10 things you need to know before heading down to #ROH2016

If you are heading down to Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) for this year’s RSAF Open House, do take note of the following.

Graphic: RSAF

1. No Uber/GrabCar or even your own car – This year the organizers have gotten approval from the Land Transport Authority to close Airport Road after KPE exit and Kim Chuan Road to all privately-owned vehicles. That means if you are driving there yourself or you are using a private limousine service such as Uber, you are out of luck.  You are advice to take free shuttle buses at Eunos Bus Interchange or Kovan Hub. These buses will depart starting from 8:30 a.m. and end at 5:30 p.m., at 10-minute intervals.Alternatively, you may take bus 90 that starts from Toa Payoh bus interchange. Do take note that bus 94 is not available on both public days as May 21 is a public holiday and the service does not operate on Sunday as well.

   

2. Telephoto lenses with focal length greater than 500mm are allowed this time – We were told by the RSAF that this restriction has been lifted for this year.
3. 142 Squadron – After being inactivated in 2005, the 142 Squadron has been reactivated as a F-15SG unit and the squadron is making its first public appearance at the Open House.
4. Aerial displays and weapon arming demonstrations – Do take note of the timing for these demonstrations as the organizers told us that they may shift the show timings to take into account the weather situation.  Listen out on the timings via the public address system or check them on the RSAF Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TheRSAF). 

   

5. Aircraft rides – If you are hoping to get to fly in either the C-130, F-50, CH-47D or DA-40 at Paya Lebar Air Base, sorry to disappoint you but this year the RSAF has decided to do an e-balloting to pick applicants through the RSAF Facebook page and that ended on May 13.
6. Weather – According to the weatherman, thundery showers are expected over the four-day period.  Do bring a brolly or raincoat along just in case.  Good news is that the organizing committee has setup tentage on the static display area and the walkway from the gate into the exhibition halls are covered as well.
   
7. Open to public on May 21-22 – If you heard from your neighbor; cousin; classmate from the tuition center etc that he or she will be going to the open house on Thursday or Friday and you like to join them there.  Stop.  Both 19th and 20th are closed to the public as the RSAF has organized activities with schools and other groups for its own internal engagement with them.
8. Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon – This air defense weapon system was a crowd-pleaser at previous open houses. But sad to say the weapon has been withdrawn from service.
   
   Dave1185 at English Wikipedia [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
9. Just ask – Not sure what to do or can’t find what you were looking for? Just approach anyone in uniform or flightsuit, they will be happy to assist you
10. Look out for the two ladies flying in the aerial display – We told you yesterday that there will be two female fighter pilots performing at this year’s display. We have introduce one yesterday so now the challenge is for you to find the other person. (Hint: She flies the F-16C and is a Lieutenant)