At 3 a.m., when the vast space of Kep airport was still in darkness, the atmosphere preparing for the training flight crew to form formations of SU-30MK2, L-39NG and Yak-130 aircraft was very exciting.

At the three jet parking areas, the lights were bright. Hundreds of officers and technical-logistical staff from the regiments, along with a large number of special vehicles and machines, were present at the field area to prepare. The sounds of electric, gas, and gasoline engines were moving quickly. Teams of technicians were diligently checking every aircraft parameter in all aviation engineering specialties, to ensure that the flight was carried out according to plan, effectively and with absolute safety.

Young pilots of Regiment 910 (Air Force Officer School) after training flight formation in the air.

After the meteorological reconnaissance flight piloted by Colonel Nguyen Quang Hai, Commander of Regiment 927 (Division 371) and Lieutenant Colonel Vu Nguyen Hong Cuong, Squadron Commander of Squadron 2 took off and returned to report favorable weather conditions for the flight team's deployment, the flight assignment conference was quickly held. Immediately afterwards, the pilots neatly donned their anti-pressure suits and quickly received the handover of the fighter jets from the technical force...

The heat increased minute by minute as dozens of jet engines roared, gliding along the runway and ready to take off. The first was a formation of 5 SU-30MK2 “king cobras” taking off in a formation of 2, bravely blending into the sky just dawning. Immediately after that, a formation of 4 L-39NG aircraft, along with 6 Yak-130 aircraft, took off one after another under the command of the flight commander.

After maneuvering, gaining altitude and stabilizing the flight path, the planes joined the formation, descended, and formed a formation to fly over the (hypothetical) grandstand area. Five SU-30MK2 planes formed a mighty arrow shape, gliding over the grandstand, the sound of the engines increasing power seemed to tear through the air. Four L-39NG planes formed a ladder shape, gliding lightly on the morning sunlight. Very quickly after that, a formation of six Yak-130 combat training planes formed an isosceles triangle and bravely entered... All of this created an impressive performance, demonstrating the power from equipment to the level of piloting techniques and the perfect coordination of the powerful jet air force.

A squadron of two SU-30MK2 aircraft took off to carry out the mission.

Landing after completing the training flights, Captain Phan Hieu Thuan, Squadron Leader, Squadron 2, Regiment 910 (Air Force Officer School) shared: "This is the first time participating in a celebratory flight at an important event of the country on a new, modern L-39NG aircraft that has just been equipped. The pilots of the unit and I are very aware of the honor and responsibility, constantly actively training, improving our qualifications, flying techniques and experience in flying large formations.

When performing the mission at Kep airport, although there were some difficulties such as cloudy weather conditions in the early morning affecting the observation distance, Kep airport is a place where mixed training activities of many different types of jet equipment are concentrated...; however, with determination and a sense of continuous learning, we closely coordinated between the numbers in the formation, between the front and rear cabin positions, the flights in the ladder formation were increasingly perfected and had a more impressive appearance".

6 Yak-130 aircraft arranged in an isosceles triangle.

Talking with Colonel Nguyen Van Thien, Division Commander of Division 371, we learned that: Immediately after receiving instructions from superiors, the Division urgently developed a plan and organized training for its members, especially the pilot force; at the same time, coordinated with friendly units to coordinate in training at Kep airport; ensured good logistics-technical work, radar information, and lighting for the flight missions of the units; organized lectures and experience reviews, promptly supplementing the content as required by superiors.

Up to now, the contents, programs, flight training plans, and joint exercises have all been conducted strictly and scientifically . 100% of officers and soldiers, especially pilots, and those directly involved in performing the tasks have been thoroughly informed and deeply aware of the tasks; have a good mindset, strictly follow discipline, and have high determination in performing the tasks.

100% of the pilots participating in the mission have been trained, educated, and tested to a good level. The Air Force is ready for the preliminary review, general rehearsal, and celebratory flight at the upcoming 80th Anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, determined to bring to the people and international friends a magnificent air parade, demonstrating part of the strength of our Army.

Article and photos: BICH PHUONG - PHAN HAO

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/80-nam-cach-mang-thang-tam-va-quoc-khanh-2-9/khong-quan-phan-luc-no-luc-chuan-bi-bay-trong-ngay-dai-le-839958