Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 48 The first private jet, its paint job, heading south to Guangzhou.

Fang Wen starts the engine of the Potez 25.

The fuselage began to vibrate.

Things are a little different from before.

It feels more powerful now.

You can feel that after replacing, cleaning and repairing the various faulty parts, the piston engine has regained its vitality.

He decided to give it a test flight.

Since there were no flights at the airport, after notifying the control tower, the plane accelerated on the runway and took off.

After climbing all the way up to an altitude of over 4,000 meters, the engine operated normally throughout the process, even with more power than before.

Looking at the white clouds outside the window, Fang Wen felt a unique mix of emotions.

The feeling now is different from flying a commercial airliner or piloting a military aircraft on missions.

This was his own private jet; he could fly however he wanted in the skies of the Republic of China.

Unconsciously, he remembered a song, and on a whim, he improvised and hummed it.

"I am a big bird, I can fly as high as I want."

Humming a song, I piloted the plane high in the sky, looking down at the farmland, roads, and city below. How pleasant!

After flying a few laps and confirming that there was no problem with the plane, he landed on the airport runway.

The cabin canopy opened, and Fang Wen got off the plane, walked to the runway, and said to the two coppersmiths, "The items are good, they'll come in handy. How much should we pay?"

"Sir, it didn't take much effort, and you gave me a whole silver dollar," the old coppersmith replied.

Only one silver dollar! Fang Wen recalled that he had spent 10 silver dollars for one night at the West Lake Hotel. The gap between the rich and poor in this era was exceptionally high.

Rich people can easily spend 10 dollars on a plane or stay in a luxury hotel.

For someone like the old coppersmith who makes a living by his craft, earning one silver dollar a day after a hard day's work is considered good.

Giving so little won't do. The other party has helped me a lot, and I might need it in the future.

Fang Wen said to Fang Shouxin, "Uncle Fang, give them 10 silver dollars, and consider the rest as a reward. By the way, ask them if they have any skilled painters. I want to paint the outside of the airplane."

Fang Shouxin spoke with the coppersmith and his son, and replied, "There's a painter in a nearby temple who usually takes jobs from several temples, painting Buddha statues and creating murals. I just don't know if he can paint airplanes."

"Bring him over and talk in person."

Immediately afterwards, Fang Shouxin and the coppersmith father and son left.

Taking advantage of the break, Fang Wen called Fang Shun over.

"Shunzi, didn't you want to go up to the sky and see the world? Now you can."

"Young Master, I'm scared. I've never left the ground in my entire life." Shunzi nervously wiped his hands on his pants.
"Don't be afraid. You'll be flying a lot in the future, so just treat this as an experience."

Fang Wen pushed the boarding ladder to the rear of the cockpit, let Shunzi climb up, and then boarded the plane himself, and it took off again.

The plane circled twice in the sky before landing.

Shunzi couldn't wait to slide down the boarding stairs, pounce on the grass by the runway, and vomit loudly.

Just then, Fang Shouxin returned with his men. Seeing his son's condition, he asked with concern, "Shunzi, what happened to you?"

"Dad, I'm fine. Young Master said he gets airsick and will be fine after a few more flights." Shunzi had just finished speaking when he started vomiting again. His reaction was really strong.

Seeing that his son was alright, Fang Shouxin stopped worrying about him and led his men toward Fang Wen.

“This is Wang, the painter from the temple. I explained the situation to him, but he didn’t know if it would work, so he brought him over to take a look.”

Fang Wen pointed to the plane behind him: "I need you to paint the entire plane." The painter Wang did not answer immediately, but walked to the front of the plane and looked at it from left to right.

"It's possible, but these flying objects come in both wooden and metal frames. You need to use high-quality tung oil as a base before applying the lacquer. I just don't know what you'd like to paint on it?"

Fang Wen's thoughts were racing.

What should my private jet look like?
It needs to be both aesthetically pleasing and practical.

During wartime, conspicuous colors such as black and red could not be used for aircraft paint, as that would make the aircraft easily spotted by the enemy.

Ideally, it should match the color of the sky and also be aesthetically pleasing.

He discussed it with the artist.

Three days later, the paint job was completed.

The airplane is painted entirely in gray-white, with white clouds, blue and white patterns, and designs.

By doing this, the airplane took on a distinctly Chinese style, with a touch of elegance.

On the lower right side of the left side of the plane, there is a depiction of a warship split in the middle.

This marks the former glory of this fighter jet.

At that moment, a reply arrived from the airline.

Fang Wen eagerly tore open the envelope and read its contents.

Fang Wenxian's contract:
It is as if we are meeting in person upon receiving this letter.

I have just received your letter and learned that you are determined to establish a private airline in order to develop the aviation industry. This is truly a lofty ambition and commendable.

Aviation is a symbol of modern technological advancement and a significant indicator of national prosperity and rejuvenation. Establishing a private airline requires not only substantial financial and technological support but also foresight and unwavering determination. While I am not an expert in business, I am aware of the difficulties and challenges involved. However, I firmly believe that with your steadfast resolve and relentless pursuit of your goals, you will overcome all obstacles and realize your dreams.

Regarding the specific preparation and operation matters, I suggest you begin with market research to understand the current demands and competitive landscape of the aviation market. At the same time, actively seek partners and technical support to ensure the company's steady development. Furthermore, you should also pay attention to the requirements of relevant laws and regulations to ensure the company's compliance.

I know you have always been diligent and eager to learn, and I am sure you will be able to dedicate yourself to the aviation industry with this spirit. I hope you will not forget your original aspiration, forge ahead with determination, and contribute your strength to the development of our country's aviation industry.

Furthermore, the Guangzhou government was dissolved last December, and the aviation bureau and its superior, the Ministry of Transport, will relocate to Nanjing after the Shanghai conflict. If you wish to succeed, come to Guangzhou quickly; a benefactor there can lend you a helping hand.

The only truly meaningful part of the entire letter is the last sentence.

Fang Wen also understood Teacher Liu's current situation.

In 1920, Fang Wengang had just traveled through time, and Instructor Liu had also left the flight school to join the aviation company.

But he didn't have a successful career in the airline industry.

In the subsequent Central Plains War, the Northeast Army once again occupied Beiping, and the northern government was subsequently dissolved.

Instructor Liu and others from the aviation company eventually went to the newly established aviation management department under the Ministry of Transportation of the Nationalist Government in Guangzhou.

Who knew that not long after, the Guangzhou National Government was dissolved again.

They are moving to Nanjing again.

But that can only happen after an armistice agreement is signed.

Prior to this, the Ministry of Transport will continue to operate in Guangzhou.

That's why there's the last sentence.

It seems that the people over there are interested in private airlines.

If the other party is interested, there is a chance that things will work out.

Fang Wen immediately found Manager Liu and took him to Guangzhou by plane.

(End of this chapter)