Mastering the Modern Aviation Fleet with Confidence
Captain Dang Ngoc Co (born in 1964), who joined Vietnam Airlines 31 years ago and is now the Captain of the Boeing 787 fleet, has always harbored a passion for aviation. Prior to joining the national carrier, he worked for the Air Force, where he gained valuable aircraft piloting experience.
As one of the pilots in the VN1 program recruited by Vietnam Airlines for formal training when the corporation was founded in 1993, Co has now accumulated over 23,000 flight hours. He has piloted various aircraft types operated by the airline, including the ATR-72, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, and the cutting-edge wide-body aircraft, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner.
“One of the challenges pilots face when transitioning to new aircraft types is adapting to the changes, particularly managing risks due to differences in training programs and operational procedures. Modern aircraft are highly advanced and equipped with intelligent technologies to assist pilots,” Captain Co explained.
Captain Dang Ngoc Co inside the cockpit of the first Boeing B787-9 in 2015
Co vividly recalls the historic moment when he was entrusted with the mission of piloting the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Vietnam Airlines received from the US in early August 2015 and bringing it to Vietnam for operation. He remembers the mix of excitement and apprehension he felt at the time.
“Despite undergoing extensive training in a simulated environment to prepare for potential aircraft malfunctions and technical issues, actually flying the plane was a whole different experience. Boeing was also meticulous in assigning experienced instructors to ensure the test flight proceeded smoothly and safely,” Vietnam Airlines’ seasoned Captain recalled with pride after successfully completing the test flight and bringing the aircraft back to Vietnam.
Captain Dang Ngoc Co with Boeing pilots and colleagues preparing to fly from the US to Vietnam (first aircraft in 2015)
In 2019, Co was once again entrusted with the honor of piloting the first Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner to be brought to Vietnam for operation. The Boeing 787 fleet organized training sessions for the pilots based on Boeing documentation. Notably, the airline moved quickly and boldly in adopting new technologies and training its personnel to meet the demands of operating and maintaining the world’s most advanced aircraft.
Conquering New Flight Routes
Today, Vietnam Airlines is one of the few airlines that simultaneously operates both variants of Boeing’s wide-body aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner (including the 787-9 and 787-10). The airline has demonstrated its competence in operating in demanding markets, particularly the United States, and has expanded its global reach, providing safe and efficient flights to various destinations.
In addition to mastering aircraft operation technologies, pilots must also possess a thorough understanding of meteorology, weather conditions, and terrain. They must continuously enhance their skills and follow procedures and regulations to ensure safe flight operations in accordance with the airline’s requirements.
Recounting a memorable flight from his career, Co mentioned a flight in 2020 that repatriated hundreds of Vietnamese citizens from the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. The flight crew was required to wear protective suits, face masks, and gloves throughout the journey. The successful repatriation flight led to the US authorities acknowledging Vietnam Airlines’ capability to operate regular direct flights to the “Land of the Free.” In 2021, Co also piloted the first commercial direct flight carrying passengers from Vietnam to the US.
Flight repatriating Vietnamese citizens from the US in 2019
Another unforgettable feat in Captain Co’s career as a pilot was a rescue mission that safely evacuated thousands of Vietnamese workers from the conflict in Libya. At the time, the four-person flight crew operating the Boeing 777 had to take turns sleeping over a nearly 30-hour round-trip to ensure safety. Since there were no direct flights to Libya, Vietnam Airlines had to navigate through airspace of several countries the airline had never flown to before. Additionally, obtaining landing and takeoff clearances, technical requirements, airport capabilities, and weather conditions presented complex challenges in the desert environment.
“The experience and determination of a seasoned pilot played a crucial role in the success of this and other rescue flights. This was a collective achievement made possible by numerous dedicated individuals, from those on the front lines to those who tirelessly supported behind the scenes,” Co shared.
Flight repatriating Vietnamese citizens during the pandemic
As a bridge between Air Force pilots and Vietnam Airlines Flight Division 919, which has a 65-year legacy (1/5/1959-1/5/2024), Co has witnessed Vietnam Airlines earn numerous global safety certifications. These achievements have enabled flights adorned with the “Golden Lotus” symbol to reach new destinations worldwide, contributing to Vietnam’s enhanced stature and position in the international arena./.
