China's first group of five female pilots flying J-11B fighter jets successfully completed their first solo（单独的）training recently.
During the training, pilots had to complete simulated single engine and landing procedures accurately under high altitude conditions, which greatly tested their situational awareness, technical and tactical（战术上的）capabilities.
The first solo flight also involved challenging operations such as hovering at maximum angular speed（角速度）. It tests pilots'ability to master the boundary performance of the aircraft and how to control the aircraft accurately, providing a solid foundation for them to achieve tactical intention in the later air combat.
"We are honored to be part of the first group of female pilots flying J-11B fighter jets but it was also a test for us. Though we're weak in physical strength compared with men, flying these jets is not about arm wrestling. What matters is decision-making and control of the jets. "Said Yan Zhongyue, one of the pilots from Xi'an Flying College of the Chinese People's Liberation Army （PLA）Air Force.
Women obviously enjoy advantages in operating weapons and equipment because of the careful and sensitive characteristics, which also accords with future warfare in which accurate control of weapon platforms would be one of focuses.
Following their first flight in the J-11B, they will receive training on formation flying, low-altitude and air combat training before they will participate into front line combat units this year. Training female fighter pilots is an important measure to strengthen the quality of the Air Force's talent pool. The move is designed to shorten training cycles for third generation fighters' pilots. "We have proved that female pilots can do the same things as men, we can operate heavy combat fighters. Today we can fly the J-11B, in the future same on the J-20. Our journey is the sea of stars, "said Yan.
