The Faculty of Aviation Operations organizes field trips and internships at VATM’s specialized units for ATO students of the 2024 class: Valuable practical experience for the journey to becoming an Air Traffic Controller.

From April 2 to 4, 2025, the Faculty of Aviation Operations – Vietnam Aviation Academy cooperated with Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) to successfully organize a field trip – practical training for students of ATO Dien Bien – Con Son and ATO Long Thanh classes, class 2024.

The trip is an opportunity for students to directly approach the real working environment, better understand the role and operating mechanism of units in the flight control system – an indispensable part in ensuring safety, regulation and efficiency for flight activities in Vietnam’s airspace.

Practical experience at the Aviation Meteorological Center: The Aviation Meteorological Center is the place that provides meteorological bulletins for flight operations and aviation safety. Here, students were introduced to the process of collecting, processing, and analyzing data from meteorological observation stations as well as the advanced forecasting systems used today.

Students are guided to learn about the weather information display screens at Tan Son Nhat Aviation Meteorological Center.

In particular, students listened directly to meteorological officers sharing about the close connection between meteorological information and flight operations – a vital factor in every decision of air traffic controllers. This is an opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of coordination between departments and units in aviation operations.

Ms. Phan Thuy To Anh – Head of ARO/AIS center introduces the working process at the center

Through the tour, students not only have a better understanding of flight support services but also realize the inseparable role between AIS and air traffic control – from preparation, planning to actual flight operations.

Visit Tan Son Nhat Air Traffic Control Tower: This is where students have direct access to the professional, fast-paced and stressful working environment of air traffic controllers.

Meeting at the Station’s conference room before the students were guided to the tour.

Here, students were able to observe actual flight operations at both positions: ground control (GCU) and airport control (TWR). Through the guidance of air traffic controllers, students not only had their technical questions answered but were also inspired by the genuine sharing about the profession, sense of responsibility and dedication of those who are ensuring the safety of thousands of flights every day.

Students listen attentively as the Air Traffic Controller introduces the working equipment.

Students experience using equipment to support the work of Air Traffic Controllers.

The field trip is not only an extracurricular activity but also helps students connect the theoretical knowledge they have learned with the practical work that takes place every day. This is also an opportunity for them to practice their observation skills, systematic thinking and enhance their understanding of the organizational structure and coordination between units in the air traffic management industry.

Once again, the Faculty of Aviation Operations – Vietnam Aviation Academy would like to express our sincere thanks to the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation and its affiliated units for their support and creating the best conditions for the successful field trip. Hopefully, after this rewarding journey, the students of ATO Class 2024 will be more steadfast, confident and passionate on the path to becoming professional air traffic controllers in the future.

News: Faculty of Aviation Operations – Van HTH