As the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) expands its fleet of aircraft carriers, the race is on to train the next generation of carrier-based pilots. Earlier this year, state broadcaster CGTN gained exclusive access to a coastal training base and documented how aspiring aviators master every phase of their journey.
Cadets start in classrooms, diving into aerodynamics and naval operations by day and tackling flight simulators by night. These high-tech rigs recreate carrier deck landings, complete with the “meatball” landing aid—a glowing target they chase down like a final boss in a video game 🎮.
Next, trainees move to land-based replica decks. Here, they practice take-offs and landings on a ground-level runway that mimics a carrier’s angled deck—without the ocean’s rocking challenge. It’s a critical step before they hit the real deck.
The final milestone? Live drills on board an actual carrier. Pilots learn to time their approach, hook the arresting wires and roll out in seconds. Observers say the experience combines adrenaline, precision and teamwork—reminding many of epic squad missions in their favorite flight sims.
With multiple carriers now in service and more on the horizon, these homegrown pilots are gearing up to lead the navy’s new era of maritime aviation. Stay tuned as they take flight into 2026! ✈️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
