In an effort to modernize its training capabilities for new pilots, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is reportedly advancing in the formation of a complete fleet of fourth-generation training aircraft and new curricula, which would significantly reduce the time required to train its personnel. This development stems from a recent report by the U.S. Air University, which estimates that the transition will be completed by the next decade and, once finalized, will cut one year from the training process for Chinese pilots.
Going into more detail, the report states that the first significant results can already be seen at one of China’s major training centers, namely the Shijiazhuang Flight Academy. In this regard, it is reported that the facilities have already fully replaced their MiG-21-based trainers with the new Hongdu JL-10 aircraft, while a new curriculum has been outlined to replace the current four-year program. Additionally, two other academies (in Xi’an and Harbin) are preparing to take over the task of training new graduates in combat aircraft, a responsibility that had previously fallen to the various units to which they were assigned.
Furthermore, the report’s author, Derek Solen, highlighted that the Chinese Air Force is working to concentrate its pilot training efforts into just three centers, down from six at the beginning of the decade. As he observes, “Both developments indicate that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force is making steady progress in its long-standing efforts to streamline and centralize its initial fighter pilot training program, efforts that should be completed by the early next decade.”
Under this structure, the PLAAF is training a total of 400 pilots annually, a pace that is slowly increasing as new instructors and training aircraft are incorporated. A natural comparison arises with the U.S. Air Force, which trains an estimated 1,350 pilots per year, still far from its goal of 2,000. Another notable difference lies in the duration of the training process: the USAF’s training program lasts only two years, as it employs a higher degree of instruction through simulators and a model of individualized instruction. China is slowly progressing in the introduction of its first simulators.
This significant gap between the two air forces can also be attributed to the preliminary process that potential Chinese pilots must undergo: three years at the PLAAF aviation university to become officers, without any flight time in primary trainers. Once this stage is completed, the officers move on to a year of intermediate training, which will be removed from the process, and then to another year of advanced training, after which they will be ready to proceed to the unit where they will be assigned.
Again, in Solen’s words: “The removal of intermediate flight training at Shijiazhuang Flight Academy and the phasing out of the JL-8 indicate that nearly all of the academy’s training brigades now operate the JL-10 (…) It is almost certain that the academy (Ed: in Harbin) will have one last training brigade operating the JL-9, but it is likely to retire the JL-9 next year after the last group of pilot candidates who underwent intermediate flight training on the JL-8 completes their advanced flight training by mid-2025.”
Images used for illustrative purposes
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