|
In just 198 seconds, Li had tried to restart twice and received two eject orders, but he remained in his aircraft after three course changes to aim at the uninhabited area. Bailing out at the height of 351 meters was the toughest decision of his life.
When Political Commissar Wang Hongmin and the rescue team found him, the injured Li said: “I was helpless. How I wish I could bring the aircraft back. I cannot go into combat training.”
Li had been training two years for air combat training. Having missed previous opportunities because of other duties, Li had been waiting in anticipation.
He still talked about combat training in hospital. When Division Commissar Ruan Chaohong visited him, Li promised to follow the doctors’ instructions for a speedy recovery so he could get back to his post.
On Oct. 15, Li was discharged from hospital. But regulations prohibited an immediate return to flying. So on returning to his regiment, he immediately began to share his ideas about combat tactics and perception.
One night, the regiment organized another training flight. Li watched, studying problems and offering solutions to his comrades. He joined air crew to study the aircraft, discussed combat tactics and operational skills, attended ground drills and practiced with flight simulators. Since his return, he has been preparing meticulously for his return to the sky.
