China and France will further expand their cooperation in civil
aviation through a professional training venture.
A Sino-French aviation college will be set up before next year,
introducing France's engineer training system to China's civil
aviation system, said Wu Tongshui, president of the Civil Aviation
University of China in
Tianjin Municipality on Friday.
In addition, a master program on aviation safety management will
continue to train senior managerial staff, said Wu at the
graduation ceremony of the master program between 2005 and 2006 on
Friday.
The expanding relationship between the two countries is being
driven by China's demand for high-level professionals in civil
aviation, he said.
"High-level professionals familiar with international practices
are the key to guaranteeing aviation safety and fulfilling China's
goal of becoming a strong civil aviation country," Wu said.
After two years of discussion, both countries agreed to run a
college together in Tianjin to foster aviation engineers.
Wu's university and four of France's top aviation colleges
signed a framework agreement last year.
With no complications, the Sino-French aviation college will be
established as early as the end of this year.
Wu said the college is expected to enroll 120 high school
graduates next year. They will be educated in three majors,
including airplane structures and materials, airplane engines, and
communication, navigation and airborne equipment.
"The three majors will cover almost all parts of an airplane,"
he said.
Students will receive engineer diplomas after six years
education, which involves two years of the foundation program, one
year of language learning and three years' engineer training.
"But they have to pass strict examinations at the end of the
first three years before they can continue," said Wu.
In this way, the college aims to foster a batch of Chinese
aviation engineers that are at the same level as French engineers,
in both knowledge and capability.
Apart from that, the Master program on aviation safety
management will continue for at least three more classes.
Funded by Airbus, the program started in 2001. So far, at least
90 people in two classes have graduated from the program. They were
trained in flight operations, airworthiness management and aviation
maintenance.
"China always views aviation safety as a top priority," said
Wu.
In addition, Airbus China will help foster high-level aviation
technicians, said Wolfgang Engler, vice-president of Product
Integrity Division of Airbus. But so far, both sides have not
reached an agreement on how to train the technicians.
(China Daily March 25, 2006)