New UAV Training Partnership Addresses Industry Needs

The Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAFUC), a collaboration between the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Sichuan Provincial Government, is recognized for its contributions to civil aviation education in China. Known as the “Cradle of Chinese Civil Aviation Pilots,” CAFUC has played a significant role in establishing pilot licensing frameworks, regulatory standards, and training programs for civil UAV operators.

In partnership with EHang, an entity in the global UAV industry, CAFUC aims to create a comprehensive industry-academia-research framework that enhances UAV operator training and certification. The collaboration will support the CAAC’s goals by launching a demonstration program for managing licenses of large civil UAV operators. The program will combine academic education with vocational training, allowing students to obtain foundational UAV licenses alongside certification to operate EHang’s EH216-S eVTOL aircraft.

The partnership will address the industry's growing need for trained UAV operators and maintenance personnel by establishing a dedicated training institution. This will offer graduates certifications for operating large civil UAVs, helping bridge the gap in qualified personnel within the UAV sector. The collaboration further plans to assist in creating new regulatory and safety standards for the UAV industry, guided by the CAAC, through ongoing field experience and industry research.

Both CAFUC and EHang have committed to supporting regulatory development, safety standards, and operational best practices for large civil UAVs in China. The long-term collaboration will also encompass educational programs, research projects, and outreach efforts, aiming to cultivate a well-prepared workforce for the UAV and low-altitude aviation sectors. By integrating their resources, CAFUC and EHang intend to advance China’s UAV industry and support the continued growth of the low-altitude economy.

Qingru Tang, Vice President of the CAFUC said: “The CAFUC has a comprehensive system to train urgently-needed talents in areas such as flight, operations, maintenance, flight management, and emergency response for the low-altitude economy. We will leverage our high-quality educational resources and extensive teaching experience to support EHang’s talent pool and research capabilities, offering students a platform for growth and advancing UAV technology and innovation for the low-altitude economy.”