Consolidated Document number 05/VBHN-BXD regarding aviation staff; training, instruction, and examination of aviation staff

CIRCULAR

Regulations on aviation staff; training, instruction, and examination of aviation staff

Circular No. 10/2018/TT-BGTVT dated March 14, 2018 issued by the Minister of Transport stipulates regulations on aviation staff; training, instruction, and examination of aviation staff;

Circular No. 35/2021/TT-BGTVT dated December 17, 2021 amends and supplements some articles of Circular No. 10/2018/TT-BGTVT dated March 14, 2018 issued by the Minister of Transport stipulating regulations on aviation staff; training, instruction, and examination of aviation staff;

Circular No. 01/2025/TT-BXD dated March 28, 2025 amends and supplements some articles and appendices attached to Circular No. 10/2018/TT-BGTVT dated March 14, 2018 issued by the Minister of Transport stipulating regulations on aviation staff; training, instruction, and examination of aviation staff;

Pursuant to the Civil Aviation Law No. 66/2006/QH11 dated June 29, 2006; the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Civil Aviation Law No. 61/2014/QH13 dated November 21, 2014;

Pursuant to Decree No. 66/2015/NĐ-CP dated August 12, 2015 of the Government stipulating regulations on Civil Aviation Authorities;

Pursuant to Decree No. 92/2016/NĐ-CP dated July 1, 2016 of the Government stipulating regulations on business sectors and trades with conditions in the civil aviation sector;

Pursuant to Decree No. 12/2017/NĐ-CP dated February 10, 2017 of the Government stipulating functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Transport;

At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Personnel and the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam;

The Minister of Transport issues this Circular stipulating regulations on aviation staff; training, instruction, and examination of aviation staff^[1].

Chapter I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular stipulates regulations on aviation staff; training, instruction, and examination of aviation staff.

Article 2. Applicability

This Circular applies to aviation staff, organizations, and individuals related to the work of training, instruction, and examination of aviation staff.

Article 3. Abbreviations

In this Circular, the following abbreviations shall be understood as follows:

1. ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast): Automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast mode.

2. AFTN (Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network): Fixed telecommunication network for aviation. 3. AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication): Aeronautical information publication.

4. AIS (Aeronautical Information Service): Aeronautical information service.

5. AMHS (Air Traffic Service Message Handling System): Air traffic service message handling system.

6. ATFM (Air Traffic Flow Management): Air traffic flow management.

7. CNS (Communication, Navigation, Surveillance): Communication, navigation, and surveillance.

8. DME (Distance Measuring Equipment): Distance measuring equipment. 9. FDP (Flight Plan Data Processing): Flight plan data processing.

10. GBAS (Ground Based Augmentation System): Ground-based augmentation system.

11. HF A/G (High Frequency Air/Ground): High frequency air-ground communication.

12. IATA (International Air Transport Association): International Air Transport Association.

13. ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization): International Civil Aviation Organization. 14. ILS (Instrument Landing System): Instrument landing system.

15. ILS/DME/Marker (Instrument Landing System/Distance Measuring Equipment/Marker): Instrument landing system/distance measuring equipment/marker beacon. 16. NDB (Non Directional Radio Beacon): Non-directional radio beacon.

17. NOTAM (Notice to Airmen): Notice to airmen.

18. OJT (On-Job-Training): On-the-job training.

19. PSR (Primary Surveillance Radar): Primary surveillance radar.

20. RDP (Radar Data Processing): Radar data processing.

21. SSR (Secondary Surveillance Radar): Secondary surveillance radar.

22. VHF A/G (Very High Frequency Air/Ground): Very high frequency air-ground communication.

23. VOR (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Radio Range): Very high frequency omnidirectional radio range.

24. VCCS (Voice Communication Control System): Voice communication control system.

1. Competence certification means the certification of professional competence of aviation staff meeting the conditions to perform duties according to the position recorded in the aviation staff license.

2. Initial training program means the training program including two parts: general knowledge about civil aviation and aviation staff operations. After completing this program, trainees will be awarded a professional certificate.

3. Competence training program means the training program for aviation staff who have been awarded a professional certificate to participate in the competence certification examination as prescribed in the specialized field. 4. Periodic training program means the training program to review previously learned knowledge and update new specialized knowledge in aviation for aviation staff to maintain their ability to work at the certified position.

5. Recovery training program means the training program for aviation staff who have taken a break exceeding the prescribed time to restore their ability to meet professional requirements. 6. Position change training program means the training program for aviation staff when changing professional positions or competence certification positions.

Article 4. Definitions

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

7. Familiarization flight training program means the training program for air traffic controllers to understand the activities of the cockpit crew during commercial flights.

8. Training institution for aviation staff operations (referred to as the training institution) means an institution that meets the conditions for conducting training and instruction for aviation staff operations as prescribed by law.

9. Examination of aviation staff means the examination to issue licenses, competence certifications, or evaluate to issue English proficiency certificates for aviation staff.

10. Online training means the form of training and instruction for aviation staff operations conducted through online training software and information technology infrastructure on the Internet platform.

5. The refresher training program is a training program for aviation staff who have taken a break exceeding the prescribed time to restore their ability to meet professional job requirements.

6. The type conversion training program is a training program for aviation staff when changing professional positions or designated positions.

7. The familiarization flight training program is a training program for air traffic control personnel to understand the operations of the flight crew in the cockpit during commercial flights.

8^[2]. An aviation staff training and vocational training facility (referred to as a training facility) is a facility that meets the conditions for conducting training and vocational training for aviation staff as stipulated by law.

9. Aviation staff examination is the process of testing to issue licenses, designated professional qualifications, or evaluating to issue English proficiency certificates for aviation staff.

10^[3]. Online training and vocational training is a form of vocational training for aviation staff conducted through online training software and information technology infrastructure on the Internet platform.

11^[4]Online training materials include textbooks, teaching materials, reference materials, and evaluation tests presented in the form of presentation files, images, videos, and direct interactive applications between instructors and students.

Article 5. Teaching time, conversion of teaching time ^[5]

1. Teaching time in the training program is measured in class hours.

2. Conversion of teaching time: one theoretical class hour is 45 minutes, one practical class hour is 60 minutes.

Chapter II. AIRCRAFT PERSONNEL

Article 6. Positions of aircraft personnel

1^[6]. The flight crew includes the captain, co-pilot, and other suitable aircraft personnel.

2. Flight training instructor.

3. Cabin crew.

4. Aircraft maintenance and repair personnel.

5. Air traffic control and operation personnel.

6. Ground control personnel.

7. Aviation news announcer.

8. Map, diagram, and aviation data personnel.

9. Air traffic information, guidance, and surveillance personnel.

10. Aviation meteorology personnel.

11. Flight procedure design personnel.

12. Civil aviation search and rescue personnel.

13. Aviation security personnel.

14. Aircraft equipment control and operation personnel operating within restricted areas of airports.

15. Ground service personnel for flights.

16. Rescue and firefighting personnel at airports.

Article 7. Duties according to positions of aircraft personnel

1. Aviation security personnel perform tasks such as checking, screening, monitoring security, maintaining order, patrolling, and guarding at airports and other facilities as prescribed in specialized aviation security regulations.

2. Aircraft equipment control and operation personnel operating within restricted areas of airports perform tasks related to controlling and operating aircraft equipment and facilities within restricted areas of airports as prescribed in specialized regulations on airport management and operation.

3^[7]. Ground service personnel for flights perform one or more tasks including supervision, coordination, passenger and baggage services, cargo handling, and aircraft support at airports and air service facilities outside the airport boundary licensed by the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam.

4. Rescue and firefighting personnel at airports perform rescue and firefighting duties in case of accidents or incidents at airports.

5. Aircraft personnel specified in Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of Article 6 of this Circular shall perform their duties as prescribed in specialized aviation regulations concerning aircraft, aircraft operations, management, and flight safety.

Article 8. Qualifications of aircraft personnel

1. Aircraft personnel specified in Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of Article 6 of this Circular must meet the qualifications prescribed in specialized aviation regulations concerning aircraft, aircraft operations, management, and flight safety.

2. Aircraft personnel specified in Clause 13 of Article 6 of this Circular must meet the following standards:

a) Be a Vietnamese citizen aged 18 or older with a clear record, good health, and a high school diploma or higher;

b) Have no criminal record as prescribed by law; not use drugs or stimulants;

c) Hold an aviation security personnel license issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam.

3. Aircraft personnel specified in Clauses 14, 15, and 16 of Article 6 of this Circular must meet the following standards:

a) Be a Vietnamese or foreign citizen aged 18 or older with a clear record, good health, and a high school diploma or higher;

b) Have no criminal record as prescribed by law; not use drugs or stimulants;

c) For aircraft personnel specified in Clause 14 of Article 6 of this Circular, they must hold an aircraft equipment control and operation license issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam;

d) For aircraft personnel specified in Clauses 15 and 16 of Article 6 of this Circular, they must have a professional qualification certificate as prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 9 of this Circular.

Article 9. Professional Certificate and English Proficiency Certificate

1. The professional certificate prescribed in this Circular includes one of the following types:

a) A certificate of completion of the initial aviation training program issued by a training institution licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam according to Model 01 attached to this Circular;

b) A certification from a training institution recognized by ICAO and IATA; or a foreign training institution recognized by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam pursuant to Article 14 of this Circular;

c) A certification of control and operation of specialized aviation equipment issued by the production and manufacturing facility of such equipment;

d) A diploma or certificate of completion of the basic aviation training program issued by a training institution in Vietnam in accordance with higher education and vocational education laws.

2. The professional certificates prescribed in points b, c, and d of Clause 1 of this Article shall only be recognized in Vietnam if the holder has completed supplementary training on the contents not covered in the initial aviation training program at a training institution licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

3. The English proficiency certificate for aviation staff prescribed in this Circular shall be issued by the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam according to Model 02 attached to this Circular.

Article 10. Aviation Staff License

1^[8]Conditions for issuing an aviation staff license:

An aviation staff license shall be issued to an individual when they comply with the provisions of Article 8 of this Circular and pass the examination requirements set forth by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam for the issuance of the license.

2. An aviation staff license shall include the following contents:

a) National emblem of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

b) Issuing authority;

c) Name of the license;

d) License number;

đ) Date of issue and validity period of the license (if applicable);

e) Full name, date of birth, place of birth, address, nationality of the licensee;

g) Position;

h) Signature of the licensee and stamp of the issuing authority;

i) The back of the license shall be stamped with a security seal;

k) Other requirements as stipulated in specific aviation regulations.

3. Aviation staff positions prescribed in Clauses 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 of Article 6 of this Circular must carry an aviation staff license in effect while performing their duties.

4. Aviation staff who do not fall under the category specified in Clause 3 of this Article must carry a relevant professional certificate while performing their duties.

Article 11. List and Validity Period of Aviation Staff Licenses and Positions

1. The list of aviation staff licenses and positions is prescribed in Appendix 03 attached to this Circular.

2. An aviation staff license is valid only when its position remains valid; specifically, the license prescribed in Clause 14 of Article 6 of this Circular is valid for 07 (seven) years.

Chapter III. TRAINING AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT FOR AVIATION STAFF

Article 12. Training and Skill Development Programs for Aviation Staff

1. The training and skill development programs for aviation staff include:

a) Initial vocational training program to obtain a professional certificate;

b) Skill development training program for aviation staff;

c) Refresher training program for aviation staff;

d) Type conversion training program for aviation staff;

đ) Regular training program for aviation staff;

e) Familiarization flight training program for air traffic controllers.

2^[9]The training and skill development programs for the positions of aviation staff specified in Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 13 of Article 6 shall be implemented in accordance with specific aviation regulations. The vocational training and detailed vocational training programs for the remaining positions shall be implemented in accordance with Appendices 04, 04a, 05, and 05a attached to this Circular.

Article 13. Textbooks for training and instructing aviation staff

The textbooks for training and instructing aviation staff shall be issued by the training institution and must comply with the training and instruction programs stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 12 and Clause 1 of Article 21 of this Circular.

Article 14. Recognition of foreign training institutions for training and instructing aviation staff

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam shall recognize foreign training institutions based on specialized aviation laws and international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member.

Article 15. Online training and instructing aviation staff^[10]

1. The form of online training and instructing shall only apply to theoretical subjects.

2. The content of online training and instructing must comply with the contents of the training and instruction programs as prescribed in Article 12 and Clause 1 of Article 21 of this Circular.

3. Learning materials for online training and instructing shall be developed according to the training and instruction program for aviation staff as stipulated in Article 12 and Clause 1 of Article 21 of this Circular.

4. The online training and instructing software shall organize classes through the internet space via video channels, audio channels, and text channels (sharing computer screens and electronic devices), and shall have the following functions:

a) Assisting teachers in delivering lectures, organizing the storage and transmission of online training and instructing learning materials to students; monitoring, checking, and evaluating students' learning outcomes; supporting students in accessing and utilizing learning content from online training and instructing learning materials; providing advice, support, answering questions, and resolving student queries during the learning process;

b) Enabling students to access and utilize learning content from online training and instructing learning materials; performing learning activities and evaluations as required by teachers; posing and answering questions to teachers and other students within the learning space;

c) Allowing the training institution to manage students' records, learning progress, and learning outcomes, as well as teaching activities of teachers; supporting the management of other information as required by the training institution and state agencies responsible for training and instructing aviation staff.

5. Information technology infrastructure serving the management and organization of online training and instructing must ensure:

a) Internet connectivity must meet user access requirements without causing network congestion or overload;

b) Connection devices, computers, and terminal equipment must have configurations suitable for installing online training and instructing software;

c) Information security and confidentiality for restricted teaching materials as prescribed by law.

6. Evaluation of online learning outcomes:

a) The evaluation of online learning outcomes for students shall be conducted directly at the training institution. In cases where students cannot attend the training institution due to force majeure, natural disasters, or epidemics, the evaluation of learning outcomes shall be conducted online;

b) Online evaluation of learning outcomes must ensure accuracy, fairness, and objectivity.

7. Online training and instructing records shall be managed and stored at the training institution, including:

a) Records related to the contents stipulated in Clauses 3 and 6 of this Article;

b) Data on the online training and instructing process on the online training and instructing system;

c) Training and instructing plans for online courses and subjects at the training institution;

d) Records of the evaluation of the learning process and outcomes of students..

Chapter IV. EXAMINATION OF AVIATION STAFF

Article 16. Examination Board

1. The Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam shall establish the Examination Board to organize examinations in each specialized field and English proficiency level for issuing licenses and qualifications to aviation staff.

2. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam is permitted to utilize facilities and experts from domestic and foreign organizations to organize examinations for aviation staff.

3. The Examination Board must have at least two-thirds of its members present to conduct work; decisions are made by majority vote; in case of equal opinions among members, the decision will be based on the conclusion of the Chairman of the Examination Board.

Article 17. Duties of the Examination Board

1. To develop and promulgate regulations governing the operations of the Examination Board.

2. To establish Examination Teams in each specialized field and English proficiency level.

3. To organize the development of examination plans, examination procedures, examination contents, questions and answers for approval and issuance by the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

4. To organize examinations and report the results to the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam for issuing licenses, qualifications, and English proficiency certificates to aviation staff.

5. The Chairman of the Examination Board is responsible for selecting examiners and examination results before the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

6^[11]. To organize re-examinations (if necessary) for paper-based examinations and notify the results to those requesting re-examination.

7^[12]. To prepare minutes of the Examination Board's meetings according to the model prescribed in Appendix 06 issued together with this Circular.

Article 18. Duties of the Examination Team ^[13]

1. To compile theoretical and practical examination questions, answers, and grading scales suitable for the examination, and report to the Examination Board.

2. To inspect examination equipment, facilities, locations, and safety measures during the examination process.

3. To require candidates to comply with examination rules; prevent unauthorized persons from entering theoretical or practical examination rooms.

4. To record and handle violations within their scope of duties and powers, or report to the Examination Board.

5. To conduct examinations, consolidate results, evaluate examination sessions, and report to the Examination Board.

6. Examiners are responsible for examination results as assigned by the Examination Team. The Team Leader is responsible for the results of the examination session and reports the examination results to the Examination Board.

Article 19. Qualifications of Examiners

1. Professional examiners must meet the following criteria:

a) Have good political ideology and moral conduct, without disciplinary violations in the last three years;

b) Hold a degree or certificate in a relevant specialized field;

c) Have at least three years of experience working in a position related to the specialized field they are involved in examining.

2. English language examiners must meet one of the following criteria:

a) Be a professional in the corresponding aviation sector with at least five years of experience, holding a bachelor's degree in English or equivalent, and having an aviation English assessment certificate recognized by an institution accredited by ICAO or the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam;

b) Be an English teacher with at least five consecutive years of teaching at universities, holding an aviation English assessment certificate recognized by an institution accredited by ICAO or the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

Chapter V. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 20. Responsibilities of Training and Vocational Training Institutions for Aviation Personnel

1. Report to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam when there are changes to the contents according to the application for issuance of certificates of qualification for training and vocational training of aviation personnel as prescribed by specialized laws on civil aviation.

2^[14]2. Organize the compilation and promulgation of training and vocational training curricula in accordance with Clause 2, Article 12 and Clause 1, Article 21 of this Circular; decide on the form of direct or online training and vocational training.

3. Implement training and vocational training for aviation personnel and issue professional certificates in accordance with this Circular.

4. Develop measures to improve the quality of training and vocational training for aviation personnel.

5^[15]5. Report to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam on the results of training and vocational training activities for aviation personnel, in detail as follows:

a) Report title: Results of training and vocational training for aviation personnel;

b) Content of report: matters related to the training and vocational training of aviation personnel as stipulated in Appendices 07, 07A, 07B;

c) Method of submitting and receiving reports: periodic reports shall be presented in paper form or electronic copies, to be submitted through one of the following methods: direct submission; submission via postal service or other methods as prescribed by law;

d) Frequency of reporting: annually;

e) Deadline for submission of reports: before December 20 each year;

f) Time period for data consolidation in the report: from December 15 of the previous reporting period to December 14 of the current reporting period;

g) Outline of the report: as prescribed in Appendices 07, 07A, 07B issued together with this Circular.

6. Retain training and vocational training records for aviation personnel in accordance with legal provisions on record keeping.

7. Be subject to inspection and supervision by the Ministry of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, and competent state agencies as prescribed by current regulations.

Article 21. Responsibilities of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam

1.^[16] (abolished).

2. Inspect and supervise examinations, issuance of licenses, certification of professional qualifications, and certification of English proficiency for aviation personnel.

3. Establish databases and invest in equipment, facilities, and information technology applications to manage aviation personnel, training institutions, and examination centers for aviation personnel.

Article 22. Transitional provisions

Training institutions that have been issued certificates by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam are responsible for completing the training and vocational training programs and curricula prescribed in this Circular within six months from the date of its effectiveness.

Article 23. Effectiveness of Implementation ^[17]

This Circular takes effect from May 10, 2018 and replaces Circular No. 61/2011/TT-BGTVT dated December 21, 2011 of the Minister of Transport on aviation personnel, training and vocational training institutions for aviation personnel, and assessment centers for English proficiency of aviation personnel.

Article 24. Responsibility for Implementation

The Director of the Office of the Ministry, the Inspector General of the Ministry, Heads of Departments, Directors of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, Heads of agencies, organizations, and individuals concerned are responsible for implementing this Circular.