In a focused atmosphere, officers, soldiers, and technicians of the helicopter flight demonstration team are in their peak training days at Hoa Lac Airfield.

Following health checks and briefings, pilots started their scheduled training flights.

Thursday’s weather in Hanoi was sunny, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 36 degrees Celsius and clear skies despite some morning mist, providing favorable conditions for the flight exercises.

Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Manh Hung, deputy chief of staff of the 916th Regiment, 371st Division, Air Defense-Air Force, noted the challenges posed by Hanoi’s variable weather and tall buildings, which could affect flight operations.

He said crews have been intensifying their theoretical knowledge and coordination drills.

“Given the high-level state requirements, we are fully prepared in mindset, psychology, and physical fitness, while building strong resilience,” Lieutenant Colonel Hung said.

For the A80 mission, helicopters will fly in a formation of three vertical rows and three horizontal rows, differing from previous events such as the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of southern Vietnam (A50), the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (A70), and the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition, where pilots flew in arrow formations.

The formation will include Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-171, and Mi-172 helicopters, used for search and rescue, transport, and live-fire bombing drills.

“We are committed to putting in our utmost effort and responsibility so that by the time of rehearsals and live flights, all formations will be performed safely and with precision,” Lieutenant Colonel Hung added.

The new formation involves pairing two experienced instructors to mentor a pilot following strict training protocols, allowing younger pilots to gain practical experience and learn from seasoned aviators with extensive formation flying backgrounds.

Approximately 50 elite pilots, highly trained and experienced with strong technical skills and morale, are expected to participate in the flying plans for the A80 mission, Lieutenant Colonel Hung said.

Captain Nguyen Dinh Luan, 33, deputy squadron leader and chief of staff of the first Squadron, 916th Regiment, expressed pride and excitement, alongside a sense of responsibility for the special and demanding nature of the A80 task.

As a younger pilot, he is continuously studying flight theory and techniques, supported by his colleagues and family, with a strong commitment to completing the mission safely and well to honor the public’s trust and respect.

Within the formation, the youngest pilot is about 30 years old, while the oldest is over 50, all with hundreds of flying hours and among the top pilots in the Vietnamese air force.

Earlier, the 371st Division of the Air Defense-Air Force outlined plans for training flights, joint rehearsals, preliminary, and full dress rehearsals involving nine flight groups and 30 aircraft including helicopters, C295, C212i, Yak-130, L-39NG, and Su-30MK2 jets.

Take-offs and landings will take place at Hoa Lac, Gia Lam Airfield in Hanoi, and Kep Airfield in neighboring Bac Ninh Province.