1984.

“The important thing is to get the flag over the stadium at the right time. Another critical moment is when we take off with the flag. A lot of care has to be taken to ensure that the flag opens up and flies correctly. There’s also a sense of pride in having the privilege to fly what must be the country’s largest flag.”

MAJ Leong Eng Keng, Commanding Officer, 125 Squadron, 1989 on the challenges of performing the flag flypast