Went for my first helicopter ride on a RSAF Chinook on Wednesday. Was suppose to have my first copter ride during Ex Lancer in Brunei but due to bad weather (really bad weather…), I only sat in the UH-1H without any actual flying…
Went to Sembawang Airbase first in the afternoon for the dry run where we practice embarking, disembarking and emergency drill. Its the first time I saw a Chinook up close and boy, it sure is huge and spacious inside. The aircrew man first briefed us on the operation and safety of the aircraft, then we were divided into our 'stick' level and began practise running to and from the chopper.
After the practise, we went to Yishun training area for the actual exercise. We first had dinner before having a final safety brief and familiarisation walk before the actual thing. After which we were broken up into our 'Wave/Stick' level and moved into the holding area. It was not before long when the first wave of Chinooks came and it was spectacular. They flew directly over the holding area and you could flew the thumping and downwash from the rotors. After waiting for three waves to take their flights, it was our turn.
Waited for the chopper at the dispatch area and when it landed, we all ran towards the tail ramp and boarded the chopper. Quite a long run from the dispatch area… With potholes filled with rainwater from earlier in the day so when I got to the chopper, my legs were all wet, and it didn't help with the pilot landing the chopper with the tail ramp directly infront of a huge pothole…
The helicopter ride was one of the coolest experience on Earth. Even though the Chinook is a big chopper and its very stable but you still can feel the rumble of the rotors. The aerial view was totally spectacular. We flew from Yishun to Rakit so the route was along the northern coast of Singapore so you can see the HDB flats, Sembawang Wharf (I think) and JB.
When we landed at Rakit and had to disembark, it was like in the movies. With the dim lighting and the troops running out of the tail ramp, it was like something straight out of a war movie.
At least you get to sit in a Chinook. I only got to sit in the police’s Fast Response Car and that already trilled me. My sad NS life.
And you get to sit in an office, I envy you…
Btw, Fast Response Car… Another name for Patrol Car?
Dun envy melah. Got time, no money. And yup, that’s the official term, FRC.
good post – filled my coffee break