China has celebrated the successful completion of solo flights by its first group of female J-11B fighter jet trainees. The achievement marks their qualification as J-11B pilots. The five women, aged just 23 on average, underwent three years of rigorous training, including flying with five types of jet, to reach this point.
The solo flights required the pilots to fly to designated airspace and perform advanced maneuvers, including stunts and boundary flying, testing their situational awareness and tactical skills. The training also involved simulated engine failure and landing procedures at high altitude and supersonic speeds.
The pilots now move on to further training in formation flying, low-altitude and air combat before being assigned to frontline combat units this year. Speaking about their achievement, Yan Zhongyue stated: “We have proved that female pilots can do the same things as men, we can operate heavy combat fighters. Today we can fly the J-11B, in the future same on the J-20. Our journey is the sea of stars.”
Deputy commander Lang Linchao praised the pilots, stating that women enjoy advantages in operating weapons and sophisticated equipment because of their careful, meticulous, and sensitive characteristics. “In the future, more emphasis will be placed on the precise manipulation of weapon platforms,” he added.
For more information, hit the Source below