GRASSROOTS LEADERS LEARN ABOUT THE RSAF'S NOISE ABATEMENT MEASURES

Living under the flight paths of combat aircraft can be a constant source of disturbance to residents. The numbers tell it well: at close range, an aircraft taking off generates some 180 decibels (dB), compared to the 85 dB generated by average city traffic.

In an effort to foster greater understanding between the community and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), some 153 Grassroots Leaders from various constituencies visited Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) on 9 May.

While the RSAF cannot completely do away with training over Singapore's air space due to the need to maintain its operational edge, there are a number of measures in place to minimise disruption to the population.

For example, the RSAF conducts half of its flying training overseas in friendly countries such at the US and France. Local flying is conducted away from the mainland, in order to minimise the impact to the community. Another 20 percent of flying training is conducted using advanced simulators, which means only about 30 percent of actual flying training is conducted within Singapore.

In addition, take-off and landing noise levels are carefully studied and pilots are told to fly at higher altitudes and at lower speeds to curb noise levels. Most flights are also concluded before 11pm daily.

Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Ramesh Tiwari, Commanding Officer of the Flying Support Squadron at PLAB , who gave a presentation to the visiting GRLs, also said that the RSAF works with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to minimise noise during examinations periods.

"During MOE exam periods, flying operations are curtailed and more stringent restrictions apply. No routine flying is allowed, except for operational taskings," said LTC Tiwari.

On the ground, a specially constructed "hush house" in PLAB is used for engine ground-runs in order to contain the noise generated during maintenance. To further reduce inconvenience to nearby residents, such engine runs are not permitted beyond 9pm.

"We hope that you can see that the RSAF is indeed serious in taking steps to minimise the inconvenience that we cause to the public, "said LTC Tiwari when concluding his presentation.

Certainly, the message was not lost on the visiting GRLs. "We can see that the RSAF is very sensitive to the community. I am very impressed with the efforts taken to ensure that residents are not badly affected," said Mdm Cynthia Phua, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Aljunied Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

"Residents must be aware that the RSAF needs to fly over the actual terrain to maintain its operational readiness. Even if the residents are inconvenienced, these visits help the community to understand that this is the minimum level required to keep the country safe," echoed Mr Charles Chong, MP for Punggol GRC.

During their visit, the GRLs tried out some of the advanced flight simulation systems used by the RSAF such as the Air Mission Trainer (AMT). The GRLs also viewed the F-15SG fighter aircraft, the RSAF's latest acquisition.

Hosted by Minister of State for Defence, Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, the GRLs also had the chance to pose questions to Assoc Prof Koo and senior military commanders during a question-and-answer session.

These regular visits are part of the Ministry of Defence's efforts to foster closer ties between the community and the Singapore Armed Forces.