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By Holly Bridges

Approximately 50 senior officers from the China People's Liberation Army Air Force visited Canadian Air Force military installations in September, including 17 Wing Winnipeg, 1 Canadian Air Division and several training establishments at 16 Wing Borden. 

According to Major Blair Verner, 16 Wing Borden Chief of Staff, who hosted the contingent along with Acting Wing Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Sukstorf, the contingent was particularly impressed with many of the state-of-the-art training aids they saw at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering.

"We showed them six of our latest training aids, and demonstrated a number of the simulators that help us teach skills we used to have to do out on the flightline in the elements," says Maj Verner.

One of the demonstrations that impressed the delegation in particular was the Aircraft Marshalling Simulator. Marshalling, or directing an aircraft safely to and from its parking spot and for start-up and shut-down, plays a vital role in maintaining safety on the flightline, and because each aircraft type has subtle differences that require varied marshalling needs, it's crucial to perfect them and get them down pat.

The delegation watched as technicians stood in front of three large video screens on mats that sensed the marshallers' foot positions and movements; as they moved, the scenario on the screen changed, offering them the chance to actually affect and interact with the "pilots", "other ground crew" and "aircraft" on the screen.

"The simulator helps technicians learn where to stand, what hand signals to use when signaling to aircrew and ground crew, and what to look for with each type of aircraft," says Maj Verner. "It's far less expensive and safer to practice this way than to use actual aircraft and aircrew.  And it's programmable for all kinds of weather and aircraft types.  The Chinese delegation was very impressed and asked lots of questions about the simulator and where it was manufactured so they could perhaps acquire one for their country."

Before the delegation visited 16 Wing Borden, the Chinese officers visited 17 Wing Winnipeg and 1 Canadian Air Division.  The visit was an important opportunity for Chinese and Canadian Air Forces to meet and foster a mutual understanding of each other's capabilities and cultures.  The trip focused  primarily on visiting Canadian Air Force training units and the unique expertise and experience that Canada's Air Force has in that regard.

"It was a very valuable experience," says Maj Verner.  "I've never had an opportunity to host a contingent from China and I may not get the opportunity again so it was great. Even though they had translators, the language barrier was a bit of a challenge, however body language and a smile and pointing folks in the right direction went a long way in communicating.  I would love the opportunity to travel to China on a similar exchange."