10 helicopters raise the flag in practice to celebrate 50 years of national reunification

On the morning of April 9, the helicopter formation of the Vietnam Air Force organized a flag-raising exercise to prepare for the 50th anniversary of National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025) at Bien Hoa airport ( Dong Nai ).

From 6am, 10 helicopters including Mi-8, Mi-171, Mi-17 were checked for technical conditions, prepared to roll on the runway, and connected to the flag-raising rope. All work was carried out meticulously to ensure absolute safety.

Under the command of the flight commander, the crews made final preparations before takeoff. After the command, each helicopter took off one by one, dragging the giant red flag with a yellow star fluttering in the sky. The formation maintained a precise distance, creating an impressive performance.

This is an important task, requiring pilots to have good techniques and coordinate closely so that the flag always flies beautifully.

Lieutenant Colonel Doan Hong Hai, pilot of Regiment 917 (Division 370) said that this morning the weather conditions were slightly foggy, but still ensured good visibility. The squadrons continued to practice flying in 3-4-3 formations with the distance between planes maintained at 30m.

“When taking off, the helicopter must reach a stable height before it can move because the cable holding the flag is up to 12 meters long. If it moves too early before reaching the appropriate height, the flag may be affected,” said Lieutenant Colonel Hai.

Vietnam Air Force helicopters flying the national flag and the Party flag practiced flying over many areas on the morning of April 9. On the days of preliminary rehearsal, final rehearsal and official ceremony that follow, this image will appear in the sky of Ho Chi Minh City.

“The flag measures 3.6m x 5.4m and is made from polyester, a fabric that is tough and wind-resistant. The gravity ball weighs 120kg,” Captain Nguyen The Dat, a researcher at the Technical Department of the Air Defense-Air Force, said after the training session.