Chapter 0180
The so-called Memory Dimension Assessment, fundamentally, didn’t stray from the basic premise of piloting an aircraft through obstacles. Most of the assessment items were designed for this purpose.
Like yesterday’s tasks, they were essentially testing the pilots’ basic skills.
Today’s Memory Dimension Assessment differed in that it involved no physical objects during the test.
Pilots were provided with a pair of special glasses, through which they would look at a large screen and navigate through virtual markers in a designated space, avoiding the positions of these points without any physical reference.
Reportedly, this was a staple in stunt pilot assessments, yet
unprecedented for civilian flights, at least not in domestic aviation schools.
This was only the first part. Once today’s second assessment concluded, the large screen visible to all would display the nationality and names of the rated pilots in real-time.
Success or failure hinged on this single attempt.
But when the officials announced the requirements and the explanation, nearly ninety percent of the pilots’ morale crumbled.
Most had never encountered this type of assessment, leaving just ten percent somewhat confident, a small fraction resigned to their fate, and another few already with their heads in the clouds.
Take Yu Lulei, for example.
She finally understood the adage that there will always be someone
better.
Once the top pilot at Pine Airlines, despite her youth, her skills were outstanding.
But she felt like a frog in a well, only realizing the extent of the world after encountering Madison, and learning that above Pine Airlines was Mukino Airlines, and above that, National Airlines.
And beyond National, the international hotshots.
Observing the foreign pilots who, though just as baffled, prepared to enter the arena with a calm determination to withstand immense pressure and strive for perfection, Yu Lulei felt humbled.
Arrogance and pride vanished in an instant.
“Captain Yu, are you nervous?” the Pine Airlines team leader asked her cautiously.
Yu Lulei slowly shook her head, a mix of dejection and confusion crossing her face.
With a burgeoning number of young and talented pilots, she was coming to terms with her own shortcomings.
Now, it was her group’s turn to perform, lucky number thirteen just like yesterday, but this time, twenty groups were being assessed at
once.
The field was vast, and any activity too distant to see was displayed on the big screen via aerial footage.
Indeed, the order of performance was partly a matter of luck and vital importance.
Those who drew the first slot had already resigned themselves to their fate, lamenting their poor fortune and looking forward to the
next international rating assessment…
Numerous planes across the field began to move, some to the left, some to the right, all in different patterns.
It seemed the virtual markers provided were random and unique to each pilot.
There was no special trick to this, relying solely on memory, computational ability, and pure skill.
“Nervous?” Charlie asked her.
Madison shook her head.
If it was purely a test of skill, she had no worries.
Success was success, failure was failure.
If she couldn’t match others, she would observe and learn how they accomplished their tasks, thereby enhancing her own skills, learning from the best, and aiming to stand shoulder to shoulder with them as soon as possible.
Madison’s adaptable nature always gave her an excellent mindse during competitions.
Not far away.
Shihua glanced at Madison and a cold smirk gradually appeared at the corner of her mouth.
The current group of assessors was finishing up, and Madison was preparing for her turn.
Just as she stood up, Old Gao patted her on the shoulder, “Madison, a moment, please.”
She followed Old Gao to a back room.
Inside, a male pilot stood up upon her entrance and bowed
respectfully, “Captain Madison, hello.”
Madison quickly gestured for him to stop, “No need for such formalities, we’re colleagues here.”
The male pilot smiled sheepishly, “Captain Madison, you may not remember me, but I know you. I am… a pilot from Global Air.”
Global…
It was then Madison noticed the logo on his uniform, certainly that of Global Air.
However, she didn’t let her distaste for Lucas extend to this man, “Is there something you need?”
Old Gao seated Madison, and the male pilot, knowing her assessment was imminent, spoke rapidly, “Yesterday, I was on the hotel staircase making a call home. After hanging up, I didn’t rush back; I stopped in the smoking area for a cigarette. Because a window was open, the stairwell echoed, and I overheard someone talking on the phone.”
The pilot paused, his fingers nervously pinching his knees, “I… heard Captain Shi mentioning you on the phone. It sounded like they were planning to sabotage your assessment today. I’m not sure what they’re going to do, but I had to warn you. Please be cautious, just in case.”
Old Gao slammed the table, standing abruptly, “She’s causing trouble again?! I haven’t even settled the score for last time!”
His outburst caught everyone off guard, startling both the pilot and Madison.
But this wasn’t the time for such discussions. Madison said, “Our group’s assessment is about to begin. I’ll take note of this and keep an eye out for trouble. Thank you for coming to tell me.”
With Shihua now at Global Air, if she found out, given the ruthless
nature of both her and Lucas, this man could be in danger.
“It’s no trouble at all! Captain Madison, I should be going then,” said the pilot as he left.
After his departure, Old Gao advised Madison, “I’ll speak with the
coordinators right away to see if we can distance your assessment from Shi’s.”
Since they were in the same group, they usually wouldn’t be too far apart.
If Shihua planned to sabotage Madison, she would likely bribe someone from group 25 or 27.
That way, it would be easier to disrupt Madison’s assessment
process.
On the other side of the seating area.
Leck eyed a colleague who had stepped out twice, “We’re up soon, where did you go? Please take each assessment seriously.”
The pilot dared not defy Leck and nodded obediently.
Soon, the previous group finished their assessment and began to trickle back.
Some shook their heads as they walked, others complained about the task at hand, and few wore smiles.
The next group readied themselves, lining up to verify their
information.
Leck offered Madison a wish of good fortune once more, “Good luck.”
Madison returned the smile, “Good luck to Captain Leck as well.” His smile beamed, “Certai
