BEIJING, Sept. 18 (ChinaMil) -- China’s PLA Navy officially launched its 2019 pilot recruitment on Sept. 16. Four recruitment groups will be successively dispatched to 23 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions nationwide to test and select pilot cadets.
The highlight of this year's recruitment is the selection of future carrier-borne aircraft pilot cadets. Through shifting from "shore-based" to "carrier-based" standards, the PLA Navy aims to build a pilot recruitment system “with Chinese naval characteristics that can adapt to carrier-borne requirements".
Recent and previous high school graduates between the age of 16 to 19 who have household and school registration within the recruitment areas and meet the relevant criteria can sign up for the recruitment, according to the Pilot Recruitment Office of the PLA Navy. Specific selection conditions and registration requirements can be enquired of the local education and enrollment departments or found on the PLA Navy's recruitment website.
Navy pilot cadets will mainly receive basic undergraduate preparation and flight training during their school years. At the end of the fourth year, qualifying students will obtain a bachelor's degree in Engineering. They will also be appointed as deputy company commanders and awarded the military rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. Cadets who complete the training of advanced jet trainer and obtain the qualification certificate will be awarded a second degree (Bachelor of Military Sciences). Moreover, they will have the chance to be promoted to company commanders in advance.
"Some of the pilot cadets recruited this year will receive the top and most systematic training as carrier-borne aircraft pilots," said an official of the Pilot Recruitment Office of the PLA Navy. As a highlight of this year's recruitment, cadets selected according to carrier-borne aircraft pilot standards will have the opportunity to fly J-15 fighter jets.
The official said that as an international service, naval aviators have many opportunities to participate in overseas visits, ocean escorting missions, and joint military exercises. Through these opportunities, they can broaden their horizons and exchange experiences with the world's finest pilots. Becoming a naval pilot is the best choice for those who want to become heroes of the sky and the sea.