'Zero accidents' is the ultimate goal, 'hero' plane captain says

Safety is the lifeline of the civil aviation industry, and "zero accidents" is the ultimate goal for all professionals, said Liu Chuanjian, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, on Tuesday in Beijing.

Liu, also the chief pilot at the Civil Aviation Flight University of China, made the remarks during an interview ahead of the opening meeting of the second session of the 14th NPC.

"As a pilot and a captain, my responsibility is to ensure the safe arrival of passengers at their destination and to guarantee the safety of both passengers and crew members. Therefore, I meticulously implement the safety requirements and flight regulations in every stage of my flights, which is not only my fundamental duty but also my most important responsibility," Liu said.

On May 14, 2018, Liu, as the Sichuan Airlines captain, safely landed an Airbus plane with 128 people on board after a cockpit window broke at 9,800 meters and his co-pilot was sucked halfway out of the aircraft from Chongqing in Southwest China to Lhasa, capital of Xizang autonomous region.

Liu was awarded the title of "the Hero Captain of China's Civil Aviation Industry" by the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the Sichuan provincial government.

"When people talk about the incident on May 14, 2018, everyone praises us for saving lives, calling it turning the tide and averting disaster. In fact, the 'miracle' happens in an instant, but behind that miracle is years of hard work and preparation," he said.

"Before each flight, we prepare for various special circumstances, and even conduct drills. However, the actual situations during flights are often unpredictable and unimaginable. It makes me realize that there are full of unknowns above the sky, and flight safety is of utmost importance. Every detail is a matter of life and death, and linked to our flying careers. Each flight is irreplaceable," he said.

"The four stripes on the shoulder emblem of the captain's uniform represent professionalism, knowledge, skills, and responsibility. It has reminded me that I am not only operating the control sticks, but many lives. I am not just facing machine and equipment, but countless happy families. When I fly, I don't see the passengers, but as the plane prepares to taxi and take off, I always say to all the passengers in my heart, 'Safely delivering you to your destination is my responsibility'."Liu said.

"After the plane lands, the feeling of solidity and reassurance in my heart is the greatest reward for my work by watching the passengers get off the plane safely," he said.