"Lasik Surgery Patients Also Eligible" China Urgently Seeks Carrier-Based Aircraft Pilots [AK Radio]

Shortage of Carrier-Based Fighter Pilots Relative to Number of Aircraft
Selection Process for Fighter Pilots is Stringent

Recently, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy announced the recruitment guidelines for carrier-based aircraft pilot cadets, reportedly easing some of the previously strict recruitment criteria. Notably, unlike in the past when applicants who had undergone vision correction surgery were excluded, this time, individuals who have had corrective surgeries such as LASIK are allowed to apply to become carrier-based aircraft pilots. This reflects the Chinese Navy's urgent need to secure carrier-based pilots.

The background behind China's relaxation of carrier-based pilot recruitment standards lies in the current manpower shortage faced by the Chinese Navy. China has been accelerating its aircraft carrier construction and is currently building its fourth aircraft carrier. However, despite having secured enough carrier-based aircraft, there is an absolute shortage of skilled pilots capable of operating them. It is reported that the Chinese Navy currently needs at least 200 additional carrier-based aircraft pilots.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

A carrier-based aircraft pilot refers to a specialized pilot who operates fighter jets that take off and land on aircraft carriers. Unlike general fighter pilot operations, carrier-based piloting requires very demanding skills. This is because the length of an aircraft carrier's runway is only about 300 meters, roughly one-third the length of a typical land runway, making both takeoff and landing difficult. For this reason, carrier-based pilots use a catapult system known as a 'catapult' to launch, and during landing, they must perform a hard landing on the deck, enduring strong impacts.

Due to these unique conditions, carrier-based pilots bear significant physical burdens. Especially during high-gravity flight environments, pilots experience pressures up to 8-10 times that of normal gravity. Additionally, takeoffs and landings during night operations, when it is difficult to distinguish between the dark sea and sky, are even more dangerous. For these reasons, the selection criteria for carrier-based pilots are very strict, and a long training period is required.

Training a single carrier-based pilot takes longer than training a general fighter pilot. Generally, it takes about 14 years to train a fighter pilot, but carrier-based pilots require even more time. This poses a major obstacle to China's efforts to narrow the military gap with the United States. Especially amid escalating US-China tensions over the Taiwan Strait, China is focusing all efforts on securing carrier-based pilots to strengthen its naval power in the East Asian waters.

However, the selection process for fighter pilots, particularly carrier-based pilots, remains very strict. Besides the relaxation of vision standards, various factors such as physical build, fitness, intelligence, and quick judgment are considered. For example, in South Korea, fighter pilots must be between 162.5 cm and 195 cm in height, with a sitting height between 86.5 cm and 102.5 cm. Weight is also restricted to between 47 kg and less than 107 kg. These conditions are to protect the pilot's body during long flights in cramped cockpits and high-gravity environments.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The process of becoming a fighter pilot is also very demanding. In South Korea, candidates are mainly trained through the Air Force Academy, with some opportunities provided through ROTC programs or pilot scholarship systems at certain universities. They undergo both university education and military training, then are commissioned as second lieutenants and receive additional flight training. It takes a considerable amount of time to become a fully qualified fighter pilot, and many trainees drop out during this process.

To become a fighter pilot, especially a carrier-based pilot, not only physical conditions and technical skills but also strong dedication and mental resilience are required. This is because the job involves serving the country under extreme conditions. For these reasons, fighter pilots receive special treatment within the military, and many transition to civilian airline pilot careers after retirement.

Meanwhile, with advancements in unmanned combat aircraft technology, there are predictions that the role of manned fighter jets will diminish. However, experts believe that full commercialization of AI combat aircraft still requires more time, and given the nature of war where all available forces must be mobilized, the role of manned fighter jets and skilled pilots will remain important for the foreseeable future.

In conclusion, the selection and training process for fighter pilots, especially carrier-based pilots, remains very demanding and strict. However, as seen in China's case, recruitment standards are gradually changing according to each country's military strategy and technological development. The role and importance of fighter pilots will continue, and changes in selection and training processes will be an area to watch closely.

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