"Bi Lin? That's how you call Dean Bi?" Chen Xiangdong patted Xu Cang's head. "Dean Bi is the most experienced person in our domestic aviation industry. He was the first dean when the National Flight Test Institute was established in 1959. Until now, how can you call him by his name?"
Xu Cang was helpless. He certainly knew how senior Bi Lin was, but he really couldn't respect this senior pilot. Because in his previous life, Xu Cang had dealt with the director of the Flight Test Institute, and it was not a pleasant experience.
If the development path of the previous life is followed, after Xu Cang entered the Civil Aviation Administration, Bi Lin once went to the Civil Aviation Administration in person to ask for people. Yes, Xu Cang basically knew the reason why this old man came.
Bi Lin might be old and couldn't walk fast, so Wu Yue naturally walked slowly with him. When they got closer, Xu Cang and Chen Xiangdong came to meet him.
Although Bi Lin is already over 70 years old, he looks pretty energetic. However, the National Flight Test Institute has been established for more than 40 years, so it can be seen that Bi Lin was only in his 30s when he took over the National Flight Test Institute, which is quite young.
Seeing Xu Cang coming over, Bi Lin pushed Wu Yue aside, walked up to Xu Cang, looked at him carefully, and then said with a smile: "Old Chen told me that there is a good seedling in civil aviation, but I didn't believe it at first. Last night, Xu Cang, you really opened my eyes."
The old Chen that Bi Lin was referring to must be Chen Jinwu. AVIC and the National Flight Test Institute have a lot of cooperation, so it is reasonable for the two to know each other.
"They are just some little tricks." Xu Cang nodded slightly, still quite respectful in his attitude.
"If this is just a trick, then there won't be many capable pilots in the country." Bi Lin pointed inside the hotel and said, "Let's go inside and talk."
So, Bi Lin took the lead, followed by Chen Xiangdong and Wu Yue, and Xu Cang followed at the end, and they all entered the Sahidiya Hotel together. However, as soon as Xu Cang entered, he saw Jonathan, the captain of Flight 1009, wearing casual clothes, and standing next to him was a middle-aged man wearing gold-rimmed glasses, who looked gentle and elegant, with a standard Western face.
Xu Cang nodded to Jonathan, and Jonathan originally wanted to come over to find Xu Cang, but when he saw Bi Lin standing in front of Xu Cang with a calm and steady aura, he did not dare to move. He just made a gesture, indicating that he had something to say later.
Xu Cang just nodded to show that he understood, and then followed the main force again. With someone of Bi Lin's level coming, everything would still be done according to Bi Lin's wishes, and Xu Cang had no freedom of choice.
The four of them walked all the way to a tea room in the corner of the hotel. Bi Lin sat down first with his arms and legs spread out, while Chen Xiangdong and Wu Yue sat obediently on both sides. Xu Cang hesitated and had to sit opposite Bi Lin.
Although Xu Cang doesn't like people like Bi Lin, he has to admit that it is really not a pleasant thing to get along with someone like Bi Lin who has accumulated too much power.
As soon as Bi Lin sat down, he saw Xu Cang sitting opposite him with a nervous mood, and the first thing he said was: "Xu Cang, after returning home, come with me to the Flight Test Institute to handle the formalities."
As he spoke, Bi Lin turned to look at Wu Yue on his left: "Director Wu, is it troublesome to transfer Xu Cang's work relationship from the civil aviation department?"
If Xu Cang wants to change his job to a test pilot, then his previous flight experience will be useful. Therefore, he cannot directly create a file in the Flight Test Institute, but should transfer Xu Cang's file from the Civil Aviation Administration.
"This is not a problem. It's just that we should ask Xu Cang about this matter. The young man hasn't expressed his opinion yet." Even Director Wu Yue seemed a little restrained when speaking in front of Bi Lin.
Seeing that Director Wu Yue had specially found an opportunity for him to speak, Xu Cang couldn't miss it, and immediately planned to take the opportunity to express his thoughts.
However, Bi Lin said directly: "Xiangdong is aware of this. Since Xu Cang is Xiangdong's apprentice, I think he won't refuse, right?"
At the end, Bi Lin looked directly at Xu Cang, and it was clear that he wanted Xu Cang to agree now.
"This..." Xu Cang was really overwhelmed at this time. This was the reason why he was not very respectful to Bi Lin. This man was too overbearing and did not give Xu Cang any chance to choose.
In his previous life, Xu Cang had already worked in the Civil Aviation Administration. As a result, after Bi Lin heard about Xu Cang's situation, he directly brought Xu Cang, who was already in the public notice period for the chief pilot, to the Flight Test Institute.
Xu Cang had never been very interested in test flying, and he was only one step away from becoming the chief pilot of the General Administration, so why would he want to go to the Flight Test Institute?
However, when Bi Lin spoke, no one at the Civil Aviation Administration dared to disobey. Just when Xu Cang thought he was really going to start over at the Flight Test Institute, Bi Lin had some health problems, and the matter was dropped.
Although the forced transfer to the Flight Test Institute did not happen in the end, it did cause a huge shock to Xu Cang's young mind. That kind of domineering and overbearing style really made Xu Cang stay away from him.
It was precisely because of that incident that Xu Cang had a very bad impression of Bi Lin, and it remained the same even after his rebirth.
After rebirth, many things changed, including Bi Lin. Thanks to my early fame in this life, Bi Lin came to me much faster.
That irresistible feeling began to come back.
Xu Cang didn't dare to say no directly. His seniority was two generations lower than Bi Lin's. In the aviation industry, which attaches great importance to seniority, Xu Cang had better be careful with his words.
So, Xu Cang naturally looked at his master Chen Xiangdong, wanting Chen Xiangdong to block it for him.
Chen Xiangdong noticed his apprentice's look of help, and he really pretended not to see it. Usually fearless, Chen Xiangdong was as docile as a kitten in front of Bi Lin.
Chen Xiangdong didn't say anything, but Bi Lin spoke. Bi Lin knocked on the table, making a crisp rhythm, and said expressionlessly: "Xiangdong, your apprentice has been looking at you, do you think you should say something?"
Chen Xiangdong looked straight ahead, his expression not changing at all: "Principal, I have nothing to say."
Unlike Wu Yue's previous usual way of addressing Bi Lin as the dean, Chen Xiangdong called Bi Lin the principal, and there was some connection between the two.
Chen Xiangdong was from the military aviation industry, so he naturally learned to fly at the military aviation school. However, Bi Lin once served as the principal of the military aviation school for a period of time.
That’s right, it is the one where Chen Xiangdong learned to fly, and the time just happened to cover the time when Chen Xiangdong learned to fly.
Given Bi Lin's personality, which pilot who graduated from the aviation school during that period was not afraid of him? Chen Xiangdong was naturally no exception.
Xu Cang actually knew the relationship between Chen Xiangdong and Bi Lin, and also knew that Chen Xiangdong was afraid of Bi Lin. Because in his previous life, when Xu Cang was forced to transfer to the Flight Test Institute, he had gone to find Chen Xiangdong. At that time, Chen Xiangdong had already been promoted to the head of the Civil Aviation Administration, but he still didn't dare to disobey Bi Lin's wishes.
It was a fear deep in my bones, just like a mouse meeting a cat.
Xu Cang was both angry and amused because he couldn't rely on his master. In the end, he had to rely on himself.
"Dean Bi, I am not very knowledgeable and I am afraid I am not qualified for the job of a test pilot." Xu Cang said, and directed the topic to his master: "I have a rather erratic personality, and my master knows that. When I was learning to fly, I was often scolded by my master."
When it comes to this relatively indirect question, Chen Xiangdong dares to speak: "Yes, this kid is not stable enough and can't endure hardship."
As far as Chen Xiangdong knew, Bi Lin hated frivolous and spoiled people the most, so describing Xu Cang using these two points would be the most effective.
"Xiangdong, you really don't want him to enter the Flight Test Institute." Bi Lin slowly turned to Chen Xiangdong and said, "I am so old, but I came to Jakarta on purpose. What do you think of my attitude?"
Chen Xiangdong's expression froze. Bi Lin was already over 70 years old. For a man in his 70s, the determination he showed after traveling so long to Jakarta was self-evident.
Bi Lin said in a deep voice: "You know I don't like people who are unstable and can't endure hardship, but do you know why?"
Chen Xiangdong lowered his head: "Please enlighten me, Principal."
Bi Lin said earnestly, "There are many mediocre people in the world. Only by working hard and making up for one's shortcomings can one achieve success. Just like doing business, no one can always make money by luck. Only by being cautious and doing everything personally can one accumulate wealth. But the truly rich and powerful people did not make it by working hard. They were born with wealth and were born to be rich. Xu Cang was born knowing it, was born to understand the true meaning of flying, and was born to be at the top. How could I ask for more from him just because of what he already has?"
Chen Xiangdong and Wu Yue's faces changed. This was a great compliment, which had already praised Xu Cang to the highest level. Chen Xiangdong was extremely terrified: "Principal, you are overpraising me!"
"Xiangdong, your talent is limited, so you can't see things at this level clearly, just like that Englishman!"
Chen Xiangdong was stunned, and then he looked at Wu Yue at first glance. Wu Yue nodded and said, "I mentioned it to Dean Bi."
"Europe and the United States occupy most of the world's civil aviation market. They have been sitting in the top position for too long and can't stand others coming to grab their position. With such a huge market potential in our country, it is not difficult to develop a market scale second only to Europe and the United States. If you have a market, you have the right to speak. So, those British people want to kill our prestige!" Bi Lin said coldly.
After hearing these words, Xu Cang suddenly understood. It turned out that only an old man like Bi Lin could see things clearly. Before, Xu Cang was surprised that the British Aviation Authority was too involved and was looking for trouble.
Are the British stupid? Obviously not! They must have known that investigating Xu Cang was a reluctant thing, but they still did it. They just wanted to show a posture that was superior to CAAC, so as to curb the increasing discourse power brought by the rising domestic market.
Chen Xiangdong and Wu Yue both looked ashamed. They had previously thought that the British Aviation Authority was just making trouble, but they did not expect there was such a deeper meaning behind it.
Bi Lin continued, "This is just a minor friction, and there will be plenty of opportunities for confrontation later. You guys are pretty good, and you didn't stop Xu Cang in the end. But you also think from the bottom of your heart that it is unlikely that Xu Cang's mental calculations will go downhill, right? If it were me, I would double the stakes and severely kill the morale of European and American civil aviation."
"Dean Bi, are you so sure that Xu Cang can win?" Wu Yue still didn't quite believe it: "Can human power really calculate a glide path with an error of less than ten feet? How is that possible?"
"So this is the difference in levels." Bi Lin sighed, "This is the level you will never reach even if you work hard for your entire life."
Chen Xiangdong and Wu Yue's faces turned red, but they did not dare to refute what Bi Lin said.
As he spoke, Bi Lin looked at Xu Cang and chuckled, "Then do you know which level you belong to?"
Xu Cang nodded.
"Then shouldn't you go to a place that matches your level?" Bi Lin said seriously.
Xu Cang was stunned and remained silent.
Indeed, the civil aviation environment is too simple for Xu Cang. Apart from special situations, Xu Cang has nothing to learn. However, this does not mean that Xu Cang should go for a test flight.
Of course, although Xu Cang was unwilling, he couldn't say it.
After thinking for a while, Xu Cang finally said very seriously: "Dean Bi, I don't think I'm suitable for test flying."
"Why? Do you think the Flight Test Institute has too many rules and restrictions?"
"No!" Xu Cang smiled and said, "I'm afraid of death."
Chen Xiangdong and Wu Yue were stunned when he said this. Even Bi Lin didn't expect Xu Cang to give such an answer. After a moment's reaction, Bi Lin laughed out loud: "But I heard from Lao Chen that if the subsequent domestic large aircraft is successfully developed, you are willing to participate in the test flight of the domestic large aircraft."
“Only this once!”
“What about the testing of the Boeing 777?”
“That’s a big reward.”
Faced with such a blatant answer, Bi Lin didn't care much: "The treatment in our Flight Test Institute is also very good."
Xu Cang coughed lightly: "This is different!"
As for what the differences were, Xu Cang did not elaborate. If he went into more detail, that would not be good.
Bi Lin raised his eyebrows, his face showing no emotion, while Chen Xiangdong on the side glared at Xu Cang fiercely, implying that Xu Cang's last sentence was nonsense.
"Xu Cang, you know I can forcibly transfer your relationship to the Flight Test Institute without your permission." Bi Lin suddenly said.
Xu Cang was shocked and just lowered his head: "I know."
Suddenly, Bi Lin stood up slowly and said, "However, you are the most talented person I have ever seen in my life. For this talent, I am willing to give you a chance to consider it. Let's stop talking here today. I will find you later."
After saying that, Bi Lin slowly left the tea room, leaving behind a sentence: "Xu Cang, you don't have to see me off."
Just as Xu Cang was about to stand up, he was pushed down by Wu Yue.
"We're going to see Dean Bi off. You can just sit here." Wu Yue said, "When they came in just now, I saw two foreigners who seemed to want to talk to you. You can just go and do your own thing."
"May I?"
Wu Yue had already taken the chair back: "What's wrong with that? Go and get busy."
After saying that, Wu Yue had already caught up with Bi Lin.
Seeing Bi Lin, Chen Xiangdong and Wu Yue leave, Xu Cang hesitated and returned to the place where he had seen Jonathan just now. Sure enough, Jonathan and another person were sitting on the sofa nearby, still talking.
When the two saw Xu Cang coming, Jonathan immediately waved to Xu Cang.
Xu Cang went over and found a seat to sit down, his eyes fell on the handsome man. Jonathan immediately introduced him, "Xu Cang, this is the person in charge of our BA here, he is here to convey the meaning of our BA headquarters."
As Jonathan finished speaking, the man nodded towards Xu Cang and said with a smile: "Hello, my name is Yang, the person in charge of BA South Asia."
"Hello!" Xu Cang was also quite polite.
Yang smiled and said, "I saw someone from CAA coming here just now, and it looks like the atmosphere wasn't very good."
Like Jonathan, Yang speaks Chinese very well, without an accent at all.
"They thought I had some problems with special situation handling, so there were some minor verbal conflicts, but it was nothing serious." Xu Cang didn't take it seriously: "But, do all of you British Airways people have such a high level of Chinese?"
"That's not the case." Yang chuckled. "Jonathan learned it because of his work experience, and I learned it by myself in college. Your country will play an important role in the world in the future. I think it is necessary to learn your language in advance. I think there will be many opportunities for us to interact in the future."
Xu Cang shrugged, and didn't dwell on whether Yang's words were intentional or not. He was just curious, and then went straight to the point: "Does British Airways headquarters have any information to convey?"
"I roughly know what those people at CAA think. However, I hope Mr. Xu will not confuse British Airways with CAA. We fully appreciate the help Mr. Xu provided in this volcanic ash incident ."
Xu Cang raised his eyebrows : "Why are you here this time?"
"The first thing is to express my gratitude to Mr. Xu. The second thing is to ask if he needs any help. If British Airways is able to do so, we may be able to find a way to help him."
Hearing this, Xu Cang sighed inwardly. Although they were both British, the previous representative from the Aviation Administration and the British Airways representative had completely different impressions when they actually interacted with each other.
Although the process was a bit bumpy and there were some unexpected changes, the goal was achieved after all. Xu Cang was well prepared and said immediately: "I just happen to have something that I need your help with."
After that, he told her about his desire to run for the position of flight commissioner of ICAO.
After listening to this, Yang asked uncertainly, "Mr. Xu, do you mean that you hope that our British Airways auditors will guarantee that you will pass the review?"
"When it comes to EASA's personnel qualification review, the reviewers are basically from British Airways and Air France. I have someone to help me with Air France, so the only thing left is your British Airways. The ICAO flight commissioner matter is more important to me, and I want to make sure it is foolproof."
"I understand." Yang thought for a moment, and said with difficulty: "Mr. Xu, forgive me for being frank, when our British Airways auditor exercises EASA's audit authority, even if he belongs to our British Airways in name, we actually have no right to interfere. Of course, if some special means are used, it is not completely impossible to influence the auditor's will, but I feel that this operation is not suitable for airlines, but for some official agencies that like to exchange interests."
The essence of politics is the exchange and compromise of interests, and Xu Cang's goal is to operate more easily in official institutions because that's where they do this kind of thing.
Xu Cang was startled: "What do you mean?"
"Mr. Xu's goal is to ensure that there are no surprises in EASA's review of its own commissioners. Admittedly, it is easy to think of a way to deal with the auditor. However, if this way is difficult, it does not mean that there are no other ways. For example, directly resolve the matter at the EASA level."
"But I don't have that much energy." Xu Cang was very frank.
"The flight specialist review is not a big deal. You don't need to get the whole EASA, you just need to get the most important power. It is difficult for airlines to influence the inspectors because they can change airlines relatively freely. However, as long as they want to work in their own country, they must be restricted by their own civil aviation authority."
Xu Cang suddenly realized: "You want me to deal with CAA and DGAC?"
CAA is the UK Aviation Authority, while DGAC is the French Civil Aviation Directorate General. These two official agencies have the greatest influence on EASA.
"Mr. Xu is really quick-witted." Yang praised: "You just said that the personnel qualification reviewers are basically from Britain and France. If we can deal with CAA and DGAC, wouldn't it be more efficient to put pressure directly from the official level?"
"This?" Xu Cang was confident that he could ask the French Civil Aviation Administration for help. After all, there was Airbus to connect with him, and as Yang had just said, the flight specialist's review was not something that involved major interests. He thought that the line with the French Civil Aviation Administration could be opened.
But the problem is with the British Aviation Authority. Just now, he had a confrontation with the British Aviation Authority. Even if it was not a particularly serious matter, it would be strange if the CAA could help him!
Seeing Xu Cang's worried look, Yang smiled and said, "I heard that Mr. Xu made a bet with CAA?"
"Hmm?" As soon as these words came out, Xu Cang suddenly had an idea in his mind, and immediately thanked Yang very much: "Thanks for the reminder."
"It's just a small matter!" Yang waved his hand, not taking it seriously. "We can't help you with the flight specialist's review. Mr. Xu has to take care of it himself. How about changing someone else?"
Xu Cang thought for a moment: "If I want to open international routes in Western Europe in the future, I wonder if British Airways can provide help?"
Yang raised his eyebrows. He never expected Xu Cang to mention this matter. "I heard that the airline founded by Mr. Xu is not very large yet. It has already planned routes to Western Europe. Isn't it a bit too early?"
"Not too early, not too early! I will eventually reach that step, so I hope to get a promise from your British Airways."
Yang smacked his lips and said, "The European and American markets are the most profitable in the world's civil aviation market. It's normal for you to have the idea of ​​opening up Western European routes. However, the Western European market is already saturated, and it's not easy to get a piece of the pie."
"If it really comes to that, we will have to pay for the expenses of certain activities." Xu Cang still knew the priorities. He didn't expect British Airways to directly create an international route to Western Europe for him.
First of all, this is simply impossible. A Western European route is very valuable, and no one in their right mind would give it away casually. Moreover, even if it was given away for free, Xu Cang estimated that he would not be able to operate it.
International and domestic routes are completely different in operation.
As the saying goes, a powerful dragon cannot suppress a local snake, and British Airways is a local snake in the European civil aviation market. Taking advantage of this volcanic ash incident to build a good relationship with British Airways will be of great benefit to entering the Western European market in the future.
Therefore, Xu Cang must be tactful when asking for compensation.
Hearing Xu Cang say this, Yang was very satisfied: "Mr. Xu is not only amazing in flying skills, but also in his way of dealing with people. He is also very kind."
Xu Cang didn't say anything, but just waited quietly for Yang's answer.
Soon, Yang patted the armrest of the sofa and said, "Mr. Xu is very sincere. In the future, British Airways will definitely help you on the Western European routes!"