Commitment to country's defense became priority early on

Editor's note: Zheng Yanliang, a researcher with the School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering at Beihang University, recalls the old days with his student Luo Yang. Luo studied at the school between 1978 and 1982.

When I heard about the launch of J-15 fighter jet, I felt so happy, because I knew that my student Luo Yang was the chief designer. But soon after, I heard that he passed away at the most glorious moment. Standing still, I cried. Memories of him came back to me.

After I graduated from Beihang University (also known as Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics) in 1975, I worked in the university's aircraft design department as a secretary of the Communist Youth League committee. I got to know Luo in 1978 when he arrived as the youngest in his class. He was one of the most impressive students I have seen in 30 years of teaching.