Ho Minh Tan, deputy director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, recounts a special journey in the cockpit of an A330 from the US to Phu Quoc, with each leg demanding focus, composure and precise decisions from the flight crew.

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Ho Minh Tan (right), deputy director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, with the crew on the flight bringing the A330 from the US to Phu Quoc. Photo: L.D.
 

Over more than 35 years in aviation, Ho Minh Tan has worked in roles ranging from aircraft engineering to piloting before moving into regulatory responsibilities at the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam. He currently oversees aviation safety, aircraft operations, pilot management and aviation inspection.

Qualified as a captain on the A330, A320 and several other aircraft types, Tan was assigned by the authority to join the team bringing Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ first A330 from the US to Vietnam.

A “beautiful, smooth and gentle” landing

According to Tan, the A330 is widely operated around the world and is well suited to medium- and long-haul routes. Its multiple backup systems meet requirements for safety and operational efficiency.

“This is one of the aircraft types with a high level of safety and strong operational efficiency,” Tan said.

The aviation authority took part in the delivery process to help bring the new aircraft type into service and support training for the airline’s instructors.

For those in the cockpit, however, the flight carried a more personal significance. As the A330 entered the skies over Phu Quoc after its long journey from the US, anticipation of the special moment grew.

That feeling soon gave way to concentration. Throughout the journey to Phu Quoc, the crew continually assessed the situation, reviewed technical factors and determined appropriate responses in accordance with operating procedures.

Every situation remained under control, and the approach was carefully planned before the aircraft came in to land. Finally, the A330 touched down safely in Phu Quoc, where people were waiting to welcome it. Tan described Captain Dao Duc Vu’s landing as “beautiful, smooth and gentle.”

Responding to unexpected conditions

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The A330 offers a high level of safety and is well regarded for its operational efficiency. Photo: H.H.
 

The flight encountered unexpected developments on its journey to Vietnam. While passing through the Arctic and Russia, the crew had to continually monitor and assess operating conditions to adjust their plans accordingly.

After departing Pinal in the US state of Arizona, the journey to Vietnam brought further unexpected developments. While passing through the Arctic and Russia, the crew had to continually monitor and assess operating conditions to adapt their plans.

As the aircraft neared Japan, difficult weather developed along the route to Narita. The crew quickly obtained updated information and decided to divert to Kansai. The A330 landed safely there before continuing to Vietnam.

Tan said that on long-haul flights, actively assessing the situation and being ready to adjust plans are essential to ensuring the crew remains in control of the journey.

Looking back on the flight, he said what matters is not simply avoiding unexpected situations altogether, but being able to identify, assess and handle them in accordance with procedures.

According to Tan, the A330 offers a high level of safety and is well regarded for its operational efficiency. Once it settles into regular service, its technical parameters are refined, helping operations run more smoothly.

Over more than 35 years in aviation, Ho Minh Tan has sat in the cockpit countless times and flown many different journeys. Yet the flight bringing the A330 from the US to Phu Quoc left him with a special feeling.

Vu Diep