Originally Posted by
username
I was more worried on the other end. The ATC was giving instructions in feet in English and meters in Chinese. It was just crazy.
The non-Chinese-speaking pilots would also be less aware of the situation if they don't know what ATC and other airplanes are talking about.
Chinese ATC definitely give instructions in metres in either language - it's the official standard used by the local aviation authorities (along with Russia). The exception may be for aircraft that are heading into neighbouring airspace that uses feet, in which case the aircraft might be switched to the proper altitude in feet prior to handoff.
To the earlier point made about door opening procedures at the gate, I once observed a UA purser telling off a GA and FA on arrival at SEA for not doing this properly (on an sUA 752). Apparently the procedure was for an FA to give a clear thumbs up in front of the door window before the GA opens the door from outside. The FA had given the signal from the aisle seemingly without the purser knowing.