CIVIL AIR PILOTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26177, 13 June 1946, Page 5

CIVIL AIR PILOTS

MEDICAL EXAMINATION NEW SYSTEM PROPOSED MELBOURNE, June 11. Stricter medical examinations for civil air line pilots are recommended by Mr Justice Simpson as part of the findings on the crash of a Douglas air liner into the sea near Hobart on March 10 with the loss of 25 lives. Mr Justice Simpson’s report also recommends a review of the conditions under which pilots are carried for instruction and experience, the use of flare paths for night take-offs, maintenance until there is no possibility of an aircraft having to return, and the selection and payment by the Department of Civil Aviation of doctors making an examination of pilots applying for issue or renewal of licences. Mr Justice Simpson said that it was impossible to prove any of the theories advanced for the cause of the crash. The plane’s plunge into the sea was caused by a forward movement of the control column. The diabetic condition of the pilot was the mos* likely cause. Theories rejected included structural failure, collision with a bird, and failure to remove control clamps before taking off. The Acting Minister of Civil Aviation said last night that a new system of medical examination was already under consideration.