At a military airfield in northern China

Several aircraft roar, ready for takeoff

A new class of flight cadets

From a unit of the Harbin Flight Academy of the Air Force

Has officially begun conversion training

Marking their “first flight” in advanced trainer aircraft

“Cleared for takeoff!”

Following the command from the control tower

The cadets sequentially started their engines

And headed towards the designated airspace

The aircraft shot forward like arrows from a bow, piercing the silence

Drawing beautiful arcs across the blue sky

“Pull up… Level off…

Check speed and altitude… Adjust RPM…”

The instructor’s commands came in a steady, methodical manner

The cadets continuously adapted to the characteristics of the new aircraft type

Quickly mastering the essentials of control through practice

“The ‘thrust sensation’ is incredible!

The powerful feeling is worlds apart from the

Harbin Flight Academy of the Air Force

The Harbin Flight Academy of the Air Force is a prestigious military aviation institution in China, originally established in 1949. It is one of the oldest and most foundational pilot training academies of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), responsible for training fighter pilots and aviation officers. The academy has played a crucial role in developing the core of China’s air combat capabilities throughout its history.