Top pilot's husband joins China's Sichuan Airlines

Air Force General Headquarters (AFGH) said yesterday it will consider whether to transfer a female ROC Air Force pilot whose husband has joined rival China's Sichuan Airlines as a pilot.

According to media reports, Lee Chi-hsiang (李基祥), a former ROC Air Force pilot who once helped train Taiwan's first batch of women pilots, is now working for Sichuan Airlines.

The reports further said that Lee's wife, Major Wu Wen-ying (武文瑛), is an ROC Air Force pilot on active duty responsible for special flight missions, mainly carrying the vice president, premier and high-ranking military officers (of lieutenant-general rank or higher) on domestic inspection tours.

The reports have resulted in some people questioning the propriety of the arrangement in light of national security concerns.

In response, AFGH officials said that the air force has a well-rounded evaluation system by which to measure its aviation staff, with a particular emphasis on security checks.

Throughout her service in the air force, the officials said, Wu has lived up to the requirements in all aspects, including flight skills.

As to whether to transfer Wu to another post, the officials said the AFGH will conduct a comprehensive review before coming to a conclusion.

The officials added that Wu's husband retired from the airforce after 12 years of service and did not qualify for a life-long pension.