Legendary Captain

Chapter 125 Xu Qing and Han Qi

Once everything was ready, Xu Xian shouted, "Initiation configuration confirmed! Second engine position!"

"Second launch position!" Ning Sheng, as the captain, confirmed.

After Xu Xian turned the starter switch, he simultaneously contacted the maintenance crew: "The starter valve can be opened now! Turn it 90 degrees clockwise to stop."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Xian realized that he hadn't explained the specific method of rotation to the maintenance crew, only the direction of rotation.

"You know you only need to turn it 90 degrees, right?" Xu Xian asked, still somewhat uneasy. What if he turned it too much and damaged the starting valve?

Maintenance worker: "I know, but I don't know if that guy knows."

"Damn it!" Xu Xian felt a headache coming on. He had planned everything perfectly, but he had still overlooked something. This kind of hands-on teaching was really inhuman. However, he couldn't dwell on it for long and immediately told the maintenance crew, "Go tell that guy right now to make sure he doesn't make a mistake, and then come right back."

"Okay! Just a moment!" The maintenance worker quickly left the nose of the aircraft and ran to another maintenance worker's location next to the engine cowling.

Looking out the side window, Xu Xian saw the maintenance crew rushing towards the engine. He picked up a wet towel and wiped his face. A deep sense of exhaustion gradually enveloped his entire body.

Knowing how to do something is one thing, but actually doing it is another.

Xu Xian said to Ning Sheng with some shame, "Teacher, you're so sorry! I just let it slip!"

"It's nothing!" Ning Sheng waved his hand. "This wasn't your problem to begin with!"

Just then, Wu Feng whispered from behind, "The starter valve is open!"

Xu Xian was startled and immediately turned to the DU display. Sure enough, the "START VALVE OPEN" sign was displayed.

"Valve open, pressure rises, N2 available!" Xu Xian instantly checked all parameters and confirmed that no abnormal data occurred during the startup process.

Upon seeing that the starter valve had finally opened, Ning Sheng placed his right hand on the starter handle.

"25%!"

"Lift the handle and start the timer!" Ning Sheng lifted the start handle of the second engine, pressed the timer with his left hand, and the procedure was the same as the normal start-up procedure, with no difference.

The only difference is that the starting valve used to open and close automatically, but now it is manually operated.

"Fuel flow, EGT, and oil pressure are rising!" Xu Xian said. "It should have started normally!"

As he spoke, Xu Xian breathed a slight sigh of relief. Even if he felt there was no problem, who knew what might happen in actual operation?

Shortly after Ning Sheng lifted the starter lever, the maintenance crew contacted him again: "The cockpit is fine, I've already spoken to that guy, everything's alright. I just manually opened the starter valve, is there any response inside?"

Actually, the maintenance crew had already noticed that the turbofan blades were starting to accelerate, which should have been a normal start-up, but they still casually asked about it.

"No problem!" Xu Xian replied. At this moment, N2 was about to reach 55%, so Xu Xian quickly told the maintenance crew, "You can close the starter valve now! When leaving, be sure to maintain a safe distance."

When starting a normal engine, the starter throttle will automatically return to the off position when N2 is at 55% or 56%, disengaging the starter motor and closing the starter valve. In this manual start, the starter valve will be manually closed when N2 is around 55%.

"Okay!" the mechanic replied. He gave a hand signal to the mechanic who had been waiting on the left side of the engine. The mechanic immediately understood, turned the starter valve counterclockwise back to the closed position, then gave an OK signal to the mechanic below the nose of the engine, maintained a safe distance from the engine, bypassed the area in front of the engine, and returned to the area below the nose of the engine.

"Starter disengaged, pressure dropped, valve closed! Second engine stable!" After the second engine stabilizes, the EGT index will drop slightly, and the red line on it will disappear.

"Second engine starts normally, now start first engine!" Xu Xian said to the maintenance crew.

Maintenance worker: "Cockpit, should we just manually control it, or try a normal start first?"

Xu Xian didn't reply immediately, but looked at Ning Sheng. Ning Sheng then took over the conversation, saying to the maintenance crew, "Let's start the second engine normally first. If there are any further problems, we'll deal with them later."

"Is there enough time?" Xu Xian asked, somewhat worried.

Ning Sheng didn't seem too concerned: "It's alright, we know what the problem is, it won't take much time."

Ice buildup on the engine starter valve is not a common occurrence, and the fact that the starter valve of engine number two is icing up does not mean that engine number one will also experience this issue. Moreover, now that we know the situation, if we perform a normal test and find that the starter valve of engine number one is not opening, we can immediately switch to manual overload control, which will not take too much time.

Fortunately, Ning Sheng's intuition was correct; the No. 1 engine did not experience any issues with the starting valve failing to open and successfully started normally.

Seeing that there were no abnormalities during the start-up of the No. 1 engine, Xu Xian transferred the responsibility of communicating with the maintenance crew back to Ning Sheng.

While waiting for the engine to start and stabilize, Xu Xian told Ning Sheng that he wanted to speak with the maintenance crew. After receiving Ning Sheng's permission, Xu Xian contacted the maintenance crew and asked, "When you're operating in winter, is the connecting rod a mandatory tool for sending the engine out?"

When providing airport transfer services, aircraft maintenance personnel must carry some tools. Xu Xian wanted to know how much importance Xingyou Airlines' aircraft maintenance personnel attached to the connecting rod.

"The connecting rod? We don't have a strict rule about carrying it, but we usually carry it with us just in case. And here it is today, isn't that what we need?" The mechanic was quite happy. If he had encountered another crew today, and they knew that he, as a mechanic, didn't even know how to manually control the start valve and needed the crew to teach him how to do it, he would probably have been scolded on the spot. In serious cases, they might have complained to the company's maintenance department, which would have been a big problem.

I never expected to be so lucky. The crew I encountered not only patiently taught them how to manually control the start valve, but also didn't get angry with them. They were like an angelic crew.

"No?" Xu Xian said, "Oh, thank you!"

"The humidity at Dianyungang Airport is so high, it shouldn't be uncommon for the starting valves to freeze in winter. Why doesn't the maintenance department have a strict rule that the connecting rod is a necessary tool for aircraft deployment?" Xu Xian wondered. "Besides, it seems our company's maintenance staff lack training in special projects!"

He wasn't specifically trying to complain to Ning Sheng; it was just something he suddenly felt compelled to say.

What was said in jest was taken seriously by the listener. Ning Sheng, who did some administrative work on the side, instinctively asked, "What do you think could be changed?"

"Hmm? Did I say that? It's nothing much! Just making the connecting rod an essential tool for aircraft delivery! Strengthening training for some special projects! Also, I think the maintenance department could compile a comprehensive guide to common aircraft malfunctions, describing various malfunctions encountered in actual operation, along with corresponding solutions. The focus should be on malfunctions not covered in the QRH," Xu Xian said. Of course, this was just Xu Xian casually mentioning it; he didn't actually intend to make a significant contribution to the company.

For faults listed in the QRH, simply follow the checklist; there's generally no need to describe them in detail. However, the QRH cannot cover all fault situations; there will certainly be some that occur more frequently but are not recorded in the QRH. For example, the issue of icing on the starting valve is not documented in either the QRH or the SOP regarding manual over-control of the starting valve.

Of course, this isn't something pilots absolutely need to master. However, it's still quite good as supplementary reading for pilots.

"Do any company do this? It must require a huge amount of manpower and resources!" Ning Sheng exclaimed. "And the skill level required for aircraft maintenance is extremely high."

Many things not recorded in the manual are summaries of experience from veteran aircraft maintenance personnel. The experience summaries of highly skilled personnel may be of extra help, but the experience summaries of less skilled personnel are more likely to lead others astray.

If such a system could be programmed, it would indeed be an invaluable asset for pilots. However, this would demand a very high level of aircraft maintenance expertise. If the maintenance personnel weren't skilled enough, it would be better not to program it at all. In fact, Ning Sheng felt that probably no other airline in the entire country possessed such a high level of aircraft maintenance capability.

Wait a minute! There seems to be such a place!

Sure enough, Xu Xian blurted out, "Starfly Airlines has it!"

That's right! Xingfei Airlines, a subsidiary of Qingyuan Group! Now a subsidiary of Qingyuan Group, the largest company in China's civil aviation industry!

From its inception, Xingfei Airlines boasted a top-tier aircraft maintenance department in China. After years of development, its aircraft maintenance department is now arguably unmatched in the country. If any domestic airline dares to compile such a comprehensive fault diagnosis guide, it is only Xingfei Airlines with that capability.

Star Travel Airlines President's Office.

On Wen Jingshu's desk were two letters, one from Qingyuan Group and the other from Kunlong Airlines. The contents were basically the same: Xu Qing/Han Qi would be attending an airline exchange meeting soon, and their company was requested to adjust the reception level in advance.

In the reception department of every company, there is a certain hierarchy among the guests. Naturally, the higher the level of the guest, the higher the level of reception.

Both Xu Qing, who was already semi-retired, and Han Qi, who was now considering retirement, rarely participated in events. Therefore, the people in the reception department never expected Xu Qing and Han Qi to come. Even though Wen Jingshu had specifically instructed them to prepare a plan for receiving someone of Xu Qing's stature, they hadn't taken it seriously. However, the harsh reality now slapped those reception department leaders hard in the face.

When the two letters were delivered to the reception department in the morning, the department head, who had just arrived at work, was so frightened that he immediately notified all the key personnel in the reception department to prepare for a meeting, and then rushed to Wen Jingshu's office.

Wen Jingshu stared at the two letters, each weighing a ton of weight. Though outwardly calm, her heart was in turmoil. Even though she knew of the connection between Xu Xian and Xu Qing, and there was a slight possibility that Xu Qing might come, the fact that it had actually happened still left her somewhat shaken.

"Just these two letters? Neither Qingyuan nor Kunlong made any special requests?" Wen Jingshu asked.

The reception manager was already sweating profusely: "Mr. Wen, we only have these two letters, and there are no special requirements. Would you like us to contact both companies to inquire?"

"No need!" Wen Jingshu sighed. "If we ask, it would mean that our star travel ability is insufficient."

"How's the reception plan I asked you to devise based on Xu Qing's level coming along?" Wen Jingshu asked. If Xu Qing's reception plan was already completed, then focusing on Han Qi's reception plan wouldn't be too urgent.

But as soon as he said that, the reception manager broke out in a cold sweat.

When Wen Jingshu saw that the reception manager remained silent, she immediately sensed something was wrong and shouted sharply, "How much have you done?"

"It's about half done, Mr. Wen!" the reception manager stammered, giving an answer. Actually, that was already an exaggeration. In reality, the project was probably only about 30% complete, but the reception manager dared not reveal the true progress.

Even after adding 20%, Wen Jingshu still flew into a rage: "Are you ignoring what I said?"

The reception manager trembled like a leaf, not daring to utter a word, only apologizing repeatedly. He dared not say anything else besides apologizing.

Wen Jingshu, thoroughly annoyed by the reception manager's incessant pleas, finally asked, "Has Xingyou ever served people of similar caliber before?"

Wen Jingshu had been thinking of slightly modifying the previous plan as a contingency plan. But as soon as she spoke, she regretted it. Xingyou Airlines was just a small to medium-sized airline; what kind of important figures could it possibly accommodate?

Sure enough, the reception manager replied, "Our company has never hosted such a high-ranking person before!"

At best, Xingyou Airlines can only receive leaders from Chimelong Airlines or regional regulatory bureaus. High-ranking figures like Xu Qing and Han Qi are beyond the reach of their reception department.

"What about the reception plan for the chairman? I remember that each subsidiary in the group has drafted a reception plan for the chairman. Can't we just modify that plan?" Yang Ning interjected at this moment.

The reception manager knew that the chairman Yang Ning was referring to was not the nominal chairman of Xingyou Airlines, but Wen Mingyuan, the leader of the Wen Group.

The first thing the reception departments of all Wens Group member companies did upon establishment was to draft a plan for receiving Wen Mingyuan, which was then submitted to headquarters for review. This plan might not be used, but it was essential.

According to Yang Ning's plan, it shouldn't be considered impolite for Wen Mingyuan, given his status, to devise a reception plan for Xu Qing and Han Qi.

However, Yang Ning is not a professional, and this approach actually has many flaws.

"The main body of the plan is usable, but many details need to be modified, and I'm afraid there isn't enough time!" the reception manager said weakly.

Everyone has different preferences and habits, so you can't use a one-size-fits-all approach. For high-level guests, the reception department tailors their reception plans to their individual needs. This kind of attention to detail is very time-consuming and energy-intensive, but time is exactly what they need right now.

Ultimately, Xu Qing and Han Qi also bear some responsibility. Sending them a letter just days before an event—who could possibly handle that? Of course, complaining is one thing; would they dare question Xu Qing and Han Qi?

Upon hearing that Yang Ning's method wouldn't work, Wen Jingshu felt a surge of restlessness. The joint arrival of Xu Qing and Han Qi would greatly enhance the influence of this airline exchange meeting, and Xingyou Airlines, as the organizer, would naturally benefit greatly. However, if Xingyou Airlines neglected Xu Qing and Han Qi, it would instantly turn a joyous occasion into a disaster.

These two people are basically the representatives of China's civil aviation today, especially Xu Qing.

Xu Qing's Qingyuan Group encompasses various aspects of the civil aviation industry, including training, maintenance, transportation, in-flight catering, fuel, and aircraft manufacturing. Furthermore, Qingyuan Group extends beyond passenger transport, also achieving considerable success in cargo and general aviation. In a sense, Qingyuan Group is a microcosm of the civil aviation ecosystem.

Qingyuan Group encompasses almost all aspects of civil aviation, from upstream to downstream, and due to Xu Qing's presence, the government has provided considerable support on many occasions.

In China's civil aviation industry, even though Chimelong Airlines, one of the pillar industries of Wens Foodstuff Group, is a well-known airline, three Chimelong Airlines combined might not be as powerful as one Qingyuan Group.

This is the business empire that Xu Qing built!

Even Wen Jingshu, the princess of the Wen Group, had to obediently suppress her pride in front of Xu Qing. Perhaps only her father, Wen Mingyuan, could treat Xu Qing with normal respect.

No, that's not right! Wen Mingyuan might even be inferior to Xu Qing. After all, the Wen Group has a significant portion of the civil aviation industry, and everyone involved in civil aviation is subject to the control of the Qingyuan Group. Of course, except for Kunlong Airlines, which is headed by Han Qi.

"Fine, let's ask Changfeng headquarters for help!" Wen Jingshu finally compromised. She was a strong-willed person and didn't want to ask Wen's headquarters for help unless absolutely necessary.

However, she now has to temporarily put aside her competitive spirit.

Kunlong Aviation Headquarters Building.

Han Qi, who had just finished a meeting, walked out of the conference room yawning. These boring meetings, full of empty pleasantries, served no purpose other than helping him sleep better.

If it weren't for the boss of Kunlong repeatedly urging him to come and show his face, Han Qi wouldn't have gotten up early in the morning to attend this meaningless meeting.

Stepping out of the headquarters building and feeling the cool morning breeze, Han Qi felt a little more awake. Suddenly, his phone vibrated. He took it out and saw that it was a call from a Tianning City number.

Han Qi thought for a moment before answering the phone: "Hello?"

"Is this Mr. Han Qi?" the person on the other end of the phone asked; it was a man's voice.

Han Qi frowned. The voice sounded somewhat familiar, so he replied, "It's me! May I ask who you are?"

There was a pause on the other end of the phone, followed by a voice with a hint of amusement: "This is Xu Qing. I was wondering if Mr. Han has some time to visit Tianning City recently. I have something I need to discuss with him!"

Xu Qing will soon be able to show off his skills!

(End of this chapter)