Flight to You Episode 2 Recap
> Flight to You Recap
Jiang Tao, the director of the Passenger Transport Department, approached President Xu Ce to express his reluctance to accept pilots transferring from the Freight Department. He argued that the freight pilots, influenced by their carefree mentor Cai, lacked the discipline required for passenger transport and would negatively impact the department's image. Gu Nanting, the deputy director, countered that the department needed more pilots for its new routes.
He believed the freight pilots, being well-trained by the airline, deserved a chance provided they passed a strict evaluation. Jiang Tao then specifically objected to transferring Cheng Xiao, citing her "unmarried and childless" status, and suggested recommending her to another airline's freight division. Gu Nanting firmly dismissed this discriminatory view, presenting industry statistics showing that female pilots are in no way inferior to their male counterparts in flight hours, safety records, or availability.
He also noted that his own proposal to recruit female pilots had been stalled for a year. Ultimately, Xu Ce sided with Gu Nanting, emphasizing that all pilots must be treated equally. Defeated, Jiang Tao agreed to proceed with the original plan but insisted that the interview process be exceptionally strict. Meanwhile, Cheng Xiao visited the hangar for a sentimental farewell to "Little Seven," her beloved Boeing 737.
She fondly recalled their first flight together and subsequent missions, feeling a deep reluctance about its impending transfer after renovations. Before leaving, she inscribed her name alongside a heart on the plane's wing. Shortly after, Ni Zhan arrived in the hangar and noticed her signature on the aircraft. Later, Cheng Xiao arrived at the Passenger Transport Department for her interview.
Encountering Gu Nanting, she immediately defended her recent crosswind landing, asserting that her operation complied with all regulations and was well within her capabilities. Gu Nanting conceded she hadn't broken any rules but stressed that pilots should avoid such extreme maneuvers unless absolutely necessary, informing her that he would revise the safety manual to prohibit such actions in the future.
During the interview, Cheng Xiao stated she became a pilot for the freedom, the unique perspective, and the economic independence it provided. Gu Nanting challenged this, emphasizing that the profession demands sacrificing personal freedom for strict adherence to rules and discipline. In response, Cheng Xiao confidently listed her qualifications: 3,500 flight hours over seven years with a perfect record and an Aviation English Level Five certificate.
When Gu Nanting again questioned her judgment regarding the crosswind landing, Cheng Xiao passionately argued that her skill saved the company significant financial losses by avoiding a diversion, and reiterated that her actions violated no existing manuals. Xie Zetian, Director of the Security Department, intervened to table the discussion. Unconvinced, Gu Nanting expressed reservations about her joining the department.
Cheng Xiao then retaliated by pointing out a safety lapse she observed on a recent flight from Hokkaido, where the copilot, Lin Yicheng, failed to make a required in-flight announcement. After verifying the records, Gu Nanting sternly reprimanded Lin Yicheng—who was also Jiang Tao's brother-in-law—and ordered him to write a self-criticism report. Despite proving her point, Gu Nanting concluded that based on her attitude, Cheng Xiao would have to start as an observer if she joined the department.
Cheng Xiao vehemently protested the demotion. Xie Zetian intervened again, suggesting that demoting a pilot qualified for a captain upgrade was inappropriate and proposed an additional flight test. Jiang Tao agreed, arranging a simulator test for the next day to assess her true skills. The following day, Gu Nanting supervised the test. The simulation began with a flight to Shanghai, but a bird strike caused the left engine to fail.
Simultaneously, the simulated captain (played by Gu Nanting) suffered an acute stroke and became incapacitated. Cheng Xiao immediately took command, issuing a PAN-PAN call for an emergency return. Moments later, the right engine also failed, leaving the aircraft without power. Following Gu Nanting's instruction, she moved to the captain's seat while the observer, Song Song, removed the incapacitated pilot.
After a failed attempt to restart an engine, she determined they could not reach the airport and opted for a forced landing on a nearby grassland, correctly judging it safer than the turbulent conditions over the Dongpu River. She calmly instructed the cabin crew to prepare for impact and successfully executed a gear-up landing. In the debriefing, despite the successful outcome, Gu Nanting criticized her performance.
He argued that attempting to restart the engines was a waste of precious time and that Song Song should have been monitoring flight parameters instead of moving the pilot. Cheng Xiao countered by citing the famous "Miracle on the Hudson," where Captain Sullenberger succeeded by adapting procedures, and argued for the importance of mental composure. Gu Nanting retorted that procedures are written in blood and must be followed strictly by most pilots.
He condemned her casual "barbecue" comment during the emergency as a sign of a dangerously unserious attitude. He concluded that she unequivocally needed to start her training from the beginning, leading to a heated argument. Afterward, Gu Nanting informed Jiang Tao that after gathering more information, he found Cheng Xiao to be a hardworking and talented pilot. Retracting his earlier assessment, he recommended her for the 787 conversion training.
Though Jiang Tao worried about the cost of the two-month training in Australia, Gu Nanting insisted that any potential talent was a worthy investment. Summoned to the office, Cheng Xiao was informed by Gu Nanting that she would begin 787 conversion training immediately, with her final post determined by her performance. Resentful, Cheng Xiao asked if this was just another test.
Gu Nanting stated it was standard company policy, and Jiang Tao announced that Gu Nanting himself would be the dedicated instructor for her group. When Cheng Xiao’s request for a different instructor was denied, she stormed out, vowing to Gu Nanting that she would outperform him in training. Later, Ni Zhan, having just returned from a study trip to Boeing headquarters in Seattle, met Gu Nanting in the parking lot.
He offered to share his new insights on the 787's engine and stability characteristics, but they struggled to schedule a time to meet due to Gu Nanting’s upcoming two-month trip to Australia. Meanwhile, Cheng Xiao returned home to find her friend, Xia Zhi, temporarily moving in after losing her job. Xia Zhi excitedly showed Cheng Xiao a recruitment ad for flight attendants at Luzhou Airlines.
Though Cheng Xiao was skeptical, she saw her friend's determination and agreed to help her apply. The next morning, Cheng Xiao and the other pilots gathered in Gu Nanting’s office, where Gu announced they would leave for the airline's Australian base the next day to begin training. At the same time, Xia Zhi arrived for her flight attendant interview. Feeling nervous among the many polished candidates, her confidence wavered further upon seeing the poised and elegant Li Yuheng. The interview, conducted by Cabin Department Chief Liang Yueru and Manager Ai Jia, began with Li Yuheng, who impressed them with her graceful answers. Finally, Xia Zhi was called in.
