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 of 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 fields, to ensure that the flight was carried out as planned, effectively and absolutely safely.

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 task assignment conference was quickly held. Immediately after, the pilots neatly donned their pressure-resistant suits and quickly received the handover of fighter jets from the technical force...

The heat increased minute by minute as dozens of jet engines roared, gliding along the runway, 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. 5 SU-30MK2 planes formed a mighty arrow shape, gliding over the grandstand, the sound of the engines increasing power seemed to tear through the space. 4 L-39NG planes formed a ladder shape, gliding lightly on the morning sunlight. Very quickly after that, a formation of 6 Yak-130 fighter trainer 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 I have participated 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 and I of the unit are very aware of the honor and responsibility, constantly actively training, improving our qualifications, flying techniques and experience in flying large formations.

When performing tasks at Kep airport area, although we encountered 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...; but 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 components, 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 sharing, promptly supplemented the content as required by superiors.

Up to now, the contents, programs, flight training and joint training plans have all been carried out strictly and scientifically . 100% of officers and soldiers, especially pilots and those directly involved in performing the tasks, have a thorough understanding 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 with the determination 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