China's first group of five female pilots flying J-11B fighter jets successfully complete their maiden solo training recently. Photo:screenshot of CCTV

 


China's first group of five female pilots flying J-11B fighter jets successfully completed their maiden solo training recently, proving women are as capable as male pilots in flying heavy fighter jets that are more physically demanding. 

"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," said Yan Zhongyue, one of the pilots from Xi'an Flying College of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force. 

The five female pilots involved were at an average age of 23. Following their maiden flight in the J-11B, they will receive training on formation flying, low-altitude and air combat training before they will participate into frontline combat units this year.

The five pilots have completed the high-overload and high-intensity flight training in the J-11B aircraft, with intensity of the training being the same as that of the men. It was a step toward becoming a qualified third generation fighters' pilots. 

During the training, pilots had to complete simulated single engine and landing procedures accurately under high altitude supersonic conditions, which greatly tested their situational awareness, technical and tactical capabilities.

The first solo flight also involved challenging maneuvers such as hovering at maximum angular speed. It tests our ability to master the boundary performance of the aircraft and how to control the aircraft accurately, providing a solid foundation for us to achieve tactical intention in the later air combat, said Wang Chen, another female pilot.

"We are honored to be part of the first group of female pilots flying J-11B fighter jets but it was also a test for us. Though we're weak in physical strengths compared with men, flying these jets is not about arm wrestling. What matters is decision-making and control of the jets. With the stronger endurance and tolerance, women would be better adapting for long-hour fighting," Yan noted.

Women obviously enjoy advantages in operating weapons and sophisticated equipment because of the careful, meticulous and sensitive characteristics, which also aligns with future warfare in which accurate manipulation of weapon platforms would be one of focuses, Lang Linchao a deputy brigade commander from Xi'an Flying College of the PLA Air Force noted. 

Training female fighter pilots is an important measure to strengthen the quality of the Air Force's talent pool. 

The Air Force has gradually rolled out the J-10 and J-11B fighter jets, which were equipped with combat troops into academies. The move is designed to shorten training cycles for third generation fighters' pilots. 

Global Times