Phase 2 technical calibration flight conducted at Long Thanh Airport

On October 26, the Viet Nam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) led the Phase 2 technical calibration flight for air traffic surveillance systems, including primary and secondary radar (PSR/SSR) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), at Long Thanh International Airport.

The Beechcraft B300 aircraft (OK-ANS) conducts the Phase 2 technical calibration flight at Long Thanh Airport on the morning of October 26. Photo: Contributor

The Phase 2 calibration flight commenced at 4:20 a.m. and concluded at 9:20 a.m. on the same day. During the operation, the selected Beechcraft B300 aircraft (registration OK-ANS) conducted a total of 30 flight missions, including three orbit flights to check the horizontal coverage of PSR/SSR radars; four flights following Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STAR) and Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP) at both ends of Runway 05R/23L to assess ADS-B system monitoring; and 23 flights to verify vertical coverage.

Air traffic controllers from the Ho Chi Minh Area Control Center (ACC HCM), Tan Son Nhat Approach Control (APP TSN), and Long Thanh Tower (TWR LT) coordinate the management of the calibration flight on October 26, 2025. Photo: Contributor

Throughout the flights, air traffic controllers from the Ho Chi Minh Area Control Center (ACC HCM), Tan Son Nhat Approach Control (APP TSN), and Long Thanh Tower (TWR LT) closely coordinated operations, maintaining safe separation and continuous control. Meteorological specialists at Tan Son Nhat regularly updated weather conditions, supporting the flight crew and radar stations in optimizing calibration procedures.

Preliminary results indicate that the PSR/SSR/ADS-B systems at Long Thanh are functioning stably, with signal coverage and accuracy aligning with the technical standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam. Data collected during flights will be processed and evaluated by Air Traffic Technical Company Limited (ATTECH) before being transferred to Long Thanh Tower to support radar display calibration and integration into VATM’s national surveillance network.

The Long Thanh Airport radar navigation station has completed the installation of its equipment. Photo: Contributor

The completion of the Phase 2 technical calibration flight marks a significant milestone in finalizing and synchronizing the operational capabilities of surveillance systems at Long Thanh Airport, enabling Phase 1 of the project to enter commercial operation in the first half of 2026. Czech Air Navigation Institute

The calibration flights were conducted by ATTECH, a member unit of VATM, in coordination with the Southern Region Air Traffic Services Company (SORATS), the Long Thanh Project Management Board, and contractors, including Easat Radar Systems Ltd (PSR/SSR radar) and ADB SAFEGATE (ADS-B). International experts from the Czech Air Navigation Institute participated alongside experienced Vietnamese engineers and air traffic controllers.

Previously, on September 26, 2025, VATM conducted the Phase 1 technical calibration flight at Long Thanh Airport.

By Pham Tung – Translated by Hong Van, Minho