The five chosen test pilots (photo from Shanghai Observer)

Five test pilots from the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC) will conduct the maiden flight of the China-built passenger jet C919 on May 5. The C919 will take off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

The pilots, Cai Jun (captain), Wu Xin (co-pilot), Qian Jin (observer), Ma Fei and Zhang Dawei (engineers) have all worked for renowned airlines and possess many years of flight experience. Cai, Wu and Qian were also involved in the evaluation of the aircraft's cockpit during the preparatory stage. They carried out two mock flights ahead of the first test flight, and completed slow and medium-speed gliding tests.

Cai was a pilot at China Eastern Airlines before joining the test center six years ago. So far, he has flown 10,300 hours. Cai stressed that as a test pilot, flying is only part of his job; he also participates in formulating flight plans, verifying flight data and other tasks.