Representing the glorious tradition of the Chinese air command, the Chinese Air Force Academy stands as a landmark in modern military training. Originally founded in 1932 by the late President Chiang Kai-shek, the school has grown from its original humble origins near Hangchou, to its present modern facility in Kaohsiung County, southern Taiwan. The academy trains an elite corps of airforce personnel ready to meet the demands of today's complex air-force environment.
During its formative years on the mainland, the school underwent a few changes of location. The academy, then called the Central Air Force School, was formed in Chien Ch'iao near Hangchou based on a pilot training class originally located in Nanking. The outbreak of the war with the Japanese caused it to be relocated to Kunming in the southern province of Yunnan in 1937. The following year the school was officially called by its present name, the Chinese Air Force Academy. After the final defeat of the Japanese forces in 1945, the school was once again able to relocate to its site at Chien Ch'iao near Hangchou. The academy then followed the government's move to Taiwan and established its site at Kangshan in Kaohsiung County in 1949.
Throughout its history, the academy and the graduates it has produced have faced many difficulties. In two instances these extreme tests of courage have become ingrained in the public's mind, helping to etch the "spirit of Chien Ch'iao" a phrase which best symbolizes the glory and courage of the academy and its illustrious graduates. First on August 14,1937, during the inferno of the Japanese War of Resistance, graduates of the school won a decisive air battle against the Japanese, in spite of insurmountable odds. Lacking the manpower, equipment, or weaponry of the more powerful Japanese air units, the courageous Chinese forces from the school were not only able to rout the enemy, they also shot down six Japanese planes without the loss of a single one of their own. The second incident occurred in 1958. At this time, fighter jets from the communist-controlled mainland made frequent intrusions into the airspace of the Republic of China. In total there were 13 violations of airspace that resulted in shooting by both sides. Air Force Academy graduates shot down 31 communist fighter jets to the loss of just one of their own.
The dream of any applicant to the academy is, of course, to fly. But admission into the academy's program is stringent. Besides the standard academic tests, all applicants must undergo a thorough physical examination. There is a height requirement of from 160 to 190 centimeters (approximately 5 feet 5 inches to 6 feet 4 inches). Candidates must also meet a stiff body-length qualification when seated (simulating the body room when seated in a jet). This seated measurement cannot exceed 96.5 centimeters (about 38 inches). Weight varies of course with height. For example, a 170 centimeter candidate should weigh between 55 and 78 kilograms (from 121 to 171 pounds). In addition there are several strict requirements for ear, heart, blood pressure and the most important of all, vision. Intensive eye testing with the use of the latest in ophthalmological equipment is used to detect any chance of visual impairment. On average all applicants must have better than average vision.
While the academy stresses work and discipline, it certainly has changed in the course of its history. The first groups of student-cadets were put through a tough first month regimen of discipline that was used to initiate them into the programme. This was conducted under the strict supervision of senior cadet instructors, and upon successful completion of this one month trial all successful students were awarded a badge, symbolic of overcoming this test.
Today there is no such test. Academy Principal T'ang Fei says that there are two reasons for this change. First, the student must complete the same course load as a university science or engineering student within four years, on top of receiving specialized training in one of four areas: flying, air mechanics, communications or air defense tactics. Therefore, under these circumstances it would be unfair to ask an overloaded fourth year student to drill a first year class, and likewise, an overloaded freshman could not bear the hard drill from the seniors. So each class uses students from within its ranks to oversee discipline training. This also serves as an effective way to train officers for future duties. Secondly, the air force differs from the training environments and conditions of the army or navy. Both the army and navy train officers to lead corps of soldiers, whereas the air force is cultivating an entire corps of officers.
The four-year program requires the student to successfully complete 132 credits of course work. This includes 96 credits in the science area and 36 in other disciplines such as language and writing skills. The science discipline includes a wide range of technically difficult courses such as advanced mathematics, chemistry, physics, engineering, electronics as well as some highly specialized course work in such disparate fields as meteorology, computers, thermodynamics and aeronautical engineering. Throughout the first and second years students are given physical examinations at the end of each semester. During the third year the student is then given another physical test to determine if he is able to undergo flight training. According to the results of this test, fourth year students are divided into classes. If the candidate does not successfully pass the test, he is then allowed to choose from the three remaining specialized training fields (air mechanics, communications, and air defense tactics). In addition, students must also undergo month-long military training programmes (usually following the end of a semester). Presently the school has three Ph.D.s, 16 Masters, and 68 degree holding instructors on its staff. Many of these instructors have received specialized training or studying abroad, and have since returned to the island. The Ministry of National Defense in order to cultivate future instructors and research specialists, selects graduates to go abroad and receive further training. It is estimated that in the next five years this plan will produce a further 30 Ph.D.s and 50 Masters.
The third year test to choose those students eligible for flying training is one that sends students into a tense state. Successful candidates are then divided into two classes, A and B. The unsuccessful group forms the C class which will comprise those candidates for the ground training specialties. A second physical test is administered after the second semester of the third year in order to be sure that all candidates still meet the flying training standards.
In addition to this test, the flight cadets undergo three other training tests. The first is training for sense of balance and coordination. Candidates go through tests where they are seated in a simulated flight seat and spun around. This acquaints them with the dizziness and loss of control that can occur in flight. Another test places the candidate in a test plane while the air pressure is reduced. The students must then perform simple tasks like writing his name or his serial number. These are indications of his reaction to the pressure drop. The third is training in the ejection seat for the proper sitting position.
Another crucial part of flight preparation training is survival instruction. Students are put through mountain and sea situations. They are taught how to deal with the dilemma of each respective case. This would include such tactics as gathering water, building a shelter from his parachute, or in the case of sea survival, the fastest way to release himself from the parachute.
Nothing, however, can compare to that moment of truth, the first flight. The A class is first to undergo instruction. Work begins with propeller planes and lasts for six months. They then graduate to jet training, while the B class cadets begin their initial propellor plane instruction. The basic training in the propeller models was originally done in the Chinese-made Chung Hsing Hao craft, but in May of this year the government purchased a number of T-34C aircraft for use. Jet training, originally done with American manufactured T-33s, will switch to locally made AT-3s at the end of this year.
All first-time candidates are individually trained by instructors. Cadets learn the manipulation of the complex set of plane instruments in preparation for their solo flight tests. During this test an expert examiner goes up with the student, carefully observing his every motion. Successful candidates, who pass the test, are tossed into the school swimming pool as a symbolic gesture of making the grade. Those students who are not successful are encouraged by the school instructors to turn their talents into management and design, reminding them of the important contributions they can make to flying through research and development.
The successful completion of any student's academic career is the graduation ceremony and party. The students of the Chinese Air Force Academy are no exception. In fact the cadets work diligently to prepare a lavish party that befits the four years of hard work it took to reach this most important of days.
Trained to accept the duty of defending the nation's skies, the students of the academy represent the traditional traits of both officer and gentleman.
(Gerald Hatherly)
[Picture Caption]
Underclassmen envying a senior classmate on a practice flight.
These eagle sculptures in front of the academy's triumphal arch symbolize passing the torch to the next generation.
Tug of war in preparation for school commemoration day.
Students paying close attention to their professor in astrometry class.
Crossing the wide campus grounds under a hot sun, this clever student uses his drum for shade.
Epees flashing in the sunset. Fencing is an extracurricular activity.
Eager for a chance at the real thing, these juniors must content themselves with models for now.
Part of their physiological training, this rotating chair teaches students how to deal with dizziness.
An instructor's last-minute instructions to his students before takeoff.In the background is a squadron of T-34C trainers.
These eagle sculptures in front of the academy's triumphal arch symbolize passing the torch to the next generation.
Tug of war in preparation for school commemoration day.
Students paying close attention to their professor in astrometry class.
Crossing the wide campus grounds under a hot sun, this clever student uses his drum for shade.
Epees flashing in the sunset. Fencing is an extracurricular activity.
Eager for a chance at the real thing, these juniors must content themselves with models for now.
Part of their physiological training, this rotating chair teaches students how to deal with dizziness.
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