Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 2, Part 2: Real Flight Training, Awakening of Extraordinary Abilities
"Fang Wen, it's a pity you're so serious." The flight instructor patted Fang Wen on the shoulder and led him toward an 'Aifolou' training aircraft.

The two climbed into the cockpit using the boarding ladder set up by the ground crew.

This early biplane trainer aircraft had two seats: one for the instructor and one for the student.

This design allows the trainer aircraft to be used for flight training as well as for other missions by experienced pilots.

In the design of this trainer aircraft, the two seats are located in the front and rear positions respectively to meet the seating needs of the pilots and students.

In addition, the trainer aircraft will be equipped with two sets of linked control mechanisms and indication instruments, one for pilots and one for trainees, for flight training and operation.

During this actual flight exercise, the flight instructor sat in the back, and Fang Wen sat in the front.

After settling in, Fang Wen recalled his memories of Shi Fei.

In fact, flying this old-fashioned aircraft was very simple.

There are only three key devices: the left and right rudder pedals and the control stick, and the throttle.

Use the rudder pedals to turn left and right.

(During turns, ailerons are also required. The ailerons are located at the tail of the wing and are controlled by mechanical linkages to rotate the wing surface, thereby achieving tilting and deflection. Biplanes also have ailerons, and the upper and lower wings are linked to control the deflection of the ailerons simultaneously.)
The control stick is moved back and forth to raise and lower the boat; it is also called an elevator.

The throttle is responsible for accelerating and decelerating the flight.

In addition, there is a fuel gauge and a level.

The fuel gauge is used to check how much fuel is left, and experienced pilots can use it to determine the remaining flight range.

The level indicator is an important device used to reflect the aircraft's balance, allowing pilots to determine the aircraft's status.

"Fang Wen, are you ready?" the flight instructor in the back seat asked.

"Okay."

"Let's begin. Don't worry, I'm watching from behind. Focus and do your best."

Fang Wen took a deep breath, put on his goggles, fastened his flight cap, and checked the fuel gauge and level.

After confirming everything was in order, an instructor outside the aircraft turned the control stick and started the engine.

A roaring sound filled the air, and the entire plane vibrated.

As the propellers spun, Fang Wen pushed down the throttle, and the plane began to move slowly.

At that moment, Fang Wen suddenly sensed it.

The plane seemed to become one with itself.

Like an extension of his own body, he could clearly feel every part of the plane.

This amazing ability might be a benefit brought about by time travel. Overjoyed, Fang Wen stopped operating the aircraft and began to feel the various components inside.

The fuselage, propeller, engine, and control system.

The fuselage is the main body of the entire aircraft, serving to support and connect other components.

The propeller generates thrust through rotation, and the lift generated by the wings in the airflow enables the aircraft to take off like a bird.

The engine is the power source of an aircraft, driving the propeller to rotate and generate thrust.

The control system is responsible for controlling the aircraft's attitude and flight trajectory, including altitude, direction, and speed.

Fang Wen had a clear view of the actual operation of these parts.

He even had a feeling that he could make more appropriate operations by using this special mechanical perception.

"Fang Wen, what are you waiting for? Let's begin."

The flight instructor behind him urged him on, pulling Fang Wen out of his thoughts.

"Yes, instructor."

He pushed the throttle lever, and the plane slowly accelerated.

When the aircraft reaches takeoff speed, the control stick is pulled back, the fuselage shakes violently, and under the propulsion of the engine, it breaks free from gravity and soars into the sky at a 25-degree angle.

The maximum angle specified for takeoff at a 25-degree pitch angle was absolutely perfect during the actual flight operation.

The flight instructor behind him was stunned for a moment before speaking up: "This takeoff was excellent, Fang Wen. You were holding back. Even I can't always do this level of skill, let alone the students."

Feeling completely at one with the aircraft, Fang Wen experienced the sensation of soaring through the air. This incredible ability allowed him to control the aircraft better than others. He remained humble in response to the flight instructor's words, neither boasting nor seeking clarification.

"Instructor, what will be assessed in this live flight exercise?"

"Let's test the balance first. Fly on the left side of the fuselage, making a sharp 40-degree turn."

Balance is the most important aspect of flight assessment in this era. Pilots who cannot guarantee flight balance will never be able to fly an aircraft alone.

Fang Wen glanced at the level indicator and felt that he no longer needed it to maintain the aircraft's balance at all times.

He pressed down on the left steering wheel with his left foot and accelerated.

The aircraft tilted and turned to the left.

The 40-degree bend was completed perfectly once again, without any mistakes.

This greatly surprised the flight instructor.

In his view, Fang Wen's performance was far better than that of the other trainees, and could even reach the level of the school's flight instructors.

In order to determine if Fang Wen had any shortcomings in driving, he issued more assessment instructions.

"The second part of the actual flight operation: aircraft climb and descent."

Fang Wen tried to pull the control stick to ascend, but the fuselage started to shake after only raising the angle by 25 degrees.

This is due to encountering turbulence, which caused instability in the aircraft.

Because it is an old-fashioned biplane trainer aircraft that has been in service for a long time, its performance is no longer capable of performing many theoretical operations.

Fang Wen lowered the fuselage, adjusted the position, and tried again, but he still couldn't achieve the high-altitude flight required for actual flight operations.

He even sensed that the wings would develop problems after such a high-intensity pull-up flight maneuver.

Therefore, actual flight operations had to be suspended.

"Reporting to the instructor, we are unable to perform the climb and request to return to base."

Upon hearing his words, the flight instructor breathed a sigh of relief for some reason and agreed with a smile.

"You are permitted to return. You performed very well today. Keep up the good work in the future."

The biplane trainer aircraft circled back to the airport. After calculating the appropriate landing distance and altitude, the aircraft swooped down and landed at the landing starting point on the airport runway. It taxied for more than 100 meters and landed steadily.

Ground staff quickly pushed the boarding ladder over, and Fang Wen and the flight instructor boarded the plane.

This time, the flight instructor's impression of Fang Wen changed drastically.

He nodded at Fang Wen and patted him hard on the shoulder.

"Xiao Fang, you have a bright future. Don't worry about graduating early. Gold always shines."

"Thank you, instructor." Fang Wen responded with a smile. Today's actual flight operation was his first flight, but he completed it well and found it very exciting. He was still recovering from the shock.

.........

Fang Wen's first real flight experience greatly changed his perception of flying. He found that magical ability to fly made him love the feeling of soaring through the air even more.

In the following period, he signed up for every actual flight operation and performed very well each time, which satisfied the flight instructor.

This displayed talent finally received positive feedback.

After completing the fifth live flight exercise, the instructor took the initiative to approach Fang Wen.

"Fang Wen, are you free tonight? Come to my house for dinner, and I need to talk to you about something."

"Teacher Liu, what's the matter? Can we talk here?"

Fang Wen did not agree directly. In this period of warlordism and national turmoil, he would not easily hand over his trust, not even to a flight instructor.

"You, you've gotten hit on the head, how come you've become so mature? Come on, do you think I'd eat you?"

After saying that, he forcibly pulled Fang Wen out of the aviation school.

His familiarity with the situation greatly surprised the students and teachers at the school.

(End of this chapter)