China eyes to be an aircraft carrier superpower. (Photo : Getty Images)
Dai Mingmeng, once granted the title "Heroic Test Pilot," remarked that even after the death of a fellow comrade, they will not be hindered in pursuing their career as aircraft carrier pilots, the Global Times reported.
"What matters most is that we will not stop trying after this accident, as those who truly love this career will not be intimidated," he shared.
Zhang Chao, a trainee learning how to man the country's first aircraft carrier, was recently killed while he was landing a J-15 fighter jet.
"As Zhang was landing his jet on a runway following a routine mission on April 27 when the plane touched down he noticed that the nose of the plane had started to rise," the article wrote.
Flight data recorder showed that Zhang tried to maneuver to save the aircraft and ejected himself. Nonetheless, the pilot's parachute failed to open. He died in a hospital.
In an investigation, it was found out that the accident was due to the "fly-by-wire" electronic control system failure.
For Dai, also head of Zhang's troop, what Zhang did was "reasonable and rational," adding that he would have done the same if he were in a similar situation.
In an article by Xinhua News Agency, Dai recounted the question he threw at Zhang during his selection interview: "Piloting carrier-based aircraft is the most dangerous flying job in the world, are you willing to join us?"
"I know it's dangerous and risky, but I want to join," the enthusiastic Zhang answered.
Currently, "China is still exploring flight training and risks always exist during the use of new equipment and new training methods, therefore accidents are normal," Dai stated.
After the incident, related government bodies have taken measure to ensure safety of the aircraft carrier pilots.
Xinhua noted that pilots of aircraft carriers face risks that are five times higher than that of astronauts' and 20 times higher than that of regular pilots.
