As a group of visitors to an air base in southern Taiwan approached the base's apron, one of them called out: "Look, that's our airplane." Everyone looked in the direction he was pointing, to see a squadron of sleek jet fighters lined up in neat formation. With their silver-gray wings sparkling in the sunshine, they looked like gigantic birds about to take flight.

"Please take a picture of me with our airplanes," called a middle-aged woman. Nearby, an old man put on his glasses and told an air force general: "These aircraft must be very expensive. I suppose my donation would only be enough to buy a small piece of the metal skin." His wife chipped in: "Rather, I should like to think your gift was used to buy one of the vital rivets." The crowd of by-standers could not help but smile.

Formation: Since its formation in April 1979, the self-reliance squadron of the air force has been inspected by a long succession of visiting groups. As a result, the people have come to feel greater sense of responsibility and honor.

When diplomatic relations with the United States were severed at the end of 1978, everyone in the Republic of China was filled with a strong desire to support the country. A patriotic donation campaign grew up spontaneously. Everyone contributed his share, however small it might be, to build up the national defense forces.

On March 20, 1979, President Chiang Ching-kuo gave instructions to use a portion of the patriotic funds to purchase 18 F-5E jet fighters to form a self-reliance air force squadron. It was also decided to hold a ceremony to present a model of the aircraft to the President at the National Day on Oct. 10, 1979. Support for the campaign grew as more and more people made contributions to the national defense fund.

On April I of that year, highly qualified pilots from all combat units of the Chinese Air Force reported to an air base in southern Taiwan for training to fly the F-5E fighters. Aware of the great honor that had been bestowed upon them, these crack flying officers put in their most strenuous efforts during the training period.

When the squadron had completed all its training on Sep. 1, 1979, it was at once placed on combat alert. Training became especially intense just before the first flight in formation over the Presidential Office during the National Day parade.

With the support of surface personnel, the pilots entered the jets' cockpits at daybreak, and held discussions immediately after they landed. They make continuous improvements to their flying techniques with only one object in mind-to give the Chinese people confidence and self-respect to match the sacrifices they had made through their patriotic actions.

Watched in awe by the entire nation, a formation of the self-reliance-squadron, made up of 16 F-5E and two F-5F Fighters, flew over the Presidential Plaza at an altitude of 1,000 feet and a speed of 300 nautical miles an hour to pay homage to President Chiang Ching-kuo and all the people of the nation on the 1979 national day. Spectators could be heard to exclaim: "Look, our airplanes!"

Self-reliance: 1980 was self-reliance year in the Republic of China. During the year, the self- reliance squadron received an award for discipline which set an example for the army and air force. Far from being complacent, the pilots took even stronger action to live up to the people's expectations of them.

In March, the pilots voluntarily applied for an extension to their 10-year military service term, an action which won high acclaim from the armed forces. Oct. 7, 1980, was an unforgettable day for the squadron, since on that day, President Chiang Ching-kuo arrived for a first-hand inspection. The 18 F-5E fighters were lined up in the President's honor. The President was deeply impressed when the aircraft flew by in tight formation, and showed expert combat techniques. He encouraged the pilots to continue their endeavors in carrying out the sacred task of recovering the mainland and saving the people behind the iron curtain.

F-5E: The F-5E is the first aircraft to be completely assembled in the Republic of China. Its main characteristics are light weight, maneuverability, rapid cruising and climbing speed, and powerful engines. It is now the mainstay of the nation's air defense forces. The flight officer in charge of the squadron always asks visitors not to touch any of the sophisticated equipment on the air craft to avoid upsetting its delicate balance. A visual inspection is enough, however, to convince people of the bravery, clear-headedness and concentration needed by pilots on combat missions.

As Squadron Leader Wang Wen-chou put it: "Whenever I sit at the controls of an F-5E, my mood becomes somber. I realize the trust and responsibility the people have placed in me. I must make sure that I make no mistakes so I will not let my countrymen down."

Qualifications. Only the best pilots are chosen for the self-reliance squadron. Officer Chen Yin-chih said that a good pilot must have the highest qualifications, and pass innumerable tests. First of all, he must have a robust physique and good eyesight. Chen pointed out that some students, although they are in good physical condition on the ground, suffer all kinds of problems in the air, including nausea, numbness in the limbs and difficulties in breathing. People with such problems are transferred to ground duties.

Candidates are then tested for agility and quick reactions, since while in the air, a pilot has to think about many things at the same time, such as inspecting equipment, taking eye measurements and cross-checking. The aircraft's supersonic speeds mean that quick and precise action is essential if an emergency occurs.

Another squadron officer, Ching Wen-wei, has already put in 500 hours of flying since he graduated from the Air Force Academy two years ago. He said that despite the air-conditioning in the cockpit, he is always soaked in sweat after each mission as a result of straining every fiber in his body to ensure a successful flight.

Usually, graduates from the air force academy have put in at least 220 hours of flying time. After joining the air force, each pilot must undergo two hours of flying training and missions a day, including practising landing and take-offs, formation flying, bombing practice, night flying and air combat.

Contrasts. Fan Yuan-yen, A former Chinese Communist pilot who defected to the Republic of China on July 7, 1977, disclosed on his arrival that he had only 1,000 hours of flying experience even though he was a squadron leader. A typical squadron leader in the Republic of China has a 3,000-hour flying record.

There are several reasons for this difference. In the first place, continuous political harassment in Communist China does not allow pilots to do their flying drills. Secondly, the Peiping regime cannot afford to pay for the fuel needed to complete so many flying missions. Thirdly, the Communists are too afraid that pilots will crash the aircraft. And finally, the air bases along the coast of the mainland are always tightly guarded for fear that pilots will defect to freedom. As a result of all these considerations, flying time is reduced to as little as possible.

In the control room at the end of the taxiway, flight officers take turns to keep a round-the-clock vigil. At daybreak, as people are about to start their daily rounds, the F-5E jet fighters have already taken off to undertake their first patrol mission. The pilots always bear in mind the responsibility that has been placed on them to defend the Republic of China's security in the air.

[Picture Caption]

1. The leader of the self-reliance air force squadron prepares to take off. 2. A briefing is given before every mission. 3. Pilots of the self- reliance squadron are inspired by the fervent hopes of the people in shouldering the responsibility for safeguarding the nation's security. 4. A line-up of silver airplanes sparkles in the sunlight.

1. Nine F-5E jet fighters in a majestic fly-by. 2. On October 7, 1979, President Chiang Ching-kuo inspected the squadron in person. He urged flying personnel to improve their combat skills and raise their morale. 3. Every flight officer is proud of being a member of the self- reliance air force squadron.

1. At daybreak, the self-reliance squadron begins its patrol mission. 2. The parachute shown in this picture helps airplanes to land safely. 3. A veteran flight officer gives instructions on take-off and landing from a "flight-assistance-vehicle". 4. The squadron on patrol to protect the aerial domain of the Republic of China.

1. F-5E is the first jet fighter to be assembled and maintained purely within Taiwan. An F-5E jet fighter being overhauled. 2. Land service officers of the air force place a "sidewinder missile" on an F-5E. 3. Officers load ammunition into a cartridge belt installed on one side of the airplane. 4. Flight officers keep watch 24 hours a day. Should circumstances demand it, they can be in the air within three minutes of receiving orders. 5 & 6 To relieve tension, flight officers pass their leisure time engaged in video games, billiards and other pastimes.

A briefing is given before every mission.

Pilots of the self- reliance squadron are inspired by the fervent hopes of the people in shouldering the responsibility for safeguarding the nation's security.

A line-up of silver airplanes sparkles in the sunlight.

Nine F-5E jet fighters in a majestic fly-by.

On October 7, 1979, President Chiang Ching-kuo inspected the squadron in person.

Every flight officer is proud of being a member of the self- reliance air force squadron.

At daybreak, the self-reliance squadron begins its patrol mission.

The parachute shown in this picture helps airplanes to land safely.

A veteran flight officer gives instructions on take-off and landing from a "flight-assistance-vehicle".

The squadron on patrol to protect the aerial domain of the Republic of China.

F-5E is the first jet fighter to be assembled and maintained purely within Taiwan. An F-5E jet fighter being overhauled.

Land service officers of the air force place a "sidewinder missile" on an F-5E.

Officers load ammunition into a cartridge belt installed on one side of the airplane.

Flight officers keep watch 24 hours a day. Should circumstances demand it, they can be in the air within three minutes of receiving orders.

To relieve tension, flight officers pass their leisure time engaged in video games, billiards and other pastimes.

To relieve tension, flight officers pass their leisure time engaged in video games, billiards and other pastimes.