In accordance with Xi Jinping’s guidance, the modernization of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has prioritized the development of its high-tech aviation capabilities, emphasizing not only the advancement of sophisticated equipment but also the training of highly skilled flight personnel. As part of its military reform, the PLA established six flight institutions within the PLA Army (PLAA), Navy (PLAN), and Air Force (PLAAF) for the training of pilots. Among these institutions, the Aviation University of the Air Force (AUAF) and the Naval Aviation University (NAU) serve as the primary educational institutions that recruit pilot cadets from the general population. Both universities provide foundational professional education before cadets proceed to advanced aircraft training at specialized flight academies, ultimately preparing pilots for the PLAA’s aviation units, the PLAN’s carrier units, and the PLAAF’s diverse aircraft operations.
The Central Military Commission’s (CMC) Military Academic Institution Recruitment Plan outlines the annual recruitment quotas for AUAF and NAU; however, it does not elucidate the specifics of the pilot cadet recruitment cycle (see previous article in this series). Typically, the recruitment process for pilot cadets in the PLAAF and PLAN begins in September or October. Following preliminary and secondary examinations, the CMC approves the recruitment plan based on the number of qualified applicants, usually in March or April of the following year. Notably, the recruitment requirements and timelines differ between the PLAAF and PLAN. This article examines the 2025 recruitment cycle for AUAF and NAU pilot cadets, providing a brief insight into their recruitment processes, training programs, and subsequent career trajectories.
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