North American Ab Initio Flight Training for Chinese Pilots: A Case Study on Selection

Abstract

This article outlines a method for selecting pilot candidates for ab initio flight training at a North American flight training unit (FTU) serving the Chinese market. Over the past 4 years the FTU has developed and implemented a ground-school-based method of assessment and selection for Chinese candidates. The method was developed in response to the lack of reliable and affordable assessment materials available for flight training candidates whose first language was other than English. Development, implementation, and the effects of assessment on the early hours of Canadian ground school are described.