MODERN AIRCRAFT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23621, 3 April 1940, Page 6

MODERN AIRCRAFT

TOLL ON THE PILOT EVOLUTIONS AT HIGH SPEED INTEMSIVE RESEARCH WORK [from our own correspondent] LONDON, March 17 How are the pilots of the Roj'al Aii Force standing up to the strain of flying modern aircraft with their terrific power and speed? What is the toll on the minds, nerves and bodies of the young men who fly them? Thes-, questions are the special eubject of the Flying Personnel Research Com mil.tee, appointed by the Air Ministry, with Sir Edward Mellanb; as chairman. This committee is concerned with two main aspects—tho physiological and the psychological. It is endisavouring to ascertain' how the human body and mind react and face up to certain circumstances. The Question ol Diet Specialists and scientists are working jointly on the various problems, included among them .being diet. They are trying, for instance, to work out a diet which will give a pilot more resistance to the effects of cold and to make him more adaptable to night flving. It has been found that additional vitamins are an aid to pilots who fl\ by night. They are A and D, and arcgiven in the form of an extract oi halibut oil, usually in tablets. There is no co mpulsion, however, . and airmen can take the tablets or not, as thev prefer, Effects of flying fatigue are being carefully watched and noted. Definite nervous diseases are caused by nervous exhaustion, but so far there has been no indication in the present war to suggest that there have been further developments. - Observations by Doctors An interesting feature of Royal Air Force medical work is that a certain percentage of doctors are- encouraged to gai;n their wings. The medical officer lives in the mess, and it is impressed upon him that he must get to know his b'other officers as individuals, and become their "guide, philosopher and friend." Stnleness, alterations in. outlook, attitude to work and to brother pilot? are noted by these ''flying doctors,'" who regard all the pilots with whom they associate as potential patients "Flying stress" takes its gradual toll of tli ? pilots, who must undergo periodi cal medical examinations. Causes and Effects Detailed individual records'of fitness are Kept. There is a prescribed! treatment for a man who shows- signs oi "stress," and, if necessary, lie is kep under the surveillance of" a specialist Ultimately, there comes a time wheii war pilots are "grounded." Men suffer ing 'Tom this "stress" are put into a special hospital; eventually, its causation will be traced to the various sources. ' Generally speaking, flying at higli speeds does not affect pilots adverse!.* so long as they fly straight; it ibanking and diving at speed whicl> takes the toll. "Blacking out," burst eardrums, and other such complication; are liable to occur then. Experts are now studying these causes and effects.