[Kausilwf]

June 24, 2012 The Strategy Page



As China has increased the training flights for its pilots, it has also abandoned the old Soviet style rigid
tactics. Pilots are now expected to show initiative and innovative flying tactics. To take advantage of this,
last year the Chinese Air Force instituted a fighter pilot competition that culminates in an annual exercise
that determines which top ten fighter pilots would be able to wear a "Golden Helmet" for the next year.

This is a regular flight helmet decorated with a special blue, red and gold pattern that marks the wearer as
one of the elite combat pilots in the Chinese Air Force.