[fingpilot]

Ian;

I did some of the pathfinding flights to both interior and exterior China for China Southern.

I still have my CAAC ID. When getting my first ID, they asked me for my 'chinese name'..... Knowing how they revere family names (heritage) I picked the family name of 'Chiu". It was remarked that it was a famous line of warriors from the Tang Dynasty, and a name to be proud of.

Then I was asked for my 'given chinese name'. My driver in Singapore's name was "Maidong", and I said that was my 'given name' as well. My ID was printed and issued as Captain Maidong Chiu, and it is like a Platinum AMEX in China. It would get me into any function or restaurant without reservations, even in HongKong (not yet returned at that time).

I ushered a large group of pilot friends into the Long Bar at the Peninsula in HKG one night for drinks and dinner without reservations, and the ID got it all done with only a 10 minute wait in the bar. They paged me in there (as only they can do) by using a little guy in a shiny green velvet monkey suit with my name in Chinese on a small blackboard held high over his head with bells on it. All while he chanted my Chinese name.... family name first, then given name, of course.

Every westerner in the place was on the floor.

The chief pilot of China Southern (educated at Princeton), heard of my joke, and reclaimed my ID while delivering a stern lecture several days later.

Everyone that was there that night still calls me 'Captain Chiu'.