Calibration flights use aircraft to test and adjust all systems, ensuring all equipment operates accurately and safely when a new airport opens. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM), and Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) will conduct the evaluation over 10 days, using a specialized Beechcraft B300 aircraft.

The airport's passenger terminal is undergoing roof construction. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

The airport's passenger terminal is undergoing roof construction. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

According to Air Traffic Management Technique Company Limited (ATTECH), the calibration process involves multiple flights simulating takeoffs and landings at different angles and altitudes to adjust and evaluate the accuracy of systems, including: ILS/DME (instrument landing system/distance measuring equipment); PAPI (precision approach path indicator); ALS (approach lighting system); PSR/SSR/ADS-B radar.

The test flights will take off from Tan Son Nhat International Airport and then proceed to Long Thanh airspace. Operations typically occur at night or early morning to minimize impact on commercial flights. In some cases, the flight crew works through the night to ensure objective results and absolute safety.

Earlier in August, VATM and ACV conducted test flights using a Beechcraft King Air 350ER to check flight procedures. Data from these flights is being analyzed to inform the upcoming calibration flight.

Test flight checking signals at Long Thanh International Airport on 1/8. Video: Provided by a citizen

Long Thanh International Airport is a national key project, covering 5,000 hectares with a total investment of nearly 337,000 billion VND. The first runway and taxiway system are complete. The passenger terminal's roof is nearly finished, with glass installation scheduled for September. The air traffic control tower and other operational buildings are also entering the final stages of construction.

Currently, the construction site employs nearly 14,000 engineers and workers, utilizes about 3,000 pieces of equipment, and has hundreds of construction points, striving to substantially complete the project by the end of 2025.

Phuoc Tuan