Completed 2 test flights, evaluated flight methods to verify the exploitation capacity of Long Thanh Airport

A specialized Beechcraft King Air 350ER aircraft conducts a test flight to evaluate flight methods to verify the ability to operate safely at Long Thanh Airport. Photo: Contributor

The flights are conducted using a dedicated Beechcraft King Air 350ER aircraft, which is used to test, calibrate and evaluate the accuracy of runway lighting systems, ILS precision approach systems, navigation lights, landing lights, as well as a number of other information and monitoring equipment. The flights will take off from Tan Son Nhat Airport, fly to Long Thanh Airport, check in the airspace of Long Thanh Airport and then return to Tan Son Nhat Airport to land.

According to the plan, the flight time will start from July 31, 2025, with a total expected duration of about 12.47 hours, flexibly adjusted according to weather conditions. As of the morning of August 1, 2025, the first two flights have taken place smoothly.

According to VATM, the flight aims to evaluate flyability, factors related to the design method, and test the impact of signal interference on the accuracy and intensity of the navigation system used in the flight methods. The test is carried out according to the list of flight methods approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam. The assessment includes the accuracy and integrity of the navigation database (obstacles, terrain, navigation stations, etc.) and terrain and obstacle factors that may affect flight operations.

Previously, on June 4, 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam issued flight method diagrams based on features and traditional flight methods for Long Thanh Airport and Tan Son Nhat Airport, in preparation for calibration flights and flight evaluation of the 05R/23L take-off/landing method.

Accordingly, Long Thanh Airport has a total of 68 flight modes, including 27 departure modes (SID), 33 arrival modes (STAR) and 8 landing approach modes (IAP). All data from the test flights will be collected and analyzed to assess the accuracy and stability before being put into official operation.

As expected, in the early fourth quarter of 2025, Long Thanh Airport will have its first calibration flight after all aviation equipment has been installed, the related infrastructure system is ready and approved by the relevant authorities.

Pham Tung

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/kinh-te/202508/hoan-thanh-2-chuyen-bay-kiem-tra-danh-gia-phuong-thuc-bay-de-kiem-dinh-kha-nang-khai-thac-san-bay-long-thanh-a6f10ec/