AERIAL HYGIENE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16227, 29 December 1926, Page 13

AERIAL HYGIENE

ADVICE TO PILOTS (Sydney Sun Cables.} (Received December 29, 3 p.m.) LONDON, December 28. Tho Air Force flying manual devotes a special section to preventive hygiene in relation t-o Hying. It points out that descent from high altitudes necessitates repeated swallowing for the purpose of equalising the air pressure within the ears by eustachian tubes connecting the throat with tho ear drums. It recommends pilots to chew gum, which, producing saliva, facilitates swallowing, which is often difficult during a descent, owing to the throat being parched. It advocates clicking tho ears —b.V pinching the nose and forcing air from the chest int-o Ilia nose until a click is hoard—when a- sudden descent is imperative. It also advises the avoidance of excessive smoking, which is likely to .lead to throat congestion, and the care of tho teeth, and recognises officially tho word “ nerodalies,” as defining manoeuvres outside normal turns and landings.